Adding a Shark.....

[steve-s]

You might find this of some help....

The Epaulette Sharks (Hemiscyllium spp.) - The Perfect Aquarium Sharks

Cheers
Steve

 

[reefaddict]

how big does a bamboo shark get? everything i have read/heard about sharks is they need a large tank(depending on species at least 180 gal). it might be a good idea to start checking water chemistry because you have just put a large strain on your bioload. those triggers could nip at the shark and the shark could very well eat the clown.since you asked for insight here is mine: research the purchase of a marine animal before you buy it. I know this will sound overly critical but how can you make a 100.00 spur of the moment purchase of a large predator without looking into it's requirements first? Even if you get the larger tank and put all the fish in it together, your clown will almost certainly be eaten and the triggers will nip the sharks fins.I would suggesty putting the shark in a tank by itself. i hope it works out for the best.

 

[steve-s]

From the article linked above....

Another trait that lends to their "great aquarium shark" status is their relatively small maximum length. For example, the epaulette shark (H. ocellatum) hatches at 15 cm (6 inches) in length and attains a maximum length of 107 cm (42 inches). Most of the individuals I have seen in aquariums and in the wild were under 1 m (39 inches) in length. Males of this species attain sexual maturity at a length of 59 to 70 cm (23 to 28 inches), while females are sexually mature at 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 inches) in length.

A juvenile epaulette shark can easily be kept in a smaller aquarium, even a tank as small as the standard 20-gallon long. But the aquarist must be prepared to provide larger quarters as they grow, and they can grow fast! Juveniles may grow as much as 29 cm (11.4 in.) in a years time. At maximum size, most bamboo or epaulette sharks could be comfortably housed in a 180-gallon tank. The Hemiscyllium spp. are all found in tropical seas and will thrive at water temperatures of 22 to 29 ºC (72 to 84 ºF). Remember, at lower water temperatures your shark will grow more slowly.

Cheers
Steve

 

[daleg3556]

reefaddict....Have you never made an impulse purchase? In one way or another all of us do from time to time and this was one of mine. I have Actually most of the fish I have bought over the years have been the result of scanning the tanks and picking up something that looks interesting. As far as the clown being eaten, I really don't think so. Everyone is getting along very well right now. As far as checking my chemestries I probably will as I upgrade my filtration system and switch to the larger tank.

 

[reefaddict]

yeah i have made impulse purchases.i have made mistakes also. i have never bought a fish that will grow almost as long as my entire tank. i also own test kits so i know when my water chemistry is deterirating.if knowing the condition of the water in my tank is "micromanaging" then i am guilty. one thing i have never done is ask for advice on a website and when i get it say" asking me to reconsider is like asking the government to reconsider medicare". You probably won't take this advise either but don't put liverock in the tank. it is best to purchase a large sump and fill it with liverock because sharks move constantly and if you have a lot of liverock in the tank, they will cut themselves up on it, get stressed and die.

 

[daleg3556]

I had to go back and re-read my original post to see just what insight I was asking for. I was more interested in how to go about upgrading to accomodate the shark as opposed to the wisdom of bringing him home. Since I work in medicine the medicare example made sense to me. It may not have been a good comparison in a public forum, so if you took it the wrong way I am sorry. I have been participating in fine wrist watch forums...another hobby of mine...for many years. I have witnessed the same "attack" attitude from a few of the so called more experienced members when a new comer asks a question they feel is not worthy of discussion. Hardly a way to encourage continued interest in the forum by new members, but fortunately the majority are helpful and do not act in this manner. So it seems here too. I have received many encouraging replies and have taken much of your advice in planning my upgrades over the next several weeks. I realize there are certain hobbiests who believe all sharks belong in the ocean or maybe a few on public display. Face it, once mine found his way to Augusta, Ga. he was destined for someone's aquarium, and he probably stands a better chance with me than with most.

 

[Detri]

Sorry if I missed it! What size tank did you decide to get? Can you post pics of the new tank when you start switching over and more shots ofyour live stock?

 

[Detri]

Just wanted to add aswell, Bamboo Sharks don't normally eat fish as there natural diet. They feed on mostly invertibrates. So I think your clown fish will be just fine.

 

[reefaddict]

you have completely misjudged my input. it wasn't me who suggested you take the shark back. I was insistent that the fish will not survive in a 75 with an undergravel filter and a hang on power filter. you have said that you since have put a protien skimmer on the tank which will help but i doubt it will work long term.my "attack" wasn't due to the subject not being worthy of discussion this most definently needs to be brought out so newcomers don't think it is ok to purchase an animal then figure out what it's living arraingments should be, nor do i feel all sharks should be in the ocean or on public display.
I was bringing out in the open what i believe to be irresponsible practice of buying a fish that you don't have room for. in addition you give me the impression that because you have kept a clownfish alive for 20 years you think you are an expert with all saltwater fish. I get that impression from your last post which states" face it , once mine found his way to Augusta GA.he was destined for someones aquarium,and he probably stands a better chance with me more than most". I have one question for you. would the shark stand a better chance in a tank more suited for it's size like a 180 or 240 gallon and with someone who owns a test kit? I am not attacking you because you are new, i am attacking the things you are doing because it might make the next guy who wants a shark actually set up a system for the fish before he buys it.

 

[daleg3556]

I also stated in the original post I have room for a 150 - 200 gallon tank which I will have before the shark outgrows this one. I have already ordered the filtration system and it is going to be shipped to me. I plan on running the new system on my 75 for a few weeks and then switching tanks. I am still researching tanks. I saw on another thread a discussion of acrylic tanks. I have bookmarked some of the web sites. The area where my tank sits will accomodate up to 66 in. long. A standard 150 gal rectangle of 60x24x24 would fit fine. I have not seen a 66 in advertised. I may check into customs. Once again I appreciate the encouragement from the majority of you on this thread.