Red Tail Sharks tank setup?

I'm getting really interested in red tail sharks. So far I know they are territorial and slightly aggressive when not enough space is provided. Would a red tail shark work for my 40g?

I have not added anything to the tank so far except for another oto. I have plenty of plants (hornwort, some moneywort and moss ball) and hiding spaces (driftwood and caves). What do you guys think?

 

A red tail shark will be ok in the 40 g as for the otos they need to be in groups of 6 and may become food for the shark

 

It would work but what would you put with it, they can be really aggressive to fish that aren't their size

6 ottos would work but I would keep an eye out with them, aqadvisor hasn't given any compatibility warnings, but do you have enough algae or are your ottos completely supplemented

 

Alright, stocking is two guppies one swordtail and 4 otos (getting more). My otos are mainly fed algae wafers (two everyday) and cucumber (once a week). I didn't know sharks would eat other fish, more as just chasing them off his territory. How much of the 40 gallon would he claim?

 

I really doubt a red tail shark could or would eat another fish. You already have some peaceful fish in your tank, and you are wanting to introduce a semI aggressive species in with them. This is a it may work and may not scenerio. If I were you I would either rehome the fish you have and go for a semI aggressive tank, or don't get a red tail shark and stay with a peaceful tank.

 

They don't eat fish, they haven't got the mouthparts to do so, but they can bite. It will want the same territory as your Swordtail - the open water- so that probably won't work. The others probably won't bother it, so they should be ok. Once you have a RTB though, you will be very limited to what else you can add.

 

Not rehoming the fish, they're perfect. Are they sorta like bettas, in that they have individual personality? I could put him in the set up 20 gallon and see how he reacts to different things, like shrimp and snails then test it out with a feeder guppy. If he's violent I return him and get another. Is this a stupid idea? Are rainbow sharks the same?

 

No, that would work perfectly

 

No, that would work perfectly

Fantastic, ill go on Thursday (Payday!) And get the red tail, 2 mystery snails and one ghost and one cherry shrimp. After a week I'll see what's up and if it all works out I'll get him a guppy. If they all make it I'll dump the whole lot in my 40g.

 

I have been doing more research and most people say that rainbow sharks are a lot calmer. What do you guys think?

 

A Rainbow would work, make sure you have a good lid as they are jumpers

 

A Rainbow would work, make sure you have a good lid as they are jumpers

So is my swordtail apparently, never had a problem with jumping yet. My lid is sort of flimsy, but it gets the job done.

 

So is my swordtail apparently, never had a problem with jumping yet. My lid is sort of flimsy, but it gets the job done.

It will work until you find a fish dried up on the floor. Learn from others mistakes. I have had quite a few fish jump because I thought the lid would get the job done.

 

It will work until you find a fish dried up on the floor. Learn from others mistakes. I have had quite a few fish jump because I thought the lid would get the job done.

It covers my tank completely and nothing has goten out so far.