Tank Requirements and Water Parameters for Red Tail Sharks

Boasting a vibrant crimson-hued tail and fins contrasted against a sleek black body, red tail sharks (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) captivate aquarists. However, providing suitable housing and water conditions for these semi-aggressive Asian fish proves critical to their health and adjustment. Learn the ideal tank setup and water parameters red tail sharks need to truly thrive.

Appropriate Tank Size

Given their activity levels and disputatious temperaments, red tail sharks require ample territory.

75 Gallon Minimum
These active swimmers reach 6 inches in length. A 75 gallon tank serves as the bare minimum housing size for one red tail shark to help curb aggression and accommodate their large appetite.

Bigger is Better
If housing red tail sharks with other robust fish rather than singly, aim for an even larger tank size of 90-125+ gallons to spread territories out and prevent constant conflicts or harassment over prime real estate spots.

Tank Setup and Design

In conjunction with minimum tank size guidelines, the tank setup itself also matters greatly.

Plants and Décor
Red tail sharks appreciate heavily decorated aquascapes. Incorporate ample broadleaf plants like Amazon sword and Anubias to break sightlines and create a complex environment that diffuses aggression. Add rock caves and driftwood too for hideouts during squabbles.

Open Areas
Leave some open sandy spaces for red tail sharks to claim as their own territory once the hierarchy gets established. Adding tank dividers can help carve out personal turf as well if needed.

Substrate and Lighting
Use a fine dark substrate and dim lighting to mimic their original Southeast Asian river habitats. Red tail sharks feel more secure with shadows and lower light conditions.

Water Conditions and Parameters

Maintaining high water quality and parameters within the optimal ranges specified below promotes red tail shark health.

Temperature
Red tail sharks fare best in water temperatures kept between 73-79°F. Use submersible aquarium heaters to maintain temperatures steady in this range. Rapid temperature fluctuations can severely stress them.

pH Levels
These fish prefer soft, acidic water with a pH maintained between 6.0-6.5 for optimal physiological functioning. Their specialized organs cannot process harder alkaline water well.

Water Hardness
To complement soft, acidic conditions red tail sharks need very soft water with a hardness less than 5 dGH. Sudden hard water exposure makes them prone to disease.

Filtration
Robust external canister filtration coupled with strong water movement provides necessary oxygenation and breaks down accumulated waste these messy fish produce.

Conclusion

Giving red tail sharks the large tank footprint, complex decor, soft acidic water, ample shelters and quality filtration their species requires sets them up to thrive long-term in home aquariums. They may seem hardy but meeting their particular needs is key to success.

FAQs about Red Tail Shark Tank Setup

1. What fish can live with red tail sharks?
Some suitable tank mates include medium to large barbs, silver dollars, giant danios, gouramis, rainbow fish and larger tetras able to hold their own.

2. Can you put a red tail shark in a 55 gallon tank?
While not ideal, a single red tail shark generally does okay in a 55 gallon tank provided the aquascape includes lots of plants and structures breaking up sightlines to diffuse aggression.

3. Do red tail sharks need sand substrate?
Sand or very fine gravel substrates mimic their natural habitats best. Bare bottom tanks cause stress. Sharp gravel can damage barbels and undersides.

4. What does a red tail shark eat?
Red tail sharks eat a varied omnivorous diet including vegetables, insect larvae, bloodworms and quality tropical flakes foods high in vegetable matter and protein content.

5. Why is my red tail shark hiding?
Excess hiding usually signals inappropriate water parameters, harassment from tank mates, insufficient shelter spots or lack of food. Address underlying environmental issues.