Hello, I have a juvenile RTBS in a 40b right now, and I was wondering if it would be better off in a 40b ALONE or a 55g ALONE? I am not really a fan of the 55g, but I have read it is the minimum required tank for a RTBS. I guess they can use the extra foot to swim but I would think the lack of depth can't be good either. Also, the 55g is about 4-5" higher, so that has to be a plus. I can go either way, just want whats best for the fish. Thanks!
40 breeder or 55 gallon better for red tailed black shark?
- Thread starter andy305mia
- Start date
I could see it work in either tank, but he will probably be happier in a 55 due to the length.
IMO any would be good, 40 gallon breeder tank holds 44 gallon and has a surface area of 4.5 sq ft while 55 gallon tank holds 48 gallon and has a surface area of 4 sq ft.
Should be fine in a 40B. I have one in a 75g and it just plays around the driftwood on one side of the tank. As long as you have plenty of nooks and crannies for it to swim in, I think it should be fine.
Either tank will work, if its just 1 shark they should love having all the space to themselves but they do need rocks, wood etc. to hide in and explore as was said previously.
Why do you want to keep one alone just out of curiosity, they are sort of like the classic community fish, even though they can be territorial. Every tank had one when I was young but I don't see them around much anymore.
Why do you want to keep one alone just out of curiosity, they are sort of like the classic community fish, even though they can be territorial. Every tank had one when I was young but I don't see them around much anymore.
Thanks. Been coming here for years, finally joined. ALOT of good information on here.
I had one in a community tank before (55 gallon) and anything I mean anything that was smaller than him was harrased bad. He didn't mess with The Angels or BP. I just wanted something low maintenance. I have 3 tanks now and I'm trying to keep maintenance at a minimum. It also depends on the particular RTBS some are nicer than others. I had him in a 29g community when he was little but it was heavily heavily planted which I feel helped A LOT with aggression and he was still little at the time. I feel like a 75g should be a minimum for community tank especially with smaller fish but I'm no expert. Thanks
My cousin tried to keep one in a community tank when we were kids. It was fine for about 6 months and then it killed everything.
Not surprised. They can get really mean and persistent. Introducing them last helps but really tank size and proper tank mates is critical. That's why I will more than likely keep mine alone in the long run. I've seen these fish get big and round a good 7-8 " for 1 fish alone in 40b or 55g is pushing it, especially one with issues lol