Shark Tank Question

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by jtomasi1, Apr 4, 2007.

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  1. jtomasi1

    jtomasi1 Astrea Snail

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    What is the smallest tank size that a shark can be in. Not any specific shark, just like a small one I could put in my house. Maybe a banded cat shark or something. Not like a great white. Just a nice small shark.
     
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  3. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

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    I believe 125gallon is the MINIMUM for most sharks. Depending on species in the trade they could need 300gal+

    My fav = bamboo cat shark (has many names...probably the one you were talking about) and if i remember correctly they need about 150-200gallons :(

    Now i step aside and let somebody answer that knows what there doing.
    Also...check out Monster Fish Keepers they have plenty of 250+gal custom builds as DIY projects
     
  4. krj-1168

    krj-1168 Plankton

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    Personally I would say the following minimums guidelines for "aquarium sharks". Note tank width should be greater than shark's maximum length.

    For a shark between 24-28", at least 225-270 gallons (tank is at least 30" wide). For sharks between 29-32" at least 315-360 gallons (tank width at least 36" wide). For Sharks between 34-37" at least 420 gallons (tank width - at least 42" wide), For sharks that are between 38-42" - at least 480-540 gallons (tank width at least 48").

    While it's possible to keep shark pups - up to about 1 year of age in a 90 gallon tank (basically 48"L x 24"W x 18"T). This is only for the 1st year - not for life.
     
  5. Scott Osborne

    Scott Osborne Feather Duster

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    I have strong feelings on this one. I would never put any shark in a tank less that 4ftx8ft. I could only be 24" deep but I think that size would be best for the swimming habbits of aquarium sharks.

    IMO anything less than 300 gallons is a recipe for disaster. Sharks are messy eaters and have high metabolisms. They require large filtration to keep the water clean. There also sensitive to the water conditions.

    Can it be done smaller....Probably. But its not good for the shark. Besides how cool would it be to have a breeding pair of epaulettes in a shallow 600 gallon tank in the basement.....Its almost James Bond like. It will be a cool way to scare my daughters freinds.
     
  6. Nemo 22

    Nemo 22 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    if i read correctly before a banded shark requires about 150+ gallons but there are smaller species of sharks i believe.i know there this shark that just sticks to the lass damit i saw it yesturday at the lfs.it requires only a 110 and grows max 24 inches but its not a big swimming shark.
     
  7. a1amap

    a1amap Astrea Snail

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    I personally like this article. Had some great info but was a gallon or 2 larger then you planned;D
    Building a 1700 gallon Shark Tank

    I have seen Bambo sharks in small 300 gallon tanks but they done look right. A standard 300g is approx 130 x 24 x 25 Tall. Not a lot of turning room especially as the shark grows. I think a more square tank might be better but still cramped (310 Square 48 x 48 x 31 Tall) You will have little room for rock and such.