henningc
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- May 26, 2013
- Messages
- 1,229
I responded to a post in the General Discussion area about caring for wild caught Darters. I am likely opening a huge can of worms, get it, worms?
I have had several native tanks over the years and really enjoyed them all. There are a few things to be considered before jumping into on of these project tanks. First, is it legal? All states have different rules and a quick read of the fishing regulations from the Department of Conservation should tell you what the rules are.
Next, there is the question of replicating the habitat. Depending on where and what kind of fish you are looking for will play a large role in the habitat you need to provide. One thing for sure, DON'T USE A HEATER! If you collect fish a thermometer is a must. If you can safely match the water temp then you're in business. The rule is the colder the native water the more difficult the acclamation will be. Fish from cold spring fed waters are a no go unless you have a chiller. Most natives do fine at room temp as long as you avoid windows and heat / A.C. vents.
Darters and Sculpins are very neat and colorful fish, but they are more difficult to acclamate and maintain. Both types tend to hide, need current and only take live food. If any of that is a problem don't take them. I fed mine bbs and micro worms. These fish also require flat stones to hide under when stressed. They do get comforable in time, but the stones are still a must.
Top water minnows, the Northren Stud fish is my favorite, are very hardy. Most speices the males are aggressive toward other males. The smaller the tank the fewer males you can house. Native Killies are very interesting and again the males don't like other males. All of these fish need still pools of water and are most comfortable if there are rapids available to make a quick exit. Most of these will eat flake food.
SunFish, Blue Gill, Bass and the like are all highly aggressive. The most colorful sunfisn, excluding pigmy types, are the most aggressive. If you want to go this route a large tank is a must. They also need bottom structure such as driftwood, stones, flower pots. Just like nature, they will eat other fish so beware. These fish tend to readily eat pellets and are pigs straight and simple.
Please anyone else chime in as I would like to keep the thread going and educate as many folks as possible. For more information visit jonah'saquarium.com
I have had several native tanks over the years and really enjoyed them all. There are a few things to be considered before jumping into on of these project tanks. First, is it legal? All states have different rules and a quick read of the fishing regulations from the Department of Conservation should tell you what the rules are.
Next, there is the question of replicating the habitat. Depending on where and what kind of fish you are looking for will play a large role in the habitat you need to provide. One thing for sure, DON'T USE A HEATER! If you collect fish a thermometer is a must. If you can safely match the water temp then you're in business. The rule is the colder the native water the more difficult the acclamation will be. Fish from cold spring fed waters are a no go unless you have a chiller. Most natives do fine at room temp as long as you avoid windows and heat / A.C. vents.
Darters and Sculpins are very neat and colorful fish, but they are more difficult to acclamate and maintain. Both types tend to hide, need current and only take live food. If any of that is a problem don't take them. I fed mine bbs and micro worms. These fish also require flat stones to hide under when stressed. They do get comforable in time, but the stones are still a must.
Top water minnows, the Northren Stud fish is my favorite, are very hardy. Most speices the males are aggressive toward other males. The smaller the tank the fewer males you can house. Native Killies are very interesting and again the males don't like other males. All of these fish need still pools of water and are most comfortable if there are rapids available to make a quick exit. Most of these will eat flake food.
SunFish, Blue Gill, Bass and the like are all highly aggressive. The most colorful sunfisn, excluding pigmy types, are the most aggressive. If you want to go this route a large tank is a must. They also need bottom structure such as driftwood, stones, flower pots. Just like nature, they will eat other fish so beware. These fish tend to readily eat pellets and are pigs straight and simple.
Please anyone else chime in as I would like to keep the thread going and educate as many folks as possible. For more information visit jonah'saquarium.com