I bought a nurse shark for my 265

[axs377]

Well, yesterday I purchased a nurse shark pup from a local store which was approximately 16". Anyways because my tank was new the owner (who is a great guy) said he would hold onto it for another 6 weeks so my tank could properly cycle. Well after reading through here I totally freaked and went in today and told him I didn't feel comfortable taking it and he said that was ok, but of course was disappointed. I feel really bad going back on my word in a sense, especially since the owner has been great to work with and seems to really care about sea life (he has worked with enviromental clean ups, etc.). Did I freak too early? Should I have kept the shark? (the owner said he would take it back in a few years when it outgrew my tank.) Anyways did I make the right decision or am I just being a tard?

 

[StripeGirl]

good decision i think.

 

[Bllib]

If you are not comfortable with the purchase then it was a good decision. There are also those who say if you are not willing or able to keep a fish for life then don't buy it especially if it will out grow the tanks that you have. All in all I'd say you made the right choice.

 

[axs377]

If you are not comfortable with the purchase then it was a good decision. There are also those who say if you are not willing or able to keep a fish for life then don't buy it especially if it will out grow the tanks that you have. All in all I'd say you made the right choice.

That was my thought. I know I can provide a pretty good home for a few years as nurse sharks grow slowly. I just know a 265 will not hold him/her long term and would hate to kill or stunt such a beautiful animal.

 

[chevyman46933]

great choice imo

btw how big of a tank is the nurse in at your lfs?

 

[Zoodiver]

What the heck is he (store owner) going to do with it in in a few years if it's brought back?


Best not to buy them at all.

 

[VLDesign]

Awesome decision.

 

[axs377]

great choice imo

btw how big of a tank is the nurse in at your lfs?

Not sure; it is in an above ground pond with 3 other nurse sharks, two of which are rescues.

 

[axs377]

What the heck is he (store owner) going to do with it in in a few years if it's brought back?


Best not to buy them at all.

He is supposedly building a 10,000+ gallon pond at the store. It is a relatively new location (the store moved). Also he may look for another private aquarist with a bigger tank.

 

[Zoodiver]

I think petstore owners need to man up and stop getting 10 foot sharks people can't take care of. What happens when it outgrows the 10K tank? I do not know of a single private tank in the US that can hold an adult nurse shark.