6 replies to this topic

[Aquatopes]

I'm thinking of stocking my 15 gallon (2' x 1' x 1') native tank soon, but I have no clue what way I want to go. I think the swamp idea is cool but I really love the fast flowing darters and shiners with clumps of hair grass poking through the rocks/sand. I've attached a picture of the current tank, I like the look but I have the itch to go out and find fish to put in my tank. I really want to go out and see the habitat and get the proper permits to go collecting would I need permits being a college student? I could say its a research project, but that feels wrong...If I went with the stream style I think a canister filter would be better (so many things to figure out)

[Matt DeLaVega]

Typically one just needs a fishing license to collect non game fishes. Check into that first before applying for scientific and educational permits.

[Michael Wolfe]

Laws vary by state, but MDLV is correct... in many places you just need a fishing license to collect bait... and many shiner and darter species  are considered bait fishes.

[Aquatopes]

In MN you need a specific permit to collect darters


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[Aquatopes]

I think I’m just going to stick with my swamp setup


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[JasonL]

Darters will do fine in a swamp setup, even if it isn't their natural biotope per se. I've kept at least 10 different species in a 10 gallon live planted tank with nothing more than an air stone without issues.

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

I am keeping rainbow, Johnny, banded and fantail darters in a 29 gallon tank with just an air curtain and HOB filter and they're doing fine. You just need to oxygenate the water enough and make sure that enough food gets down to them. Being benthic feeders, mid water and top water fish will eat the food before it gets down to them. Many a darter has starved because of this. I feed mine Mysis shrimp and blood worms and make sure enough gets to the bottom and they do well.

 

Good luck!

Chris M.