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	rainbow shark
aviator Hobbyist Posts: 120 Kudos: 55 Votes: 0 Registered: 04-Aug-2003	What's the smallest tank needed to keep a rainbow shark? I've had one in a 20 gal for 2-3 years and I really don't want to give him away. Has his growth already been stunted? He's really the best looking one I've ever seen... Right now, I vac the gravel every other week and there are also 6 tiger barbs in it. Last edited by aviator at 15-Feb-2005 21:45
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Rob1619 Fish Addict Posts: 763 Kudos: 619 Votes: 626 Registered: 01-Sep-2004	Hi..I think that the minimum tank size would be a 50g tank because this shark can get 6" big.It requires a large aquarium with driftwood,rocks and spots of dense vegetation. Last edited by robby1619 at 16-Feb-2005 01:24 I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Alex Fish Addict 510 Posts: 721 Registered: 03-Oct-2004	i wouldnt say a 50gal id say atleast a 40gal.though alot of people have them in 29s ''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
PJ Big Fish Posts: 492 Kudos: 427 Votes: 326 Registered: 19-Aug-2004	I agree with Robby, rainbow sharks do get big. So I think for a full grown rainbow a 50-55g+ is best. Last edited by PJ at 16-Feb-2005 03:09
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
smilingpiranha Banned Posts: 160 Kudos: 130 Votes: 7 Registered: 02-Jan-2005	well, i dunno if it helps, but i have a rtbs in a 43 gall. smilingpiranha
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004	I think 6" is conservative - I'd say closer to 7. But raw size isn't the only thing that goes into determining the proper tank size for a fish - body shape and territorial nature are also very important factors in understanding the swimming habits and needs of the particular fish. Rainbow and RTB sharks are shaped like torpedos. They need room to swim and dart... then on top of that, they need room to establish a territory. Then factor in the adult size of one of these guys and they really should have a 55 gallon tank, minimum. *Back in the saddle!*
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
aviator Hobbyist Posts: 120 Kudos: 55 Votes: 0 Registered: 04-Aug-2003	Ok, thanks. 55 gal. tanks are expensive, grrr.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
Azrael_Darkness Fish Addict Posts: 547 Kudos: 420 Votes: 8 Registered: 26-Oct-2004	55 gallons arent all that expensive really. They are the best bang for your buck really. They are a big tank without the huge 200+ dollar price tags. A 55 gallon itself goes for usually a little under $100 in chain stores. The filtration and heaters etc. should be purchased online as i find they will be alot cheaper that way. GL
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59
aviator Hobbyist Posts: 120 Kudos: 55 Votes: 0 Registered: 04-Aug-2003	If I return him to the pet store, what are the chances he'll get picked up by a good owner anyway? Atleast my tank, albeit small, is consistently clean and he's fed properly. Shoulda researched more before I got him...
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:59


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