Shark Tank

[nchilds21]

I know you guys probably get this a million times but im goin to ask it anyway....sorry

I am getting a 55 gallon from a friend and I have always wanted a shark tank and i was wondering what kinda sharks could be kept together and wat will i need for them??

[Lycanthropic]

no sharks.
depending on the shark, they will need anywhere from 200+ gallons IMO because they need groups.

[nchilds21]

It doesnt have to be a lot of sharks just a couple and some plants and maybe even some smaller fish would that be possible

[jpappy789]

There's no such thing as a true freshwater shark (that you would be able to keep in a home aquarium). Most all fish labeled as such in the aquarium trade are cyprinids.

Red tailed shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum)

are both suitable to a 55 gallon tank. However, they sometimes do not appreciate the company of others especially other bottom dwelling fish. This behavior usually increases as they age.

[nchilds21]

Well what are some nice size fish that would be able to be kept in this size tank?

[red_wall]

I know you guys probably get this a million times but im goin to ask it anyway....sorry

I am getting a 55 gallon from a friend and I have always wanted a shark tank and i was wondering what kinda sharks could be kept together and wat will i need for them??


Well...
I don't know if you know or not, but there's two main types of fish.
Saltwater
and freshwater.

Saltwater sharks are VERY hard to keep, you need to leave that to the professionals, like people in the zoo.
Only a few people who have aquariums in their homes have sharks

If you are talking about freshwater sharks, then the only 'sharks' would be jpappy said.

The red tail shark
and the rainbow shark

Both of these species hate their own kind, so you wouldn't be able to keep more than one.

If you have some more questions, just ask.

[nchilds21]

so would it be possible to have one of each?? and some other smaller fiish??

[jpappy789]

I would bet the RTS would eventually beat the crap out of the rainbow...

[nchilds21]

ok well i was looking at a compatibnle sheet and it said sharks can be kept with barbs, Gouramis, loaches, plecos and rainbow fish is that correct?

[jpappy789]

Depends on exact species.

[nchilds21]

ok well wat would you recommend for some who is new to fish, something that isnt too much maintance and is a good size.

[jpappy789]

Loaded question...

Well, I would first not get a RTS. They are the ones who generally cause problems. There are certainly individuals that do fine in a community setting but most of the time, things don't end up working out. If you become set on one, just keep your eyes peeled for any aggression and make sure they can establish a territory of their own.

Even with a rainbow shark you would want something robust enough. A larger gourami species (like blue/gold/opaline/3 spot) would do fine as would larger barbs (off hand..odessa, rosy, etc). "Larger" loaches like yoyos or zebras could also be a possibility.

[nchilds21]

and i would be able to fit all of those in a 55 gallon?? and if not what kind of combination could i do?

[nchilds21]

anyone?

[jpappy789]

Possibly...I'm not good with numbers but...

1 blue/gold/etc. gourami-they are pretty conspecific aggressive. Less so with females, but if you mix sexes you want more females per male.
6 or so larger barbs of choice
5-6 loaches
1 rainbow shark

Others would have to help on exact species. I am not very familiar with larger barbs or loaches.

[Wycco]

There are Bala Sharks too... although I don't know if 55 gallons is big enough for them... be a bit of a stretch...

They're peacefull- can be kept in groups (and like groups) and like other fish...

... You may need a bigger aquarium for them though.

[jpappy789]

Yeah, balas can pass a foot in length although they are slow growers. Not the best fit though.

[Wycco]

Possibly...I'm not good with numbers but...

1 blue/gold/etc. gourami-they are pretty conspecific aggressive. Less so with females, but if you mix sexes you want more females per male.
6 or so larger barbs of choice
5-6 loaches
1 rainbow shark

Others would have to help on exact species. I am not very familiar with larger barbs or loaches.

If a Loach- probably not a Pangio type... Kuhli's would probably be food to the Shark I imagine... maybe a horsefaced loach would work.

One of the Botias would probably be best. A Yo-Yo loach or a skunk loach perhaps. Not Clown Loach- 55 gallons isn't big enough for a school of Clowns.

[jpappy789]

Yeah, I suggested yoyos or zebras in an earlier post...or another "botiine" loach.

[excuzzzeme]

Bala sharks are not suitable to a 55 due to the fact they are a schooling fish and need to be in groups of 6. Yes, you can keep a single one but I don't think that would be in it's best interest.