sharks

Question
I have an empty 80 gallon aquarium that I would like to put sharks in. My local pet store told me not to do it because salt water was to hard to keep up, and they didn't know how to keep it up. How hard is up-keep on a salt-water aquarium?

Answer
Keith,
Keeping a salt water aquarium is going to be as tough as you make it.  Clearly if you purchase the correct equipment and take the time to set it up properly from the start you will increase your rate of success.

I will however sway you away from trying to keep any specie of shark in that aquarium.  For one, they are not the easiest animal to keep in captivity, but also, because the tank is too small.  Even smaller reef varieties of sharks that do not need large open water systems require a minimum of 125 gallons when they are pups.

For more information on the proper husbandry of sharks and rays I recommend you check out Micheal's and Moe's book, Shark & Stingrays.

Best of luck with your new hobby!

Regards,
Scott Johnson
Aquarium Crazy Fish
www.aquariumcrazyfish.com