Red Tail Sharks

[fish14]

what kind of tank should i use for a red tail shark also wat fish can i put with him/her

thx

 

[gpgscott]

You should always buy the biggest tank you can afford consistant with the area you intend to put it in. I have had red tails, rainbows, and balas, (all catfish you know) in a 30 gallon tank with other semi aggressive fish with no problem. I wouldn't suggest smaller than 30, and the 30 long, I think it is 36" can stock more fish than the 30 tall as there is more surface area. There are lots of good threads out there on stocking suggestions, and I'm sure this thread will get lots of play. Scott

 

[DarkEntity]

They arent catfish persay, they are more closely related to Cyprinids or Barbs as far as i remember.

 

[bobross]

First of all, do you have any fish tanks and if so, what size(s) is it(are they)?

 

[Torrean]

i'd go for a 50 gallon tank. Personally I'd go for south american cichlids. IMHO red tails get pretty aggressive they need something that will put up a fight. It's hard to pick out the right fish to go with them. They are very attractive fish and have lot's of interesting behaviour though so they are well worth the work it takes to get it right. I had the slightly less agressive rainbow shark in with gourami when I was first starting out. He harrased the gold and blue gourami constantly tearing up there sides and generally just reaking havoc. He's in with convicts in a 55 gallon tank now and he get's chased as much as he chases. He's grown nice and fat though and is only a little worse for wear.

 

[raptorrex]

as stated i would avoid, Rainbow sharks or getting more than one RTS. they need lots of room, 50g plus as they get older, they are a swimming machine. but apart from that they, in my experience, get on well with most community fish.

 

[fish14]

i guess they are pretty big so i'll probably stick with some cichlids

 

[raptorrex]

no only 4 or 5 inches

 

[fish14]

what r are u talking about the shark or the ciclids because red tail sharks grow upto 6" or more??

 

[leighann]

hey,
from my experience you can have only two red tailed sharks together but it should be in a 40 gallon or more if you inted on getting a 30 gallon you should probably get several because they do get aggressive with eachother and you need to have a ratio of more guys then girls.
leighann

 

[Benauld]

Bob Ross... Kudos! A painting God! I've spent many an hour listening & watching. They don't make 'em like him any more...

P.S. Sorry for going off topic! I'll let you get back to it...

 

[raptorrex]

what r are u talking about the shark or the ciclids because red tail sharks grow upto 6" or more??

RTS it supprised me too, max quoted size you see on the net is 17cm

 

[Gatorbait]

I've had quite a few redtail black sharks and the biggest only reached 6" and those were the males. The females were generally an inch and a half smaller.

 

[MegTheFish]

hey,
from my experience you can have only two red tailed sharks together but it should be in a 40 gallon or more if you inted on getting a 30 gallon you should probably get several because they do get aggressive with eachother and you need to have a ratio of more guys then girls.
leighann

ONE shark per tank, right now they may be fine but when they get older they will kill each other, its just plain stupid to try and keep them together, be a responsible fish keeper and do that right thing

 

[bmf]

hey,
from my experience you can have only two red tailed sharks together but it should be in a 40 gallon or more if you inted on getting a 30 gallon you should probably get several because they do get aggressive with eachother and you need to have a ratio of more guys then girls.
leighann

ONE shark per tank, right now they may be fine but when they get older they will kill each other, its just plain stupid to try and keep them together, be a responsible fish keeper and do that right thing

Hi,

I have only one redtail in my 3 foot tank, also a clown loach to keep him in check - they both seem to be fine with each other. I wouldn't recommend any other big fish though or any more than one shark/loach, as they can kill each other.
Incedently, my redtail has just developed an ulcer - anyone have any ideas as to the best course of treatment (a water change is due now)? None of the other fish are effected.