Hi,
I'm fairly new to posting on any sort of forum, so please bear with me. I have enjoyed reading what other people have posted about their fish. I need help with an overgrown fish in my home aquarium. He is an irridescent shark about 2 feet long in a 125 gallon tank (the pet store told me his maximum size would be 12 inches--I no longer believe what pet stores tell you). I have tried finding him a new home, but have not had much luck and I’m not sure he would survive much of a move. Besides, I’ve had him for about 14 years so he’s part of the family. I don’t have room for a bigger tank in my house, so I’m thinking of getting a nice shed for the backyard that I can heat and cool and putting a “pond” of some sort in it for him. Am I crazy? Anyway, I have seen a portable koi tank online and am thinking that may be my best and least expensive option. It’s called something like dream pond koi show tank and is basically a pvc liner supported by pvc pipe. I’m thinking of getting the 6 foot diameter one which would hold about 425 gallons of water. Do you have any other ideas or suggestions? Thanks.

how much was he? im sure animal jungle would take him in if you cant find a place to keep him. i'll ask tomorrow for you

As long as you can keep the water in the 70's year-round and he will have shade it might work. They are river species and need lots and lots of filtration to remain healthy. Also consider that he might, in fact, get even bigger in a bigger tank.

Look into pond filtration, like if you were going to build a big koi pond.

Would you consider rehoming him if AJ can take him?

Also contact public aquariums or nature centers that have aquarium displays.

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like a cool fish. I am sure there are people that could house this one but finding that person may be harder then taking it to a LFS. Animal Jungle should take him.

Skoolzoffish may have room to take him. Its worth a shot if you can't house it any longer.

Where are you located, gab?

can you post pics of him? i've seen the small irridescents that we sell but have yet to see a large one. i love them though

animal jungle will take him. i asked. apperanly we already have some that big and he should fit right in

Hi all
Thanks for all the responses about my fish. Sorry it took me a while to get back-I work 12 hour shifts on Fridays and Saturdays. I live in Gloucester,VA and I went to Animal Jungle a year or so ago ( --I love that place and visit when I can) -and talked to "Bob" there who said he could take him. I thought about it, but decided the fish wouldn't be happy there. Yes, he would have more room, but he is so skittish, I don't think he would make it. He freaks out when the little cory cats in the tank with him touch him. I know I'm crazy, but I really would like to be able to keep him. I'm going to really look into some sort of pond that I can put in a shed to keep the temperature fairly constant. I'll try to figure out how to send pictures when I get a chance. Keep any other ideas coming. Thanks.

IF you do decide to bring him in, bring him when i'm working so i can make sure he gets acclimated well and taken well care of... i know there are plenty of other big fish in there that he should fit in fine with. come in on saturday around 11 if you can...

I'm still truly considering keeping my giant fish if I can do it. I think I may make a road trip to Animal Jungle on Thursday to see the pond section. Robby, does Animal Jungle have a nice pond section with someone who could help me figure out the best type of pond for me and tips on filters? I am definitely going to explore all my options before making a final decision. I still am concerned if I decide to rehome him, he wouldn't survive a very long trip--how do you transport a two foot long terribly skittish fish. I'll keep you posted on my findings.