Most of the small sharks are subtropical, and I would recommend starting with a tropical one for a first shark. There are four common ones that you will encounter: The brown banded bamboo, the white spotted bamboo, the epaulette, and the coral catshark. These are all benthic, which means bottom dwelling, and will spend most of the time resting on the bottom. The coral catshark is the only one of these four that stays under three feet in length, maxing out around 24", but it is also the most active and swims in the water column rather than scooting on the substrate.
I keep coral catsharks and they can make a 180 look small. A better off the shelf tank for one would be the Marineland deep demension 300. A larger acrylic or glass tank is good too. Many shark keepers have shark ponds, which is a lower cost way to have more space. Bigger is always better with a shark and they will never complain about extra room.
I keep coral catsharks and they can make a 180 look small. A better off the shelf tank for one would be the Marineland deep demension 300. A larger acrylic or glass tank is good too. Many shark keepers have shark ponds, which is a lower cost way to have more space. Bigger is always better with a shark and they will never complain about extra room.