Tank for Atlantic Sharpnose or Blacktip Reef Sharks

[gsmokez]

Hey guys I'm a new member here because I've recently decided that I would like to own a saltwater shark. I know its a HUGE responsibility and I've been doing my research but have found a lot of mixed answers. And just to clarify I AM NOT looking to own one in the near future, I plan on gathering knowledge on the subject first, obtaining a tank that could house one or more for life, and then hopefully going about getting a shark . Now I understand that tanks ARE NOT cheap but I wanted to know first of all if you could keep Atlantic Sharpnoses and Blacktip Reef Sharks together. I understand that they are both ORV sharks so regardless of the smaller size of the Sharpnose they would still need the same size tank as a Blacktip Reef. Correct me if I am wrong, I'm just hoping to learn here. My second question is what kind of size tank would I be looking at to house something like a Blacktip Reef shark and approximately how much do you guys think it would cost me to build something like this or have it built? Thanks in advance, I really appreciate anyone willing to help me out and educate me on the matter .

 

[Jabba954]

For a single adult blacktip, something in the 15K gallon minimum. And about $50K with all the necessary accoutrements. Sharpnose will require a bit more space because they are known to be flighty. For multiple specimens, aim high 30K gallons and higher.

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[gsmokez]

Wow, quite costly although I expected it to be. 15k Gallons seems pretty reasonable to house an adult blacktip. I was thinking maybe two, of course not anytime soon, but for the future. Right now I am looking into making an 800 Gallon for a smaller salt water shark. But what kind of size would be required to house two blacktip reefs?

 

[krj-1168]

Actually Jabba - has that reversed - in terms of tank sizes. As a single adult Blacktip Reef will need at least a 30K system. Remember these sharks can reach 6ft long - and a minimum footprint of at least 700sq ft is required to keep one for life. The minimum of the adult Atlantic Sharpnose is about 15K.

The reason is because of their adult sizes. Blacktip Reefs - average about 5ft long and can reach 6ft long. While the Atlantic Sharpnose averages about 3.3-3.5ft long and maxs out at about 4 ft long.

But in terms of temperment & detailed care the two species are quite different. Although they are both ORVs.

Blacktip Reefs - can adapt quite well to captivity - if they are got as young juveniles. They also are quite capable of adapting to tanks/aquariums with glass/plexiglass walls. Blacktip Reefs can be kept alone, with sharks of other species or with other blacktip reefs. Blacktips reefs are also able to adapt to tanks with reef-like structures in the tank, since generally tend to cruise around in a slow swimming motion most of the time.

Atlantic Sharpnose - while they can adapt to captivity - they virtually require a pool or lagoon without glass/plexiglass windows. They also require to be kept in small schools of at least 3-5 individuals - to keep calm their high strung, hyperactive nature. The bare minimum for a small school of Atlantic Sharpnose would be about the same as a minimum tank for Bonnethead sharks - a footprint of at least 500-520 sq ft and a volume of at least 15,000 gallons. Although a larger pond/lagoon really preferred. Atlantic Sharpnose are shallow coastal dwellers, that prefer the open sandy tidal flats, that is usually devoid of large pieces of rock or coral.

As for keeping Atlantic Sharpnoses with Blacktip Reefs - personally I would be against that idea for the following. 1.) Note their preferred habitats. 2.) Blacktip Reefs are an Indo-pacific species, while Atlantic Sharpnose - is an Atlantic Species.

While there are many Public Aquariums and a few private aquarists that have had success with Blacktip Reefs. Only a few private aquarists have had success with the Atlantic Sharpnose - Mattiej being the most well-known.

 

[gsmokez]

Yeah, while I was doing my research I decided I would lean more towards the Atlantic Sharpnose due to the smaller size of them which I thought would be more practical but it seems like they may be a handful to take care of because I read in other places they struggle to adapt to captivity, and thank you for making that point about the habitat, pretty obvious why they shouldn't be together then. I love how Blacktip Reefs look but they simply get too large. So would you also say $50k is a reasonable price to expect for a 15k Gallon setup?

 

[krj-1168]

I think that 50K would likely be a low-ball estimate - if you do some of the stuff yourself. The pool/lagoon itself will likely run at least 4-10K. Then you have the pumps, salt, sand, Live Rock, & filtration.

As for the 800 gallon pond -that would be great for a bamboo, epaulette, coral catshark, or Horn shark. And it would give you some helpful info on how much is needed for the big dream system.

 

[gsmokez]

Okay that's greatt, I was actually hoping to get a horn shark. Would that only be good enough for one or would I be able to put a second horn shark in there? I do hope to gain quite some experience and knowledge from the 800Gallon so that I can build that dream system in the future.

So just for clarification, you think the setup for the Atlantic Sharpnoses would cost over $50k? I thought the pool/lagoon would be the most costly part lol.

By the way, I noticed you added some more info into your other post, do you know why a lot of private aquarists struggle with the Atlantic sharpnoses?

 

[krj-1168]

I was actually hoping to get a horn shark. Would that only be good enough for one or would I be able to put a second horn shark in there? I do hope to gain quite some experience and knowledge from the 800Gallon so that I can build that dream system in the future

Actually seen people use a 480 gallon tank to keep a pair of subadult horns in. Naturally they will eventually need to upgrade. So an 800 gallon should be fine for a pair of young horns.

So just for clarification, you think the setup would cost over $50k? I thought the pool/lagoon would be the most costly part lol.

Well - as I recall - Mattiej stated that he spent about 75K on setting up his 16K lagoon. And He saved some money by doing some of the stuff himself. Of Course - his lagoon is also inground - which may have added to the cost.

By the way, I noticed you added some more info into your other post, do you know why a lot of private aquarists struggle with the Atlantic sharpnoses?

Generally speaking - it's all about their acclimation. If you can successful acclimate them to their pond/lagoon - then your chances of successful keeping them alive for the long term - greatly improve. And the best way to improve the changes of successful acclimation is to start them out young juveniles, with several other sharpnose of similar size - in a large pond/lagoon. Also soft sides of the pond/lagoon might help. But typically it may take them several months to fully acclimate to their new home.

 

[gsmokez]

Okay good, I plan on using the 800G to house them for life, and wow that really is a lot to spend on a lagoon. I paid that much for my car, I still want to go for it but I think that'll be once I have some funds saved up. As for the 800G how would two adult bamboos do in it? I've been looking around and have taken a liking to these sharks all of a sudden lol.

 

[krj-1168]

Depends on the species of Bamboo shark. White-spotted bamboos would be good. Brown-banded Bamboos - I would go with something closer to 1,000 gallons.

Like wise - for planning to keep a pair of Cali horns for life - then a pond that's at least 1,000-1,200 gallons would be best.

Still - remember that often when you get a new shark - it will most likely be a juvenile. And depending on the size and type of juvenile will depend on what size of tank you will need to start out with.