Getting Additional Tank & Already Have An Established One

[chadds]

Hi, I currently have a 29G community tank consiting of Guppies, Swordtails, Corys, one Spotted Raphael Catfish, and one Red-Tail Shark.

The Red-tail was my first fish in the tank, and was a bad choice. He did fine for the the first few months, but has now become VERY aggressive, and has just killed one small black swordtail, and relentlessly chases the rest.

I have plans for a 55-75 gallon tank that I will be setting up this winter for a more aggressive, larger species tank, and the red-tail will then be moving into that tank. Until then, I'd like to get a smaller tank (probably just a 10G) to put my red-tail in.

My questions are, since I already have an established 29G, can I just use water & filter media from that tank, and skip any type of cycling? I'm assuming yes, but I wanted to check before I did something stupid that would kill my red-tail shark.

Also, the red-tail is only about 2.5"-3" right now, is a 10G enough for him for a few months until I get the bigger tank? I know it is not ideal, but he won't be in there until he is full grown. Lastly, will the red-tail be happy as a solitary fish in a 10G, or should I get another fish or 2 to keep him company. If so, any suggestions of species he will get along with? Also, I can probably get a 20G for the temporary tank if absolutely necessary, but would prefer a 10G. Thanks

 

[Gilby77]

Hi, I currently have a 29G community tank consiting of Guppies, Swordtails, Corys, one Spotted Raphael Catfish, and one Red-Tail Shark.

The Red-tail was my first fish in the tank, and was a bad choice. He did fine for the the first few months, but has now become VERY aggressive, and has just killed one small black swordtail, and relentlessly chases the rest.

I have plans for a 55-75 gallon tank that I will be setting up this winter for a more aggressive, larger species tank, and the red-tail will then be moving into that tank. Until then, I'd like to get a smaller tank (probably just a 10G) to put my red-tail in.

My questions are, since I already have an established 29G, can I just use water & filter media from that tank, and skip any type of cycling? I'm assuming yes, but I wanted to check before I did something stupid that would kill my red-tail shark.

Also, the red-tail is only about 2.5"-3" right now, is a 10G enough for him for a few months until I get the bigger tank? I know it is not ideal, but he won't be in there until he is full grown. Lastly, will the red-tail be happy as a solitary fish in a 10G, or should I get another fish or 2 to keep him company. If so, any suggestions of species he will get along with? Also, I can probably get a 20G for the temporary tank if absolutely necessary, but would prefer a 10G. Thanks

I can emphasise with you, I have two red tailed sharks which I bought at the same time and one is much bigger than the other, in fact the bigger one is huge and has grown very quickly - I have had him since May 2006 and when I bought him he was just 1 1/2 inches long, now he is 4, going on 5!

I have just moved all my fish from a 15 gallon to a 76 gallon tank, including my two sharks and yes he is still terratorial but his behaviour is better. He lives alongside barbs, emperor tetras and even a black marble angel! He chases the barbs more than any other fish, but chases his mate just as much! I am no expert but I don't think a red tailed shark would like to live alone or live in a 10 gallon tank, even if it is just for a few months, I also think they need a minimum of 30 gallons.

Good luck with setting up a new tank for him, I love my shark aka 'George', he is full of character and one of my favourites!

 

[freshreef]

I think it would be "OK" for a few months..but not much longer...