Banded Cat Shark... sys.     8/8/07
I am looking into getting a banded cat shark. I would like to know everything there is to know about raising them and everything else. Also I need to know where to actually get one at. Can you help me out with this?
>>>Greetings,
While I don't have time to type "everything" for you, I can tell you that you need at LEAST a 180 gallon tank, and very little rock work. They are active during the evening hours.
Cheers
Jim<<<

Shark Tank    8/8/07
Hello everyone at Wet Web, I hope you all have been well! I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about setting up an aggressive tank for my home. A fish only with live rock set up. The tank size I have considered is 74"x36"x27" that's (LxWxH) My fiancé is very interested in having a small shark in the tank, I know this limits the variety and number of fishes I can stock in this tank considerably. I have had my mind on Epaulette sharks. With this shark in the aquarium mentioned above (311) gallons with a really built up wet dry filter system, over sized skimmer, water flow no lower than 5,500 gallons per hour in the display, live rock, and live sand would it be a good idea long term to keep it with the following fish?
1 Blonde Naso Tang
5 Yellow Tangs
12 Bimaculatus anthias (1 Male 11 Females) or perhaps
one or two Heniochus acuminatus?
(Rock work would be built up to the surface of the water with plenty of places for the tangs, and anthias to hide and sleep.)
1 Harlequin Tuskfish
Would the Anthias be a definite problem in this scenario to you? Do you think this tank would be very over stocked? If I was to have to cut anything from the list the Anthias would be my first pick. I would love to have the shark but I really want some other fish to reside with it. I think the list mentioned above would be beautiful together but I know that beauty and compatibility are two completely different things. After seeing what I am looking for if this list would not work, do you have any fish / shark stocking suggestions for me? I am looking for a fairly laid back shark species and bright, active fish to reside with it. Are there any cleaner species you can think of that might do well with these animals?
Thank you so much for your time and expertise,
Brian Crenshaw
>>>Greetings Brain, Jim here.
I'm a bit confused as to your "aggressive tank" reference. Are you under the impression that any of the fish on your list are aggressive? You have a pretty mellow tank there.
You need a large tank for one of these sharks, even the smaller species as they need swimming room. They are quite active at night, and rock work needs to be kept to a minimum, certainly not stacked to the surface. Don't be fooled by their sedentary nature during the day. A shark tank is a different tank, and you need to be prepared for this before you go and get one. While not nearly the same thing as setting up a tank for a cruising species, you still need to consider their needs in this department. They need space.
The stocking rate seems OK...maybe consider 3 Yellow Tangs instead of 5 to keep things down a bit.
Anthias SHOULD be OK, but a small anthias and an adult shark.....
Cheers
Jim<<<

Re: Jim Shark Tank2  8/10/07
Jim, Thank you for your timely response. The tank I described to you is definitely pretty mellow. In the previous email I was going to ask about other species with a small shark however changed my mind to include some more laid back reef fish. I am trying to decide between an Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), a white spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum), and a banded cat shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Of the three I believe the Chiloscyllium plagiosum stays smaller, but does that make much of a difference for the animal when put into a tank 74" long by 36" wide? Should I make this aquarium 74"x 36"x 30" rather than 74"x 36"x 27" would that make a positive difference for the animals to be housed? If my calculations are correct that would make the larger of the two systems a hair under 346 gallons total with the smaller of the two systems (3" shorter) 311 gallons. The aquascaping should be centered in the tank with plenty of room for the shark to swim around it, and some ledges and caves for the shark to seek shade and protection in, but not built up high enough for the shark to have trouble swimming over it, maybe built half way to the surface then? In the previous email you said 3 yellow tangs would be better than five to keep the bio load down? So the final stocking list would be:
1 Blonde Naso Tang (Naso Elegans)
3 Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens)
2 Heniochus acuminatus
12 Bimaculatus Anthias (1 Male 11 Females)
1 Harlequin Tuskfish
and one of the sharks mentioned above.
Also what size should I purchase the shark?
Thank you again for your time and knowledge,
Brian
>>>The difference in those two tank sizes is minimal. Correct, the remark concerning the tangs was due to bio-load. You should purchase the shark as small as you can find it, as long as it's eating.
Cheers
Jim<<<

Saltwater Pond, for sharks  - 06/27/07
As I have said before awesome site!!!! I have been reading about everything I could find about this subject. Hope this does not turn out to be a huge email. But I am planning on in the next year or two to add on a 24 x 24 room to my house. In the process I got the idea of possibly building a cement pond and use the epoxy they use for the plywood tanks to seal it.
<Mmm, do look into strengthening the joints... perhaps fiberglass cloth and resin...>
I want to put a couple Smoothhounds or dogfish in there nothing else. What would be the best size for this pond?
<The bigger the better... at least three times the overall likely maximum size of species you intend to keep...>
I know I want to max for the fish which ethically would be the ocean. But also know I have to do somewhat of a hex/oval part without 45 degree angles. I originally was thinking 96x96x24.
<Way too small>
But with chilling, water changes, and humidity I am going to go unfortunately minimum. Is 72x72x24 too small of a space for a couple dogs?
<Arrrr, woof woof! Yes>
I would be happy with one!!!! Am I wrong in thinking that the colder water, the humidity would not be as bad as my 240 fish only or my 95 reef setup?
<Yes>
I might have more questions but maybe in another email if you do not mind.
<Not at all>
But I guess my main question am I CRAZY in this venture????
<Not>
I have year or so of planning and design maybe more. Just I guess is it possible with the information I gave you. I guess the main points are the pond inside with how I am constructing it and humidity issue and the huge chiller killing me in bills. Will not be light expect for lights above room so cut down on heat and Tunzes for movement. Thanks for you time!!!!! Mace
<A neat project to consider, plan around... keep gathering data! Bob Fenner>

Interested in shark...again – 06/07/07
Hey guys, I have an extra tank that I never really set up... I got it about a year ago. The dimensions are 6 feet long by 3 feet wide and 14 inches tall. I was suppose to be a frag tank, but I don't really wanna do that anymore. I think I am just going to use my 90 for all my corals. Anyways, I have asked many people and they say a coral Catshark is suitable for life in this size tank. Do you agree?
<For a period of time, yes... need a cover...>
What are some tank mates I could have with it to? Oh yah I have all the equipment to, 75 gallon sump, skimmer, and lights. Which leads me to my next question...I was planning on putting corals in here so I have 3 175 watt halides, is this to much light for a shark?
thanks, Chris
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
The tray, articles and FAQs files on Sharks in captivity. Bob Fenner>

Magnesium effect on algae and bamboo shark  - 05/26/07
Hello WWM crew,
   <Dave>
  Great site, the aquarist bible. I have 2 questions that I've been researching, that I was hoping you could help with. I have been having a problem with algae in my 100 gallon tank. Not sure if its hair algae or Bryopsis. I use RO/DI water doing water changes, 5 gallons a week. I also added a PhosBan reactor
<For? You have measurable amounts of soluble phosphate? How much, from what source/s?>
with Rio
<I would "watch" this pump... and would NOT run with a shark present... due to ferrous/Ampullae of Lorenzini issue>
400 pushing it, about a month ago. Lighting consists of 2 150 watt halides and 4 55 watt pc's. Halides stay on for 10 hrs, pc's for 12hrs. Long story short, algae is taking over. I try not overfeed flakes or Mysis once a day, alternating between the Mysis and flake daily, for 8 fish. I was reading here:( http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113109&perpage=25&pagenumber=1 )
  that a good prevention for algae is to boost your magnesium.
<Mmm, no... not unless the proportion is off...>
Any thoughts on this? Also I have a month old bamboo cat shark that is temporarily in this tank until i move him into a 300 gallon pond designed especially for him. Will the magnesium boost effect him? Thank you for all your help. Thanks Dave
   <... keep reading. Bob Fenner>

Getting Back Into the Game; Bamboo Shark Care  – 05/03/07
Dear Crew,
<Hello Bill…>
Thanks for the wonderful site you have put together.
<You are welcome and thank you.>
I've been reading all the FAQ's (its taken me several days- not a joke) and I just wanted to say a few things.
<Be my guest.>
I was surprised at the redundancy of a lot of questions. Do people not read FAQ's before they send in questions?
<Sadly, no…>
Wow- READ UP FIRST PEOPLE!!
<Agreed.>
Anyway, I had a few of my own....
<No problem.>
In a couple of questions, Bob had recommended adding vitamin solutions to food offerings for sharks. Makes sense. He had also said to add Iodide supplements as well, but in a previous question, I think it was MikeD who had said not to do this, as it could prove fatal. Which is it?
<Over dosing iodine is indeed something the aquarist should be aware of…though through a disciplined practice it should not be an issue.  The occasional dosing is necessary (happens anyway with water changes)…it is also recommended that you soak the food in an iodine solution on occasion to prevent goiter.>
I'm confused, is it only certain species or an age range that is the key factor?
<See above; also if you want more detail I would look into Scott Michaels book; “Sharks and Rays.”>
Also, I know most sharks are nocturnal,
<Most of the benthic species we keep in the “average” aquaria; yes.>
and therefore spend most of the day "sleeping." As I work late at night this is fine. My question is if I come home at maybe 11 to midnight, the shark should be active, but would prefer the tank lights to be off. So are there any lights that would allow me to watch him at night without interfering with his natural clock?
<Low watt L.E.D. lighting or a red incandescent bulb.>
Like "safe lights" used in photo darkrooms (deep red lights that wont exposed normal light sensitive photo paper)? Or possibly "black lights"?
<No not black-lights. See above.>
And should I just have my regular tank lights kick off at sunset-ish and just use the "spying" lights afterwards?
<Yes use a normal lighting cycle; and then as you put it the “spy” lights to view the animal later.>
Anyway. I found you site while trying to research shark aquarium keeping and have been hooked ever since. When I was living at home with my parents, my step father (who probably knows more marine biology than most biologists) had a banded bamboo. We never really had a problem with him, not till he got big enough to try to eat a bird wrasse (my moms favorite) and a spiny puffer (the other favorite). I believe he was a good two to three foot at the time.
Anyway, my mom made us get rid of him (he went to a trusted LFS who specialized in exotics). Ever since then, I've wanted to get another one.
After being on my own for several years, I came across an aquarium setup (at a garage sale) that I couldn't pass up. I set it up with the idea of getting a banded bamboo once again. Though he might be the only thing in there besides "live in food" (e.g.. ghost shrimp, etc. ).
<I would recommend a VERY large/oversized protein skimmer.>
Which brings me to my last question, How can I encourage "natural" hunting behaviors?
<In young specimens; ghost shrimp (like you mentioned above) and fiddler crabs.  Having said that I’m not really a fan of live-foods. I prefer varied captive fair; mussels, scallops, squid, krill; etc. . Soaked in iodine now and then and vitamin supplements like Selcon.>
What edibles can I keep in the tank for him to hunt, as enrichment (sorry, zoo term)?
<See above.>
Thanks for your time. I will reference your site for all my future
questions. Keep up the great work.
<Thanks.>
Bill
<Adam J.>

Flow rate in Elasmobranch display; sump and refugia  3/5/07
Hey crew,
<Hello.>
I'm setting up a 180 gallon (temporary) shark tank
<Key word being temporary.>
and have a question regarding circulation.
<Okay..
I have a 100 gallon sump (Rubbermaid tank) which is filled with about 60-75 gallons of water, and a mix of live rock and bio balls as media.  I also have a 55 gallon refugium and big skimmer(1500 gallon an hour) plumbed in.  I figured I would circulate the tank through the sump about 5 x an hour, does that sound right?
<Yes, slightly more wouldn't be a problem but this is fine, provided there are other water-movement devices adjoining the display.>
I'll also have powerheads going inside the tank for added water movement.
<Mmm...as clumsy and as sensitive as sharks can be I would prefer closed loop manifold systems if you can cut it.>
  What do you feel is right for the circulation through the refugium?
<Depends, what is the targeted livestock (assuming it's a species of macroalgae here) in it.>
I appreciate your advice.
<Of course.>
Thanks
<Adam J.>

Cat shark:  feeding and soft water    1/17/06
Hi guys,
<Tim>
      I have a newly hatched cat shark and had two questions that I couldn't answer myself on your site.  First, knowing that you don't recommend silversides as a diet for them I was wondering if it was ok to feed striped killifish (a common salt water bait minnow).
<These should be fine>
Second,  do you know how this fish will do in soft water?  When I set up the tank the softener was bypassed and it was filled with regular dechlorinated tap water.  The manufacturer of the softener recommends that you gradually introduce the fish to soft water and it will be ok.  Just wondered if this would be ok for such a delicate fish.  Thanks for any help you can offer.
                                                                                               Tim Taylor
<Mmm... most water softeners are "exchange" in principle... trading ions for "hardness" material... and being re-charged with salt/s... One can end up with a bit of sodium/chloride imbalance... but not really much of an issue in an otherwise properly set-up and maintained system... I would not go to extraordinary measures to avoid the softened water here... Just mix, store your synthetic and you'll be fine. Bob Fenner>

Tank size for Blacktip reef shark    1/10/07
Just wondering how large of a tank an adult Blacktip would need (not just "thousands of gallons" but actual range like "3000-5000 gallons").
                                     Thanks for the info!
< Please, please read *all* of this info! http://www.wetwebmedia.com/blktipshkfaqs.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/blacktipshark.htm
-Graham T.>  

Shark / ray tank   12/1/06
After some thinking, and reading (I purchased Scott Michael's book, Aquarium Sharks and Rays.),  I have made some changes to my plans for a shark tank.  I plan to keep a brown-banded bamboo shark, and maybe a more active fish with it such as a goat fish, or a smaller snapper.
<Good choices>
My filtration Will consist of  a 75-100 gallon sump.  First the water will enter a chamber with a skimmer rated for 350 gallons.  then the water will flow over a 5 gallon bucket full of bio balls.
After moving through the skimmer and bio-balls the water will be used in a fluidized bed filter rated for 300 gallons.  there will be some baffles at the end before the return pump to calm the water, and add a location to use chemical filtration.  I will have some foam between some of the devices, and before the bio-balls.
<Will need to be cleaned perhaps daily in time... and you should monitor nitrates... these will become an issue with growth>
  I also plan to move the heaters to the sump.
<Good>
  The pump I have chosen for the return will be a Mag Drive 24.
The tank will have 3 1.5" drains
<Perhaps 2" ID through-puts here>
in the top back of the tank. I have not decided yet if I will just use 90 degree elbows with strainers or if I will build a full length surface skimmer box in front
of the drains.  I will have one sump return line on each side of the tank, with an output at the surface, and on half way down the tank wall.
<With a check valve arrangement to prevent back-siphoning in the event/uality of pump power loss>
This will give me 4 water jets in the tank for water to return from, leaving  only the elbows/skimmer
  shelf, and the two return lines.    I have combined these new ideas from various reading on your site, Scott's book, TCMA, and a few other internet sites.  I am trying to make sure I get this planned correctly before I finish my setup.  My goal is to have a very healthy system.
I am just not sure on the best method of filtration to combine in the sump that will be best for a shark, as opposed to a reef tank full of live rock, which is what I see most plans for on the internet.  I have heard simply filling with sump with live rock is not enough for potential bio-load spikes in the tank, which is why I was thinking of a large amount of bio-balls and a fluidized bed filter combined.
<You are wise here... you still want to address the driving of nitrification somehow/where however>
I have also come to the conclusion that a large skimmer is very important.  Do you believe this setup will give me good success with this shark?
<Can... with testing, good maintenance>
also, I am sorry for the badly formatted first email, I hope this is a bit easier to read/understand.
Thank you for your time,
Daniel
<I's not i's... Bob Fenner>

Re: shark / ray tank  12/2/06
I am glad you (mostly) approve of this panned
<planned?>
setup, knowing your disapproval of sharks in home aquariums.  One last question would be if you have any suggestions to help with the nitrification problem.
Thank you
Daniel
<Yes... my fave, a large refugium with a DSB, macroalgae... but there are other methodologies... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: shark / ray tank  12/3/06
Mr. Fenner,
    The thought of a DSB had gone through my head, but I was under the impression that these types of filtration were slightly inadequate for use in a shark tank.
<Mmm... no... and usually not in the tank itself... but located elsewhere, tied-in/plumbed together>
I could very easily make a DSB in the bottom of the sump I am building, or even in the tank.  With the use of a DSB/fuge would I still need a large volume of bio-balls, or would that just cause more problems?
Thank you again,
Daniel
<Please read on WWM (again?) re shark systems, DSB's... I would not utilize plastic bio-media in such an arrangement w/o adequate means of eliminating the consequent nitrogenous analog. Bob Fenner>

Shark Question/s... sel., health, fdg., sys.   11/14/06
Hey Bob,
       I am located in Toronto, Canada and was browsing your website and was fascinated by all the useful information I found. For the past 1 and a half months I have been doing a lot of research on the Brown Banded Bamboo sharks. I have read and gone threw
<through>
multiple websites, joined multiple forums, and bought many books including Scott Michaels " Aquarium Sharks and Rays" which was very informative. I will be purchasing a 250-300 gallon aquarium soon which will be the home for 2 Brown Banded Bamboo sharks. It will be a flat back hexagon shape with the dimensions 84x24x10x64 with a 30" height. Do these dimensions sound good for Brown Banded Bamboo sharks?
<For a short while, for small specimens>
For feeding would you recommend live food?
<No... fresh/or defrosted meaty foods>
Or frozen food. Most people I have talked to recommended frozen would, on a feeding stick to ensure I give both an equal share.
But some say its easier to get them acclimated with live food?
<Unnecessary>
Is this correct or no? As well when I first introduce them into the aquarium how do I go about acclimating them?
<See WWM re... marine fishes period>
When I purchase them they will either be in eggs still or newly hatched. Should I leave them in the bags and place those bags in the aquarium like most fish are acclimated. Or should I place them in bucket with the same water as in the aquarium and then half of the water from the bag they came in?
<This latter>
Please let me know as I want to offer these sharks the best living conditions I possible can, and want to make the transition from the store to my aquarium as stress free as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
             Brenden Hewko
<Will need more room in time. Bob Fenner>