Shark Tank

[Johnie_West]

I am setting up a 180 gallon tank for my marble cat shark. It will solely be for the shark and maybe a couple other mates. I will have a Pro Clear Wet/Dry Pro 200 with a built in skimmer for the filtration, regular strip flourescent lighting, 1" of live sand for the substrate and a few choice rocks to construct a cave for my little nocturnal friend. What kind of tank mates would get along with the shark? I hate to see it in there alone. Maybe another marble cat of opposite sex? Like I could tell them apart. Or a lion fish? The shark is more important to me so nothing that would pick on it would be allowed. It is about 12" long now. I'm told they only get to be 24-30" as full grown adults.

[Amphibious]

According to several sources your shark would grow to 37" in the wild. Probably, a lot less in captivity so, your 180 should make a good home for it. Some thoughts on your set-up. While a wet/dry filter is considered to be OK by some hobbyists, especially in a fish only display, I would not recommend it. Wet/dry filters are excellent at converting Ammonia and Nitrite but, lack the ability to do anything with Nitrate. Consequentually, your Nitrates are going to accumulate to excess unless you do regular large water changes. This can be a tedious task not to mention the expense. Personally, I'd go with as large a sump/refugium as was feasible that fit in your stand allowing room for a large skimmer and pump. Sharks require optimum water conditions to remain health over the long haul. They do not tolerate copper so, the use of copper to treat other tank mates is a no no. Quarantining potential tank mates is a must.

As far as tank mates go, it's difficult to say which will or will not pick on your shark. I would try a couple of the less agressive trigger fish and maybe a grouper that doesn't grow to enormous proportions. Also, Tangs would be good to add, in my opinion.

Hope this helped.

Dick