Adding native fish to an existing tank

[mr big87]

I've been thinking about going on a collection trip in a couple of nearbye ponds and creeks, and I was wondering if I need to take any precations or anything when adding the native caught fish to an existing tank with "petstore" fish? Thanks.

[Mzungu]

Yes, yes, yes!:) Quarantine any wild caught fish for at least a month. If you notice any odd behaviors, medicate accordingly. A QT is VERY important for all new fish, and especially for wild caught fish.

[mdwalt]

In addition to Mzungu's excellent advice, you may not want to put any predatory fish in with your neons or guppies... Also, some native fish prefer flowing water and most prefer lower temps than tropicals. Although people have done it successfully, I'd personally keep them separate.

[wesleydnunder]

Yes, yes, yes!:) Quarantine any wild caught fish for at least a month. If you notice any odd behaviors, medicate accordingly. A QT is VERY important for all new fish, and especially for wild caught fish.

In addition to Mzungu's excellent advice, you may not want to put any predatory fish in with your neons or guppies... Also, some native fish prefer flowing water and most prefer lower temps than tropicals. Although people have done it successfully, I'd personally keep them separate.

I agree with them both. When I qt new fish, if I have to treat for disease I restart the 30 day qt clock from when the symptoms of the disease are gone.

Mark

[mr big87]

Thanks for all the input. Now to find time to go catch some.....

[fono15200]

Remember that any type of game fish is illegal to keep in Texas

[Nickintex]

When I QT my WC fish, I treat them with Melafix, since they prolly have some skin damage from being captured in a minnow trap or cast net.

[FrontosaurusRex]

I've only had luck doing this a few times and only when i kept the fish i caught in a tank all alone. When i added some killi fish to my SA tank, they died in about a week. I kept like 30 perch in a tank for a long time. I dont know what the difference was (by that i mean the water parameters) but good luck.

Oh, and while they might be illegal to keep.....are YOU gonna tell?

[PhishPhreek]

local fish

Most of the fish on this side of town are used to brackish water so you may want to add a little extra salt to their quarantine tank.

[cameracorpus]

Make sure you have a fishing license if you are over 15 years old.

[Paleoguy]

I'd have to say that the three most common problems are fungus, parasites, and poor water conditions. Frequent water changes keep natives healthy. Keel the tank temps lower than with tropicals with good water circulation. I have my native tanks filled with java moss, najas, and hornworth. Watch your net buckets for dragon fly larvae. Just one will eat your fry.
Everyone screams that they don't have quarrantine space. Go to Wally World and buy a couple of 6 to 10 gallon Sterilite clear plastic containers(I bought 2 6-8 gallons for $3.50 each). Punch a hole in the lid and drop in a sponge filter and some hornworth. Instant tank! Keeping killies and livebearers, I use lots of these tanks for fry, eggs, and just prenat tanks.

Well good luck!