becca24

Hey everyone,

I am new at this. I just recently bought 2 Iridescent Sharks and an Albino Red Tailed Shark in a 15 gallon tank. I was just looking for any information on these fish because this is my first time owning any. If anyone could help me out it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

capekate

Hello Becca and welcome to fishlore. Welcome also to the hobby of fish keeping. Its a good thing for the success of this hobby to learn what you can for/about your fish.You have come to the right place, as there is always someone here that can help with your questions.
Now unfortunately your 15 g tank is waaaaay to small for your sharks. The Iridescent Shark can grow up to 39 inches. The RTS will grow to 4.5 inches You would do much better in returning the sharks for a smaller schooling fish for your sized tank. How long has your tank been up and running?

~ kate

Narcicius

Holy crap thats waaaaaay to much shark for such a small tank, you're gonna need a 100g or more for all that. If that's not an option then try to take them back for something else. Sorry for the trouble but omg. Did someone sell you those using lies, or did you buy them willfully without research?

sgould

Welcome, becca! Don't get discouraged, mistakes happen and overstocking a tank is a very, very common one. Just ask lots of questions...lots of helpful people here!

Narcicius

Sorry if I sounded rude I really didn't mean it that way but your stock just caught me off guard so don't be afraid of asking any questions, you never get such responses from anyone here (rude ones).

susitna-flower

Hi becca, WELCOME to FISHLORE!

As you get more involved in fish keeping, you will not get into problems like this. EVERYONE starts out the same way, if they tell you different, they just don't remember that first goldfish!!

I have to agree these sharks are way to much fish for the tank you have.

To understand, we recommend you purchase fish according to how big they get, and you have to research this BEFORE you go to your Local Fish Store (LFS). If you go there first, you are sunk! You will see all the cool fish, and come home with enough to stock......a 300 gallon tank! GOOGLE IT !

The rule of thumb is 1" (one inch) of a fishes ADULT size per gallon of tank! That is only for normal sized fish, as fish with body size that is thick or deep have to be counted slightly differently, (per cubic inch). So with a redtail shark who's adult size is 6", you can get one RT and 6 cherry barbs in a tank that has 29 gallons. That wouldn't even leave any room for a clean up crew like corys, or a Bristlenose Pleco for algae.....

Another thing to take into consideration is that fish have a temperament that make them compatible in a community tank, or not. Always take note if they are known to be aggressive, or not. Do not put carnivores in with other fish that might end up as food ie., oscars & neon tetras.......

IF you have made it all the way to the end of this, PLEASE read everything you can on the nitrogen cycle (up at the top of this page in the blue bar, click on the link 'articles', and open the article on the nitrogen cycle) read it. Get an API Master test kit, learn how to take the tests, it's easy......

Make sure your tank is cycled BEFORE you get any more fish. This will save you SO much heartache!!!

We really do want to help, and be your friend. We LOVE new folks here, and will answer any questions you have, and just like hearing from new folks, and about new tanks.....

becca24

I bought them without researching and then I did. I read on a site that they grow to their environment so I thought I would be fine. My tank has been up and running for a couple of months now. My sharks haven't really grown that much thought, I think they're about three and a half inches now if I had to guess.

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susitna-flower

Becca, I just plugged into the 'search' feature up in the blue bar at the top of this page, the words stunting growth, and I would ask that you do the same thing. It isn't just me, but most people who think about this very long realize buying fish that are known to grow 39+ inches, and expecting them to stay small because you force them to live in a small tank, is ......well rather like the old custom in Asia, to wrap a girl baby's feet to keep them small ! That custom, I think, is universally known to be cruel.

We are all ultimately responsible for what we choose to do as we learn more about this hobby. I for one choose to keep my under gravel filters.....many say they wouldn't have them.....but there is a difference between that and choosing to keep fish that are intentionally being stunted...

becca24

I'm not trying to stunt their growth. I was saying that I checked out a website that said that they grow to their environment but if they get to big then I plan on selling them or giving them away to someone with a bigger tank. They seem to be happy in the tank and if it comes down to it then I'll stick with smaller fish. Thank you for your input, it's really appreciated.

Narcicius

I hope it all works out becca as far as keeping a thriving tank, and if the sharks don't work out its ok don't get discouraged everyone makes a mistake just try it again, once you get into this hobby you'll cherish that tank after a long day at work or just a stressful one in general.

becca24

Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it.

Drea

Hi Becca, Welcome to the Fish Lover's Forum...glad to have you

zpecialt

Hi Becca! Welcome to Fishlore! I hope that the approaches you received haven't discouraged you from being active on this forum. Sometimes the responses seem somewhat harsh, but everyone here has a soft spot for fish and are just trying to be helpful.

I don't know if you have the time/space/desire for a larger tank, but if you get a weekly Pennysaver or any such paper in your area, they are a great way to get a cheap tank (frequently with all the fixins) if you decide you would like something larger.

Hope you stick with it! It's a wonderful hobby and everyone here is extremely helpful.

becca24

Thank you zpecialt, I will continue with this forum. I will also start checking the newspaper for a larger tank but right now I don't have the room for a larger tank but I will keep your suggestion in mind I decide about a bigger tank.

Trio123

To answer you question see the fishlore.com site, which has the red tailed shark or these two sites http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...fm?pCatId=1171 and http://elmersaquarium.com/000tropfishcareguides.htm which has info on both the red tailed and the iredescent. Good luck! And welcome!

ps according to the elmers site the irredescent only gets to 12 inches but it is not the most accurate site in the world (I dont know who's right) but it will get you going in the right direction and is a another good site (other than fishlore (which is of course excellent) for researching other fish, if you decided to bring them back.

becca24

Thank you for the websites. I'll check them out and see what I come across.

Narcicius

Hope you find what you looking for

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.