New tank setup

[LobsterOfJustice]

I'm new to the board... Im setting up a 30 gallon semi-aggressive community tank. I have about 5 years of experience with peaceful community fish and im deciding to take a stab at some of the not-as-nice species.

Heres the plan for livestock and the information I was given about them... I did a bit of background research but if anyone sees problems with this or inaccurate information please lemme know. I have not bought any of the fish yet, so if something is way off, dont worry. I have enough experience to know that stupid decisions mean major, expensive problems in this hobby, so tell me if any of this sounds stupid.

2 Pangasius Cats - Reach upto 8", eat flake food and pellets
1 Silver Tip Shark - Reaches upto 1', eats flake and frozen foods
3 Bala Sharks - I was told they reach a maximum size relative to their tank (they wont get as big in a 30 gallon as in a 100 gallon), eat frozen food and pellets
Maybe in the future an African Butterfly - upto 4", eats frozen food and crickets

I realize the silver tip shark can grow upto a foot which is way to big for this tank, and when he gets that big I have an aquarium at home waiting for him . Most likely, if these fish outgrow this aquarium over a period of years I will set up a bigger one (55 gallon or 75) but if these fish will quickly outgrow this or just arent compatable I wont buy them.

Could I also throw in some fish that arent as big/aggressive?
1 rainbow Shark?
3 Pleco's?
6 Corys?

Also, this tank will be setup at a school, so will these species be okay with weekends without food? I obviously will feed them over breaks and holidays, and plan to take the tank/fish home for the summer. Any input/suggestions are greatly apprecieated.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I don't think your tank is big enough for the bala sharks (stunting fish is dangerour and they will outgrow such a small tank), and I definatley don't think it's fair to keep a 12" fish in a tank that size. Especially a fish that likes room to swim.

In fact, I think your tank is way too small for the majority of your planned fish to be honest.

2 x 8" = 16"
1 x 12" = 12"
3 x 14" = 42"
1 x 4" = 4"

= 74" of fish in a 30gallon tank

Also, is that US gallons? I am guessing so as you said "pleco" rather than "plec". If so, that only makes 25UK. I think you would be mad to put those fish in there. In addition to that, some plecs get to 12"+ and I don't think rainbow sharks appreciate the presence of other shark shaped fish.

I think for someone to keep aggressive fish they should have a large tank.

Just my opinion, maybe others will disagree.

 

[Auratus]

Bala sharks only like other bala sharks. Rainbow sharks don't like anyone. Since almost all of the fish you suggested are bottom dwellers you are going to need a very long tank and you just don't have that. I would say get one rainbow shark and that would be your only shark which is still pushing it because they get 7 inches and then some tiger barbs, they shoal and are semi-aggressive. You want to get fish that swim at all levels to have an interesting and organized tank. Shoving a bunch of bottom dwellers in a tank that isn't even 3 feet longs is a bad move.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Shoving a bunch of bottom dwellers in a tank that isn't even 3 feet longs is a bad move.

Is that your only problem with this propised set-up?

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see how that can ever be a good set-up.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

There's a thread on here about someone's tank. There is a link to pics of it being set up and when it's done and so on.

This has got a silver tip shark it it - http/groups.msn.com/TheSharkTank/shoebox.msnw?Page=1

Here'a pic of the shark in there - http/groups.msn.com/TheSharkTank/shoebox...hoto&PhotoID=55

It's a nice fish but I don't think you could ever house anything but a fry in a 30gallon tank.

I don't mean to get on your case, I hope you don't take it like that.