Trying to create an asian biotype aquarium for my red finned shark, what would i need?

lol @ water. Really? It's a good thing you said that! I was going to get a red-tailed shark and put him in a dry aquarium. lol Some people....

The reason you probably didn't get too many actual answers is because the red-finned shark is no longer in existence in the wild. Its habitat was somehow destroyed while scientists were trying to study it, so a lot of it's natural habitat is unknown to us. I was actually trying to research for the same thing and am setting up a tank for a future red-tailed shark, as well, so I'll just share what I've learned. :)

I do know they used to live in fairly fast moving waters, so maybe a water pump for circulation might be beneficial or a really strong filter. I find Penguins are the strongest filters I've used. They used to inhabit in Thailand in both clear and muddy waters with tons of driftwood, plant life, and stones.

While I was researching, I came across many youtube videos that give great examples of their natural habitat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCkFuLhO7wI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t4rFq6TM0g

As for plants, I know variations of vallisneria and bamboo are found in the rivers of Thailand, but I'm not sure about other types of plants. Every website I read just stated hardy plants that require lower lights than regular plants.

I really don't know much else about their natural habitat, but hopefully that helped a little. ;)

This species will do well in most larger, well-maintained tanks if plenty of hiding places are provided and should not harm softer-leaved plants. However we highly recommend keeping it in a set-up designed to resemble a flowing river with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, gravel and some large water-worn boulders. The tank can be further furnished with driftwood branches arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies and shaded spots. While the vast majority of plant species will fail to thrive in such surroundings hardy types such as Java fern, Bolbitis or Anubias can be grown attached to the decor and bright lighting will promote the growth of algae upon which the fish will graze. In this kind of environment it will show more natural behaviour and can be kept alongside some other species that enjoy similar conditions (see 'compatibility').

Like many other fish that hail from running waters it is quite intolerant to the accumulation of organic wastes and requires spotless water at all times in order to thrive. It also does best if there is a high level of dissolved oxygen and a decent level of water movement in the tank so a powerful external filter or two should be added to the set-up. A rivertank manifold could also be constructed to provide naturalistic unidirectional flow if you wish.

water