By the time you order the tank, get all the equipment, get everything hooked up, check for leaks, and then begin to cycle your looking at least January - February. And I would only put a Shark in a system thats atleast 3 months old. So plan for February - March.
a few shark questions
- Thread starter Derf
- Start date
I like the building a stand better. I'm leaving this weekend so I'll be back on monday with an update. Also how much of a difference is there between staphire glass instead of normal glass?
Well PolyPonds Like Rubbermaid - Do not require pond liners.
And a good 600-900 gallon SW pond can be done for under $5,000 if you are willing and able to some of the stuff yourself.
A 280-300 gallon aquarium would really only work for coral catsharks - all other sharks ten to require more room - due to their larger size.
Scott Michael - maybe be a joke as far as tanksizes (why too small in most cases). But his book does cover the basics of keeping sharks & rays in home aquaria fairly well.
Although Likely your best way - is a tank. And naturally - research to see which species is best for you, and how is it practical for you.
And a good 600-900 gallon SW pond can be done for under $5,000 if you are willing and able to some of the stuff yourself.
A 280-300 gallon aquarium would really only work for coral catsharks - all other sharks ten to require more room - due to their larger size.
Scott Michael - maybe be a joke as far as tanksizes (why too small in most cases). But his book does cover the basics of keeping sharks & rays in home aquaria fairly well.
Although Likely your best way - is a tank. And naturally - research to see which species is best for you, and how is it practical for you.
Truth is DIY(Do it Yourself) can actually be a major help to any SW hobbysist looking to save a few bucks.
In some cases - it can save major bucks.
I've heard of people building a 900 gallon tank, including filtration sand, salt & LR for about $3,000.
The tank was large enough to easily house - a small benthic shark or two ( Bamboos, eppies, coral cats or Horn).
In some cases - it can save major bucks.
I've heard of people building a 900 gallon tank, including filtration sand, salt & LR for about $3,000.
The tank was large enough to easily house - a small benthic shark or two ( Bamboos, eppies, coral cats or Horn).
Ya, when I was planning on keeping a 280g(don't get onto me Brenden LOL 
) I was thinking of housing a pair or marbled catsharks, a cortez ray, and some misc. fish.
Also to save you money if you do order from glasscages, if you have a big truck or a trailer and a few strong hands then you can pick it up, at some wharehouse or something where the ship the tanks then are localy distrubted, somewhere in your state and that'll save you some money.
) I was thinking of housing a pair or marbled catsharks, a cortez ray, and some misc. fish. Also to save you money if you do order from glasscages, if you have a big truck or a trailer and a few strong hands then you can pick it up, at some wharehouse or something where the ship the tanks then are localy distrubted, somewhere in your state and that'll save you some money.
the difference between starphire glass and normal glass is night and day. the starphire is incredibly clear.
If your truely serious about keeping sharks in a home aquaria.
The best way to start - is first research the various shark species that are generally available. Find out the true basic info on the species your interested in. And try to find the most accurate sources. Remember even the common "aquaria friendly species" such as bamboos, Coral Cats or Horns need plenty of swimming room.
Next ask people on public aquatic forums - Like MFK, who may have experience or practical knowledge about these species.
It's always best to stick with one of the more popular species as your first shark - as these are generally easier to get, as well as tend to be the most hardy. See what the requirements are for keeping these species. And it's okay to start with a smaller species - and work your way up to larger species. Pick a species that you will be happy in keeping - since it's possible you may be keeping that shark for 20 years or more.
While Scott Michael's book "Aquarium Sharks & Rays" may be a good book to start with for private aquarists. It has good basic info on the species, basic biology, health, and what is needed for a home shark or ray aquaria. But His tank sizes are IMO - way too small(to keep for it's entire life) for virtually the species he has listed. Realize that other books are out there for those interested in keeping sharks or rays.
Books such as the Elasmobranch Husbandary Manual - offer an great view of how to keep sharks or rays, although it's specifically geared toward Public Aquariums. But has lots of info that could also be helpful to a private aquarist.
The best way to start - is first research the various shark species that are generally available. Find out the true basic info on the species your interested in. And try to find the most accurate sources. Remember even the common "aquaria friendly species" such as bamboos, Coral Cats or Horns need plenty of swimming room.
Next ask people on public aquatic forums - Like MFK, who may have experience or practical knowledge about these species.
It's always best to stick with one of the more popular species as your first shark - as these are generally easier to get, as well as tend to be the most hardy. See what the requirements are for keeping these species. And it's okay to start with a smaller species - and work your way up to larger species. Pick a species that you will be happy in keeping - since it's possible you may be keeping that shark for 20 years or more.
While Scott Michael's book "Aquarium Sharks & Rays" may be a good book to start with for private aquarists. It has good basic info on the species, basic biology, health, and what is needed for a home shark or ray aquaria. But His tank sizes are IMO - way too small(to keep for it's entire life) for virtually the species he has listed. Realize that other books are out there for those interested in keeping sharks or rays.
Books such as the Elasmobranch Husbandary Manual - offer an great view of how to keep sharks or rays, although it's specifically geared toward Public Aquariums. But has lots of info that could also be helpful to a private aquarist.
Well, I'm back and I think I've decided on the shark. I'm now planning on 1, maybe 2 Chiloscyllium punctatum, or whatever you want to call their many common names.If two is possible, I'm definatly doing that. I'm still gonna go for the 280 gallon from glasscages. I also have a place where I can get their eggs and coral cat eggs for a low price and often. A majority of the sources I found said this would be okay. I'm pretty set on this. How does these sharks, a cortez ray and maybe a lionfish or eel or grouper or something like that sound?
A 280 gallon is still too small for 1 or 2 Brown Banded Bamboo Sharks. To house 2 Brown Banded Bamboo Sharks I would recommend a 500 gallon pond type structure. If it must be a tank I would not put a Brown Banded Bamboo in anything short of 400 gallons.
