New 72g, for my irradesant shark

[Cindy1218]

Does anyone have a irradesant shark? I just purchased a 72g bow front to move my 8" shark into from my 29g, very excited! any advice from anyone?

Also does anyone use power heads? Are they recommended fior a tank this size?

[fish_doc]

First off, Congrats on the new tank.

There are several ways you can use powerheads. You can use them on a Undergravel filter in forward or reverse flow. Or you can use them on sponge filters to increase the waterflow through the sponge.

[Cindy1218]

I was thinking under gravel. I have 2 doulble power filters already for the tank.(for up to 60g) Do you think it neccesary to use the powerheads with under gravel also? Everyone says it gives the fish that river flow!

Cindy1218

[FISHFACE]

Undergravel filters are a thing of the past. If you ever put fish in the tank that dig, it will render the UG useless. If you want extra filtration and waterflow, use a sponge filter and put your powerhead on it.

[fish_doc]

If you use a ugf on a tank that size. Powerheads are a must. I use ugf's but only on my smaller tanks 10 to 30 gallon tanks. My 60 hex also has one but that is because of the small footprint of the tank makes it eaiser for me to maintain.

[Cindy1218]

So I should not even bother with ugf! I think my 2 double filters(for up to 60g) should be enough for my tank.

[AthenaRose]

Only advice I have is that your fish is going to get big(They can get up to 4ft!) and that it is cool that you have a tank that size for the I-sharks!

[FISHFACE]

Really **** I have been in the hobby 35 + years...I had no idea that Irredescent Sharks grew that large. ****We learn something everyday in this Great Hobby. **** ****

[osteoporoosi]

yes, they grow huge, and they are not really suitable for normal aquariums.
here's a enlightning pick:
http://www.jjphoto.dk/fish_archive/w...phthalmus2.jpg

They can become a real problem when growing, I wish the best for you and your shark,Cindy.

[FISHFACE]

Goouwllee.. . That's a huge son of a gun.

[Cindy1218]

We got him maybe 2in, now he's about 9in. I hear that they won't get bigger than 18in. in a tank.But we are aware of the 3feet he can be! We've had him for 3yrs now! I'll eventually move to a bigger tank if need be. Hoping this new 72g will do more a few more years.

[AthenaRose]

Yup, they can be up to 4ft long. Where they come from, they are accualy used as food! Odd huh? We had 3 for a long while(Few years) and our biggest one, when it died(from running into the side of there tank, because of the I-sharks bad eyesite, that can really get them hurt when they are scared) was at least a 1ft-1 1/2 long.

[Cindy1218]

what size tank did you have him in at that size? Ours is currently in a 29g & he gets hurt on the tip of his nose, I think it's rock I have in there, But the new tank should be quite smooth for him!

[AthenaRose]

a 55gal. Our's hurt themselves alot to, and sence the tank was rather small for the larges(expecialy when he desided to spazz out) that was altimately what killed it(as said already) If I was to get anymore, I would want a larger tank then I do(which is another 55 gal.)

[Lexus]

Once I-sharks hit 6 inches they become spaztic. Be very careful when turning lights on or going near the tank. Make sure the hood is solid because they can and will jump out. Also they will beat up against the glass til they are blind, really hurt or dead.

[AthenaRose]

One neet thing about it though(in a way) when they are fightend, they will even play dead. They are easy to keep, but some wont recomend them to anyone with a small tank(even a 55 gallon)

[Cindy1218]

Our guy is actually pretty good with turning on the light,'ve never hadto be carefulItseems that other fish scare him at times. i really hope he'll be quite happy in his new 72g. I hate that we have to cycle are tank for so long before he can go in! Were going to get some fish today to begin cycling!

[AthenaRose]

Goodluck to you! Hope all go well.

[Jubs]

Good to know your at least trying to make it better for your fish but its really a fish that shouldn't be even available in the hobby since most that are you bought are bought by people with out that knowledge of their adult size here is one that was brought in at my LFS that was in a 180g in which it couldn't turn around in its in an indoor pond now at my LFS. IT's between 26-30" and its still a baby





and the pond its in

[Lydia]

Originally Posted by FISHFACE @ Thu Apr 14, 2005 2:13 pm

Really **** I have been in the hobby 35 + years...I had no idea that Irredescent Sharks grew that large. ****We learn something everyday in this Great Hobby. **** ****

wow!!!! pretty good trick for a 6 year old