I'm keen on keeping sharks, and I've got a few questions to get started.
First off, tank size - I'm thinking 3m long, 2m wide, and about 75cm high. Will that be sufficient, or do they need more height? Could I get away with reducing the height a bit?
For tank mates, I'm open to suggestions. Since the sharks tend to stick to the bottom, I'm thinking of something for the top or middle of the tank. Any ideas?
Lastly, food - I want to give them a balanced diet. Are there any suitable feeder fish or alternatives?
It's a while off, but I figure the more I research now, the better I can set up their habitat.
about bamboo sharks
Re: about bamboo sharks
I've never kept them but have 'heard' things. Apparently, these fish can grow quite large, around 3 feet long, which makes me think you'd need an enormous tank - we're talking several hundred gallons. From what I know, they require a sandy bottom, and I'd imagine they'd be compatible with most large mid-tank swimming fish, like angels, for example. Anything that dwells near the bottom would likely be at risk of being eaten, and I highly doubt they're reef-safe. This is definitely a project for an experienced marine tank keeper.
Re: about bamboo sharks
Thanks for the input. Starting to get a better idea of what I'm in for.
My planned tank is about 10x6x2 feet, so I'm hoping that'll be big enough. I've been inspired by T1Karmann's thread to go all out and build a massive tank. It's going to take a few years, but it'll be worth it in the end.
No reef for me, I just want the sharks to thrive. They'll be the main attraction, so I'm not worried about that.
Angels seem like a good option for tankmates, and I'll definitely go with a sand substrate.
My planned tank is about 10x6x2 feet, so I'm hoping that'll be big enough. I've been inspired by T1Karmann's thread to go all out and build a massive tank. It's going to take a few years, but it'll be worth it in the end.
No reef for me, I just want the sharks to thrive. They'll be the main attraction, so I'm not worried about that.
Angels seem like a good option for tankmates, and I'll definitely go with a sand substrate.
Re: about bamboo sharks
T1's tank is truly a marvel. He's the mastermind behind that incredible setup, and it's clear he's passionate about his fish. I think he's a fantastic asset to our community.
We've got a diverse group here, from nano reef enthusiasts to large tank builders like yourself. Everyone brings their unique experience and knowledge to the table. Take T1's thread, for example - it's a wealth of information on caring for those magnificent sharks. I recall he's had one thriving for over seven years, which is no easy feat.
I've got plans for some new tanks myself, but time and finances have been a challenge. However, when the time is right, this is the first place I'll share my progress.
We've got a diverse group here, from nano reef enthusiasts to large tank builders like yourself. Everyone brings their unique experience and knowledge to the table. Take T1's thread, for example - it's a wealth of information on caring for those magnificent sharks. I recall he's had one thriving for over seven years, which is no easy feat.
I've got plans for some new tanks myself, but time and finances have been a challenge. However, when the time is right, this is the first place I'll share my progress.
Re: about bamboo sharks
I'm looking forward to reading about your tank when you start it, and if it happens before mine, I'll definitely be picking your brain with loads of questions.
I wish I could get away with a smaller tank, like 75G, but that's just not feasible with the sharks - they'd be miserable in something that small.
My next step is to research their natural habitat and think about creating a biotope. I'm guessing it'll be pretty simple, maybe just sand and a few rocks, but we'll see.
I worked out my tank dimensions to be around 900USG, which isn't too bad considering most sites recommend a minimum of 220G. I just can't see how they'd thrive in something that small, though - they need the space to move around. But, on the other hand, they're super flexible, so turning isn't a huge issue, which is why I'm not aiming for a tank that's five times their length, like some people recommend.
I wish I could get away with a smaller tank, like 75G, but that's just not feasible with the sharks - they'd be miserable in something that small.
My next step is to research their natural habitat and think about creating a biotope. I'm guessing it'll be pretty simple, maybe just sand and a few rocks, but we'll see.
I worked out my tank dimensions to be around 900USG, which isn't too bad considering most sites recommend a minimum of 220G. I just can't see how they'd thrive in something that small, though - they need the space to move around. But, on the other hand, they're super flexible, so turning isn't a huge issue, which is why I'm not aiming for a tank that's five times their length, like some people recommend.
Re: about bamboo sharks
To be honest, I'm not exactly an expert in this area, but I've done some reading beforehand just to get a general idea of what's involved. From what I've gathered, bamboo sharks seem to have the best survival rate, and generally do well in captivity as long as they've got the right conditions.
Also, I've read that rounded tanks, like cylinders, are best suited for sharks - which I think would look pretty cool anyway.
Also, I've read that rounded tanks, like cylinders, are best suited for sharks - which I think would look pretty cool anyway.
Re: about bamboo sharks
I've been reading up a bit more, and I'm curious - are cylindrical tanks actually better for sharks? I've come across some info that suggests epaullette sharks adapt quite well to new aquariums, but if I'm being honest, I'd love to get my hands on a grey bamboo shark. In fact, I think having one of each color type of bamboo shark would be amazing.
From what I've gathered, it seems like the best approach for tank decoration is to keep it simple - lots of sand and a few caves made from smooth materials that won't irritate their skin. I've also read that they're not too fond of bright light, so I'll be skipping the coral for this tank.
Before I dive into this project, I think I'll get some experience with a smaller tank first. That way, I can use the smaller tank to breed food for the sharks, like shrimps or whatever works best. But I did have a thought - would it be possible to use a section of the sump for breeding shrimps or other food sources? That way, I could avoid having to maintain a separate tank altogether.
From what I've gathered, it seems like the best approach for tank decoration is to keep it simple - lots of sand and a few caves made from smooth materials that won't irritate their skin. I've also read that they're not too fond of bright light, so I'll be skipping the coral for this tank.
Before I dive into this project, I think I'll get some experience with a smaller tank first. That way, I can use the smaller tank to breed food for the sharks, like shrimps or whatever works best. But I did have a thought - would it be possible to use a section of the sump for breeding shrimps or other food sources? That way, I could avoid having to maintain a separate tank altogether.
Re: about bamboo sharks
Cylindrical tanks are best for sharks as it makes it easier for them to turn around, I've read that's a major factor in their design.
Re: about bamboo sharks
Just done some reading on cylindrical tanks, and apparently it's so the sharks can keep swimming in circles without stopping. But for species that rest by stopping, like the bamboos, an elliptical shape might be better as it provides space in the middle for them to just stop. The thing is, to make an elliptical shape, I'd have to take out some water to put the curve in, which doesn't seem ideal.
I've also been thinking, bamboo sharks aren't supposed to be too active, but I think given the right environment, they'll be a bit more active. And in the wild, they sometimes find themselves in small areas around coral reefs, so I think they'll be okay with corners - they seem to look where they're going with their fins. But I can imagine a hammerhead would struggle with corners, they don't look where they're going, they're used to open spaces and would probably just swim into the glass.
I've also been thinking, bamboo sharks aren't supposed to be too active, but I think given the right environment, they'll be a bit more active. And in the wild, they sometimes find themselves in small areas around coral reefs, so I think they'll be okay with corners - they seem to look where they're going with their fins. But I can imagine a hammerhead would struggle with corners, they don't look where they're going, they're used to open spaces and would probably just swim into the glass.
Re: about bamboo sharks
If you're serious about keeping marine sharks, I highly recommend getting Scott Michael's Aquarium Sharks and Rays book - it's like the bible for shark keepers. You can find it for around £20 or less, and it's written by an aquarist who's actually kept most of these fish, which makes the parts about force feeding even more eye-opening.
One thing to keep in mind is that the minimum tank sizes in the book should be taken as a rough guide - I think the author knows that the maximum sizes of a fish are just that, the maximum, so you can often get away with smaller tanks.
You're on the right track about the circular ponds - they're really for ram ventilated sharks that need to keep swimming to breathe. But bamboo sharks are different - they can get oxygen while resting, so they don't need to keep moving.
As for tank size, I'd say the bare minimum for an adult epaullette is 6x2x2, but 6x3x2 is better, and if you can swing it, 8x3x2 is even better.
One thing to keep in mind is that the minimum tank sizes in the book should be taken as a rough guide - I think the author knows that the maximum sizes of a fish are just that, the maximum, so you can often get away with smaller tanks.
You're on the right track about the circular ponds - they're really for ram ventilated sharks that need to keep swimming to breathe. But bamboo sharks are different - they can get oxygen while resting, so they don't need to keep moving.
As for tank size, I'd say the bare minimum for an adult epaullette is 6x2x2, but 6x3x2 is better, and if you can swing it, 8x3x2 is even better.