Shark keeping?

[Reefkid 07]

There's just something about sharks, so irrestible. The only trouble is, the odds of one surviving in the home aquarium, (consdering their ultimate size) unless you own a 500+ gallon tank(in my opinion). Yes, sharks are surprisingly sensitive to poorwater quality and especially sensitve to high nitrate levels. They also are very sensitive to the slightest electrical signals and can be driven to distraction, even stress by electronic filtration, heating, and other equiptment. Most of the commonly sold sharks prefer a cooler environment with a very high dissolved oxygen content, which differs from those in lets say a reef. Also, often they will strive for food when under any kind of stress, or irritation.

Jake

 

[krj-1168]

I tend to agree - about their overall sensitivity to High nitrate levels, water quality and electrical fields.

in fact, most sharks are may start showing health problems with nitrates as low as 10-20 ppm - levels at which, the majority of marine fishes are perfectly fine. Also sharks have a real problem with metals - either in or very near the tank(goes back to the electrical fields). And it's always best to keep potential stresses for sharks to a minimum.

However - the only species that really require water temps cooler than most reefs - tend to be the smoothhounds, Leopards, cool water wobbies, catsharks and Bullhead sharks. Still the majority of species of "aquarium" sharks do quiet well at normal aquariums water temps - 72-82F. Which includes - all bamboos, the epaulettes, the heterodontids (except the australia species), Coral Catsharks (genus Atelomycterus).

Some species(such as the Epaulettes & Coral Catsharks) can actually do well at very warm water temps(mid 80's to near 90F ) & rather low dissolved oxygen levels. But still with any shark it's best to have good dissolved oxygen levels(goes back to the stress thing).

And it should be noted - that it's not uncommon for sharks to once in awhile go on a brief fasting. In fact - many species have been caught (in the wild) with empty stomachs. In the wild - some sharks are quite capable of going a month or more with food - if they have to.

 

[sphyrna819]

I in my insane obsession with sharks I have read that are extremly sensitive to all of thier surrondings. I am drawn to these animals and having one in my home would be beyond awesome!! However the last thing I want to do is get a shark and watch it fail to thrive or worse die from stress or lack of a need met. That is why I asked for help. I totally agree with you about the 500G tank. Sharks like to move around and spend a good deal of time swimming. Especially if it is a species that has to swim to breathe. It probably won't happen for a year or so but I plan on getting a 500G tank that is shark specific. I want to meet every need and help the animal thrive in my tank. If I cannot meet the needs of a shark rest assured I will not attempt to keep it. ReefKid 07 if you know any websites that talk about keeping a shark I would really appreciate it. I have looked but haven't really found anything good.

 

[krj-1168]

Yeah - I also tend to agree sharks needs at least 500 gallons (at least most do). Some require systems that are much larger(over 10,000 gallons).

The thing to remember is that all sharks - have at least 7 (usually incredible sharp) senses. Which is why they are very sensitive to their enviroment. Remember sharks are incredible ancient - dating back nearly 400 mya. Most of the modern families of sharks - including all of the types of "home aquaria" sharks have been around since the end of the dinosaurs (about 65 mya) or more.

Also - the main reason why it is often difficult to keep sharks - isn't because the sharks aren't hardy enough(in most species found in LFS tend to be quite hardy) - but because they all to often end up in that hands of people who know very little about caring for sharks. Education of the keeper is the real problem - not the sensitivity of the sharks.

A keeper that is correctly educated about keeping sharks - and willing to commit to caring for a shark for the next 20 or so years - is often quite successful. This day and time - includes reading Books, magazine articles, & talking with people of online forums, as well as shark related websites.