Shark Guru's? I want to start a shark tank

Ok, I have a 150 gallon tank I used to use for cichlids that is now free and clear. Tank is a tad over 6ft long, 26" tall and 18" wide.

So ive always liked the way a few of the sharks looked and finally decided to get one going, Ive read several of the species are aggressive with their own kind, my question is, are they aggressive with their exact speices or all of the other Cyprinids.

I was thinking of these for these for this tank

Bala Shark x3
Red-tailed Shark x1
Rainbow Shark x1
Black Shark x1

Now that is of course provided they are only aggressive with their own kind and not their species in general. Yes I'm aware of the size the black shark can reach, but there's still plenty of room as long as these follow the same gallon/fish we use for cichlids


There would still be a little room left for a few other med sized fish, any other suggestions, or anyone have experience with tryin to raise these together?

 

Many of the sharks won't get along with each other. Rainbows will likely go after all of the others, and you may have problems between the black and the red-tailed shark.

As far as the black shark goes, you wouldn't want to use the same gallon/fish model as used for cichlids. First, I don't think there are any cichlids that get up to the body mass of a black shark. Second, black sharks are a type of carp, which tend to produce a ton of waste for their size. Third, because of their social needs, cichlids use an entirely different stock model than pretty much any other fish.
I would treat it more like a koi (another carp that grows about two feet long), so you'd be looking at thousands of gallons, rather than hundreds.

 

awesome tank I'm jealous!!!! I think with hiding spots, you could have everything but the black shark as sir explained...rainbows and red tail mainly take up your bottom..balas like horizontal middle top space...and id add a couple blood red parrots and call it a cool tank

 

well that's good to know then, the reading ive come across just states they are aggressive to their own kind, they never stated weather that was general species or specific.

I sorta figured the black shark would be on par with a large jaguar or wolf cichlid. I didnt see anything that said it was a carp and wasn't aware they were that *dirty* of a fish.

If there's really no success with multiple sharking I guess ill have to make some decisions

Its really a tough call between the RTS and the Rainbow, I really dig how they both look

Anyone have any experience with schooling either of those, will that calm em down?

 

Look up "Black Labeo" (another name for black shark). You'll find more info on them.
Each type of shark has a different aggression level. Rainbows are the most widely aggressive of what you listed. They'll attack most other large cyprinids, is what it looks like. Red tails are a bit less aggressive, and seem to only bother each other.
Whatever the case is, it can work to put them together, if there's plenty of room and hiding places. It's just something to keep an eye on. If you get a particularly aggressive individual, it may bother the others no matter what. In this case, you'll just have the choice of bringing the aggressive one back or getting a new tank for it.

Schools will not work with either the black or rainbow shark. They are solitary critters, and will fight amongst themselves until most are dead.

I've found numerous statements that bala sharks need at least 5-6' of swimming space from side to said, and a few people that say that even this isn't enough. Balas tend to be very active, and may become listless if not offered enough space.
I'm not telling you this to say "don't get balas." I'm just letting you know so that you can make the decision with all of the pertinent info.

If you go with the balas and one or both of the others, you may want to go with a Mekong-Basin tank or even just an Asian themed tank. Glass catfish live in similar areas to the balas and the RTS. I'm sure that with some work, others could be found, as well.

 

Ya, ive come across several of the Sites listing black Labeo, ive seen them labeled from docile to being a single fish only tank, that's why I was curious if anyone had any actual experience with em. Myself ive mixed several types of cichlids that people say shouldnt be and never had any issues. I guess it does just come down to some luck on the fish's aggresiveness level.


I was really hoping that I could literally just stock the tank with several of the different shark species I enjoyed seeing on my trips to the LFS, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I guess ill have sit and make a decision on which I like more the rts or rainbow and then have to research tank mates for it

 

One "rule" I've found on stocking multipule RTS is to try to have at least 50 (preferably 55) gallons per shark. Some rumors say that keeping a group of at least 6+ sharks is a good way to spread aggression out. With a six foot tank two sharks should in theory have plenty of space. To increase your chances of success try to break up lines of site as much as possible. We're talking lots of plants and driftwood and stone structures to allow multipule territories. After all, an aggressive fish has trouble chasing and harassing what it can't see. None of these idea's are a guarantee for success but they may help you out.
Good Luck A shark tank has been a dream of mine and I'm wishing you the best.

 

so instead of 1 rts and 1 rainbow, putting 6 RTS with lots of hiding spots is what you've heard? Or did you mean 6 + sharks total including the bala's

 

I was just referring to the RTS. Rainbows I've heard are of a similar temperment but I've never had them. Six or more helps to spread the aggression out however some individuals may cause you issues even then.

 

that could be worth a shot, 6 RTS runnin around that huge tank would be nice. if I get one or two terrible trouble makers I could always try trading em out with the fish store and try to get more even tempered ones if the group of em works

 

I think 6 in that tank would be a major issue...just make sure with your LFS that they will take them back if it doesn't work..allot of LFS will not ....good luck!

 

It would be a good reason to work on doing that Cave set up from PVC pipe ive always wanted to. 6 ft is quite a bit of room to work with I have quite an abudance of plants already my lfs gives instore credit for any fish you buy and trade back so it doesn't work out there's no real loss but that's an interesting idea to try out.

Ive seen it work with cichlids, my green terrors and Jaquars which are notoriously mean got along with everyone maybe ive just had a lucky streak

 

Hello 99. I love my Rainbow Shark. Personally I don't recommend having more than 1 Red Tail or 1 Rainbow per tank regardless of the tank size. If you do decide to house more than 1 of these 2 in your tank, I would suggested you buy them all at the same time. Keep an eye on your water perimeters. This may help to reduce the territorial issues. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Ken