travie

Can an RTS go in a 29g tank and not need to be upgraded to a bigger tank later? And if so can it get along with any combination of the fish that I have currently in my tank? Is there any fish in there that it definitely won't get along with? If so, don't worry, it won't be going into my tank with the present number of fish.

KittieKat

red tailed sharks can get to 4.5-5 inches so a 29 would be okay.. of course bigger is always better!! the only fish that i know for a fact that it WOULD get along with are the guppies.. mine do just fine together... i dont have any of the other fishies so i couldnt help you anymore than that.. sorry! just be sure to wait on getting the shark cuz its best to be prepared with info before u do anything... unlike what i did when i first got into the hobby.. ugh its amazing all my fish have lived lol

travie

Any other thoughts and suggestions? And to above poster you do realize this board is called red tail shark.
Common Names : Red Tailed Shark, Red Tail Black Shark, Red Tailed Labeo, Fire Tail, Labeo bicolor

Johawk

I have a Red Tail in a 29 gallon with 7 tiger barbs. The shark is pretty chill except when it is feeding time. If I put anything other than flake food in there it will chase each barb trying to get its food. This only lasts for a few minutes then it goes back to its cave or scavanges for some other food. Although, at times, it can be territorial. If a barb comes near the cave it will get chased away.

Barbrella

That's a good combination!

travie

Sadly my tank is stocked and won't be able to quickly go to that combination. And I really don't want to get rid some of the types already in the tank.

Johawk

Unfortunately, I think the cories would be the problem for the shark. The shark being a territorial, primarily, bottom dweller. Sorry... I just noticed that "Aquarium Info" thing under your name.

travie

I was thinking they would be a problem too. But I needed to hear from multiple people. I guess, its going to be awhile before I finally get an RTS.

KittieKat

i do realize that but most people dont realize there is a difference between red tailed and red finned (rainbow) sharks.. just tryin to clarify no need for attitude

travie

Sorry, just took as you saying I don't know the name of it. My apologies.

KittieKat

its all good.. im sorry for sounding like i didnt think u knew what u were talking about.. hmm well u know what i mean..

alexraj

I agree with Johawk, I have a red tail shark with 5 tiger barbs, 1 dwarf gourami, and two red sword tails in a 29 gallon tank. Other than the time I feed pellets, he doesn't bother any one. He chases sword tails and barbs during his feed time, but he never messes with gourami. In fact they share the pellet type of food. Hope this helps.

la loser88

I have a red tail shark in a 30g tank with a few tiger barbs and besides during feeding when the red tail shark will chase the tiger barbs for a short time before giving up they are very peaceful together.

zambize

I've been researching RTBS for hours because I've gotten my first RTBS (Valentino). Many sites agree that most Cory will live fine with most RTBS. I have 5 of them with Valentino and he pays absolutely no attention to them, even when near his cave or eating. I would say it's a fluke, but I've read RTBS/Cory compatibility on so many sites. Also many sites say RTBS can reach 4"-6", and I've spoken to one person who has a 7.5" RTBS.

If your tank is a regular 29 gallon tank, it is probably 24" long. In that case, the RTBS could reach 1/4 the length of the tank, and if you imagine what that would look like, it seems small for the RTBS to really have much room to swim around. Especially since he's a territorial, semi-aggressive fish....they need room. Many of the more reputable and reliable sites (and people) I've seen suggest that a 55 gallon would be best. It's just what I've read.

I agree with the Tiger Barb, but they are best in groups of 6 or more. Your tank definitely won't hold that. Not always, but often if they are too few in number their behavior could be unpredictable and it could cause chaos in the tank. Just do some more research, it never hurts!

Just my 2 cents.

Zambize