To red tail shark or not...

[Grundy]

Hello! I have a 125 gallon that has only barbs and a few cory cats in it. I am pretty happy with keeping it a (mostly) species-only tank. My question is this: do you think it is worth putting a "centerpiece" fish like a red tail shark in the tank? I'm pretty sure that the barbs won't care one way or the other. I'm trying to avoid very large fish (which is why there are no clown loaches in there) that make the tank seem smaller to the observer (me, mostly). Any thoughts? Oh, here is a picture of the tank...http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/grundy16/Aquarium/CopyofDSC01157.jpg

and...
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l167/grundy16/Aquarium/DSC01178.jpg

Sorry, the little nippers didn't want to hold still or pose (but you get the idea)

[ddm0502]

I have a red fin shark in my tank and almost everyone is getting a long very well. My shark, corys and loaches all get along great, but the shark does not tolerate the barbs eating his food or spending too much time hanging out near his cave. This is great because it allows me to feed the bottom feeders sinking food without worrying about the barbs getting more than their share. He'll chase away the barbs, but let the corys and loaches eat it. It's like the bottom feeders vs the barbs.

[Grundy]

How big has your shark gotten? Does he have one cave that he hangs out in or multiple?

[watermelon]

I have a redtail shark in my 55 gallon..He sometimes chases my other fishes around..It is not to the point where I would take him out because of the chases...Anyhow, a redtail shark in my area cost $4 to $5..I would say do it and if the shark chases your other fishes and you feel like you should take him out, you can give it back to the store..You really did not lose anything in terms of money..

[Web Gazelle]

I think your tank will be fine with a Red Tailed Shark. It is plenty big enough. Just give the shark a cave of some sort to claim as it's living area.

[Lorazoo]

I have to say, the shark is one of my favs. I have a 120 too and have a shark in it with corys and SAEs. He is still a baby yet so he hasnt become aggressive to the other fish. He actually likes to school with my danios sometimes. They do get pretty large if they have the room. I would say 6 inches in a really big tank. As long as he has room for his own territory you should be fine. Pretty tank.

[ddm0502]

How big has your shark gotten? Does he have one cave that he hangs out in or multiple?

My shark is about 4" right now. Everyone else is 1.5-2". I have two caves; one log and one rock cave. The shark likes them both, but tends to defend the log from the barbs more than the rock cave. But the barbs don't hang out near the cave as often, so I don't know for sure. The corys and loaches mostly stay in the log.

[Grundy]

My shark is about 4" right now. Everyone else is 1.5-2". I have two caves; one log and one rock cave. The shark likes them both, but tends to defend the log from the barbs more than the rock cave. But the barbs don't hang out near the cave as often, so I don't know for sure. The corys and loaches mostly stay in the log.
Do you have a picture of your tank?

BTW, Thanks Lorazoo!