Zoodiver - Just so you know - before I set up the tank. I fully plan double & triple check the data from the wild reports for Horn Sharks(H. francisci), that I've down loaded(and will check for more online). I will also include various data from people who have kept them successfully(which is one of the main reasons for this topic).
Personally right now I thinking the temperature range on the tank will be roughly around normal room temperature - 68-72F(since this actually appears to be the preferred range for Horns). And no I don't plan on including the various websites - claiming that Horns can stand temperatures up to 78 F(because most of these sites are trying to sale sharks).
Sorry for being off topic but can you guys post some pics of your shark ponds? I still don't understand the concept of the pond. Is it indoors or out? The only sharks I have are two banded bamboos in a 180 acrylic with rounded corners from tenecor.
Well - from what I heard most are indoors(basement, or another building with heating & A/C) - as outdoor shark pools would be alot harder to maintain a constant regular temperature. I heard of people using preformed rubber/hard plastic pools(usually range from 6-10' in diameter), and I heard of people building a shark pool - like a large Koi pond(but usually with 2-3 pond liners-instead of just one).
But general you will save a couple thousand in the cost of building a pond/pool, compared to the cost of buying a large tank of the same size. And the pond/pool will also weigh alot less than an acrylic or glass tank of equal size.
For the record a quick comparison.
- A 750 (10'x 4'x 2.5') gallon glass tank - costs about $3,500
- A 750 (10'x 4'x 2.5') acrylic tank - costs about $6,000
- A 750 (8' diameter x 2' deep) pond - costs roughly $600-900
Keep in mind that with the tanks will also require a heavy-duty cabinet or stand, the pond doesn't. But you will need a good room de-humidifier or two. And since all three are the same size - the expenses for filtration, sand & salt will be the exact same.