Requirements for keeping East TX freshwater fish...?

Question

I've been looking for info on keeping fish that are found in East Tx and about as far as I have gotten is how to catch them lol...

I would appreciate any input on things like tank sizes, temperatures, foods, PH and whether or not they should be kept in schools for fish like minnows, perch, grass carp, or sand bass.... I have a feeling the last two I won't have the space for, but any input on those as well would be appreciated. Links are great too! Thanks!

Answer 1

Try searching again by using the terms "keeping native fish". There are groups like the Native Fish Conservancy (http://www.nativefish.org/articles/Sci_aqua.php ) with websites where you'll find some information on keeping natives. You might also see if there are any aquarium societies in larger cities around where you live - there are often a few members that are interested in native fish.

Before you start, you should find out what regulations there are in your state about keeping native species. And become familiar with identification of the species around where you live. The tank size you use will depend on the size of the fish - and you may want to stay away from the grass carp and bass for now! Minnows and darters are a good place to start - most stay small and will adapt to bloodworms and commercial foods more easily.

I've been keeping natives for a few decades, and have always tried to follow the same procedures with them. I usually collect in the summer and fall when the water in my area is lower and warmer - this way there's not so much of a temperature shock when you move them indoors. Take a minnow bucket or two when you go collecting - you can close the top and keep it in the water (with holes pointing upstream) to maintain temperature and circulation. Don't try to get more than 10-12 small species or 5-6 medium ones at a time. When you get them home, put an airstone in the minnow bucket and leave them overnight so the water adjusts to room temperature. The next morning, pour out about 1/2 of the water (discard), and slowly add (by cupfulls) tap water with conditioner that's also room temperature. When the bucket's full, pour out another half and fill again. This lets the fish get used to your water chemistry. When you fill the bucket a second time, net the fish and place them into your tank. I use either a 29 or 55 gallon unless the species ae small. Keep a cover over the tank because the fish will be likely to try and jump out. Give them plenty of "caves" and plants (can be plastic) to hide in - try and replicate the environmetn where you find them. I wait until two days after their in the tank to try any feed them, and the first few meals are frozen bloodworms (which occur naturally in most water bodies in the US, so it's something familiar to the fish), then I start adding flakes and pellets. I've found that it's helpful (once you have a few natives eating prepared foods) to keep one minnow in the tank with "new" fish - if he already knows to eat flakes and pellets, other fish will be more willing to eat what he eats. Keep all new fish quarantined to prevent spread of parasites and disease to established fish.

I also prefer to get smaller fish that are all about the same size to start - I find these are easier to acclimate, get to accept commercial foods, and will get along better with their tankmates as they get older if they're raised together.

Answer 2

in many situations basically goldfish can stay with goldfish, as they're chilly-water fish. the colourful ones you're in all probability questioning of incorporate tropical, and the warmth they might require might make your goldfish unwell. in case you had to establish yet another tank, make certain that's sufficiently enormous, enable it run for some weeks, then you definately can upload some colourful fish. EDIT Elizabeth, danios are stunning little adult men, yet you won't have the ability to place them with goldfish; danios are tropical. yet another factor to be conscious approximately danios (as properly what Elizabeth reported approximately wanting a college of a minimum of five) is they're severe-skill fish and want room to zip around.

Answer 3

you would do best by putting them back. Water the same as it came from, or set water from fossit out for 24-48 hours strain through cheese cloth.