Ruby Sharks

[Charlottesdad]

Hello everybody, new to the forums and new to tropical fishkeeping!

We've just been given the go ahead to commence the stocking of our new tank, having had the water tested today... after 5 weeks of nothing!

As the thread title suggests my wife has always wanted Red tailed sharks.

What would be a good fish to start off the tank with? Bear in mind it's a "start from new" tank and we'd like some colourful shoal fish, if possible, and one or two Rubys.

The tank is 60 litres.

Thankyou in advance for your help,

Rob and Gemma.

 

[arobinson1984]

I think your tank may be slightly on the small size for ruby sharks. They grow to about 6" and require a minimum of 20 gal, preferably 30 gal

I'm sure someone will verify if this is infact correct

Andy

 

[groovylime]

As already stated, you'd need a bigger tank for ruby sharks or red tail sharks... as least a 3 ft tank, 4 or 5 ft better. Also, they should not be kept with others of similar body shape as they are territorial.
For your tank, you'll need to look at smaller fish.

 

[Hiya70310]

Neon Tetras are a nice colorful shoaling fish. Mollies and platies are nice too but I don't think they really shoal. I think any of the small tetras would be nice in your tank. 60 liters is about 16 gallons isn't it?
I have a 20 with a ruby in it and I will soon be upgrading solely because of her. She is fine in there now but won't tolerate my ghost shirmp on the gravel or on the plants which is a shame since I brought them to help clean the gravel. If you do get a Ruby shark one day make sure the tank has other semi aggressive fish that do not stress about getting chased.

 

[Charlottesdad]

Cheers everyone

We started our stocking today with 5 red-eye tetra. Shy little buggers! Some great advice from here and also from the aquatic centre confirms we won't be able to have a ruby...

Thanks everyone.

 

[arobinson1984]

Its nice to actually hear of a fish shop which advises you against buying a fish that is unsuitable for your tank, many dont give a ### as long as they are making a sale. Good on them

Andy

 

[Charlottesdad]

Its nice to actually hear of a fish shop which advises you against buying a fish that is unsuitable for your tank

Maidenhead aquatics, Morden Hall Park.

They've been excellent.