Can bass, bluegill and crappie be successfully kept in a freshwater tank?

Question

I am starting a new tank this year. I am interested in finding info on creating a aquarium with a variety of freshwater sport fish like catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill etc.

Answer 1

As the previous poster said, it's not an easy proposition, especially for a fish like a bass or catfish that will out grow any but the very largest tanks. Many states have laws against keeping game fish in aquariums, but no laws against keeping smaller non game varieties. You might consider checking out some of the smaller bream or sunfishes. They are easier to keep and look like colorful versions of their larger cousins.

MM

Answer 2

It is possible to have those kind of fishes in a tank. I have successfully kept two bluegills that i caught in a 55 gallon. However, a bass would be kinda harder to keep since they can get very big and have huge appetites. Oriental fish markets have bass in a 125gallon, but has a high powered filtration system.

Answer 3

Go to the websites for the Dept of Fish and Game. I've had bass and catfish before along with a tank with bluegills you pretty much treat them like ciclids.

Answer 4

Yeah, but you gots to have a wicked huge tank tank. I have 3 largemouths, 2 bluegill and a channel cat in my 360 gallon. Let me tell you, those Bass are more aggressive than almost all tropicals you'll ever find in a fish store. But they are all VERY hardy and difficult to kill, so they actually make good aquarium fish, if you have the room for them.

Answer 5

It's possible, but as others here have said, you'll need a large tank for the species you list. you may also need a special permit, or at least a fishing license, depending on the regulations where you live.

I've kept channel cats, bullheads, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseeds, carp (a small one), largemouth and smallmouth bass, white and hog suckers, minnows, darters, and others.

A good source of info for keeping natives is the Native Fish Conservancy: http://www.nativefish.org/articles/Sci_aqua.php

Answer 6

Yes they can but there are some problems with doing this. First you will need a very large tank to provide the habitat they are used to. Second it may be illegal in your state. They are better left to the rivers and lakes and stick to tropical fish for an aquarium.

Answer 7

catfish do better than the rest but they are not a fresh water tank type of fish i try this one to lost alot as they like the diryt waters and just dont do great in a tank

Answer 8

Bass Pro Shop does it all the time. But they have a REALLY HUGE tank

Answer 9

yeah basicley what they all said... its iligal some places and if it isent where u live....its one inch of fish per gallon....but there also games fish so they need lots more room to run around and stuff i wouldent recomend anythang under a 150 gal for such a experament...