Need your guys opinion.

[ski's_reef]

I have the opportunity to get an 8' by 2.5 by 1' deep tank. I know this is only about 150 gallons but the surface area is nice. Do you think this would be okay for a small shark? It has an overflow so I could plumb it for a wet dry, sump, skimmer, etc. Do you think this is too shallow? I was thinking Atelomycterus sp.

Ski

 

[Brenden]

Length is great, height is ok, but the width should be about 3' at least. My thoughts. It will work for a few years for the smaller species but they will all outgrow it.

 

[VLDesign]

Coral Cat shark would be ok in that. But anything bigger than 22-24" is pushing it.

 

[krj-1168]

Well -Ski.

Nice tank - a 150 gallon with the footprint of 300 gallon.

The Atelomycterus catsharks are often found in tidal pools. So the depth is generally, ok for these species.

The Australian Marbled Catshark - Atelomycterus macleayi, which gets to about 24" is likely your best bet for keeping long term.

The Coral Catshark - Atelomycterus marmoratus, can get up to 27" in length. So it may eventually need a wider tank(about 36") - IMO.

Still you could likely keep either species for several years in that tank.

Also of note - the tank would be excellent for keeping a small ray like the Cortez Stingray (Urobatis maculatus).

 

[ski's_reef]

Yeah I was also thinking about rays but I was thinking maybe the Jamaican Yellow. Its my favorite ray species.

Ski

 

[krj-1168]

You might be able to keep a Yellow Stingray(Urobatis jamaicensis) in that tank - but IMO personal option -it would be pushing the limits - for keeping it in there for life.

While only the Atelomycterus catsharks or small Urobatis rays would be most suited for this tank - long term.

Another option would be to use the tank - as a "grow out" tank for "Aquaria friendly" benthic species of sharks & rays. This gives you lots of potential options - in terms of species. Just remember you'll have to plan ahead for eventually transfering them to a large pond/tank.