Redtail black shark? and other questions

[Gena575]

I'm still working on getting the 80 gallon going (36x18x30). We were in Petsmart the other day, browsing fish and picking up a few doggie things and my fiance saw the redtailed black sharks. He wants a shark of some sort and this one might fit the bill. What kind of fish would work with this shark? He also liked pictus cats. Would 2-3 pictus and the shark work? I'm thinking SA cichlids (not Oscars though) might cohabitate well in this tank? It won't be planted as it is so deep.

Also, has anyone used the Penn Plax heaters? Petsmart.com has them on sale super cheap and I'm tempted, but I don't want to buy junk either.

Last question. Would 2 Aquaclear 50's be sufficient? What is the preferred gph per gallon? I know for heaters one generally wants 5 wpg, but I've not seen a gph per gallon recommendation.

I lied...lol...one more question. The tank has a canopy...if I hang the lights inside the canopy do I have to have a hood or versa-top? The lights I'm planning on using are the undercabinet strip lights.

Thanks ya'll!

 

[Danny-O]

I've been researching redtail sharks myself for my tank, though I have not had any in my tank. Here's what I have learned:

They are aggressive toward their own kind. Either get one, or get a group. Just two or three and they'll hassle each other all the time. Supposedly, they shouldn't much bother other species, though sometimes they do--depends on the individual shark in the end.

They'd be OK with other active fish who can keep a step ahead of them when they are cranky. Danios, larger tetras for example, but not neons. But I have read on forums of people who had to take their shark out of their community tank for not behaving.

And, BTW, they aren't "real" sharks. Just minnows with an upright dorsal fin--may want to disclose that fact to your fiance!

--D-O--

 

[ghinksmon]

IME red tailed sharks usually don't get nasty as long as they have a territory of their own. Wouldn't recommend more than one per tank including other Epalzeorhynchos species. Also note that the all black sharks Labeo chrysophekadion get much larger, 24" vs 5".

I wouldn't recommend using "under counter lights" in your canopy without a glass top beneath them. The glass top will help reduce the humidity around the lights, as well keep the fish in the tank. When doing any DIY lighting or other electrical work around your tank remember the elevated humidity. Inspect for rust occasionally as well.

 

[Holly9937]

I would only go with one, but depending on what kind of cichlids, the shark might be at risk if they get much larger before it does. I know most of the sharks I see for sale are fairly small. I don't think the penn plax are all that great. For an 80g I would go with 2 heaters that equal the size you need. If the AC 50 is 50gph, I don't think that would be nearly enough. I believe a general rule is 5-10 turnovers per hour. I would want something that would do at least 400-500/hr. Please correct me someone if I'm off base on that!!

 

[Teelie]

I have an RTBS and they do best when given a place to hide and without other sharks in the tank with them. They need a lot of hiding places and some open ground space. They should do okay with Pictus cats I think though I'm not positive. I don't know what SA cichlids could really go. Angels might but they may be bullied by the shark or cats and Discus are too delicate.

I don't know about the filters you want but a general rule of thumb for gallons per hour is 3-4x the size of the aquarium. So somewhere between 240 and 320gph.

 

[debbie_7155]

I have a RTBS hes about 3 inches long now,hes about 2 1/2 years old, hes so placid with my other fish, he never shy's away or attack anything,
he has a rock with a big hole in it for him to sleep & plants around it,
ive allways been told they only get aggresive when theres more that one of them in a tank,

 

[Gena575]

And, BTW, they aren't "real" sharks. Just minnows with an upright dorsal fin--may want to disclose that fact to your fiance!

--D-O--

LOL Not gonna tell him. That would destroy the image for him. He originally wanted Bala's and I've finally gotten him to give up on that. I've found pretty much the same info as you have...guess I'll just have to try one and see.

 

[Gena575]

I wouldn't recommend using "under counter lights" in your canopy without a glass top beneath them. The glass top will help reduce the humidity around the lights, as well keep the fish in the tank. When doing any DIY lighting or other electrical work around your tank remember the elevated humidity. Inspect for rust occasionally as well.

I figured that was the case, but a cheapskate can dream LOL! Thanks for keeping me from electrocuting myself!!

 

[Gena575]

If the AC 50 is 50gph, I don't think that would be nearly enough. I believe a general rule is 5-10 turnovers per hour. I would want something that would do at least 400-500/hr. Please correct me someone if I'm off base on that!!

The AC 50 used to be the 200 I think. It is rated at 200 gph. That gives me 400 gph if I use two. Think that would be enough?

 

[zave2340]

i have a Albino Red Tail. If you can find one they are WICKED. They are the smallest of teh sudeo sharks. Mine is a bit of a bully. BUT thats becuase he si bigger if not as big as everyone else. He is the boss of teh tank. BUT, i think that is becuase he was there first and for quite some time in fact. So, it is "his" tank. Look into it, they are great. Just remmeber, you can only get, 1 red tail / rainbow / albino shark. If you get anymore then one they will fight. So decided on color, and pick becuase you can not have a albino with a black or a rainbow with black and such.