View Full Version : 180 gallon native tank?
Blackwater
08-04-2005, 1:34 PM
This is my 180 tank. I would like suggestions on what to stock it with. I have never done a native tank before. I live in Michigan, so I'm wondering what local fish would work in here, be compatable, fun to have, etc?? I am thinking things like Bullhead, Sunfish, Perch, Bluegill, etc, any tips, ideas or suggestions would help alot. It is filtered by twin Eheim 2217's and a homebuilt wet/dry with 10 gallons of bio-balls and 2 Magdrive 7's returning water to the tank. Thanks!!
DanDanUK
08-04-2005, 1:46 PM
Well done there mate i like it .
How about 3 bluegill at 8",(2 female), 4-5 yellow perch @ 6"+, 6-8 Large(5-6") golden shiners, 3 cutlip minnows at 8", and 3 bullheads (any) @ 6", and 1 full grown mudpuppy. All are I believe local to you and would give you a nice interesting mix while leaving some grow out space. The shiners and cutlips should be available cheap in bait shops which might also carry mudpuppies
Guppy has a nice list... does your state F&G dept. have a listing of native fish online with pics? That may help you... I'd try and throw in a handful or two of native minnow types that you wouldn't mind being occasionally snacked on. Definately check with some local baitshops for ideas.
Personally, since I'm in N. Fla, I'd emulate one of the spring runs... bluegill, hogchoker, lots of gambusia, etc.
Nate_N_Nicole
08-04-2005, 9:36 PM
Nice setup :headbang2
mkpeters6
08-14-2005, 8:31 PM
what about pickerels, their my fav natives
Steve_89
08-15-2005, 8:21 AM
Very nice :)
StylinT
01-14-2006, 4:08 PM
Great Pics blackwater
I tohught about a native tank for my 225 but its still a coin toss on what i want
Mourinho18
01-14-2006, 4:08 PM
what about pickerels, their my fav natives
yes sir, you HAVE to add a pickerel :drool:
USMCtanker
01-14-2006, 4:31 PM
i would get some baby pike or muskie and put them in there tell they get to big. thats what my buddy did an there awsome to whath.. he also had a walley in there and sturgeon
Chad55
01-14-2006, 5:50 PM
I would have to say do some pickerels. I live in Mich to and I have never seen any pickerels but I know they are around.
Chad
sandtiger
01-14-2006, 6:46 PM
How about 3 bluegill at 8",(2 female), 4-5 yellow perch @ 6"+, 6-8 Large(5-6") golden shiners, 3 cutlip minnows at 8", and 3 bullheads (any) @ 6", and 1 full grown mudpuppy. All are I believe local to you and would give you a nice interesting mix while leaving some grow out space. The shiners and cutlips should be available cheap in bait shops which might also carry mudpuppies
Cutlips have been known to eat the eyes of other fish....I would avoid them. :WHOA:
YOu should without a doubt have a school of something. Golden shiners would do great but personally, I think a school of yellow perch would be off the hook. I'm not talking about just three or something, I am talking about maybe a species only tank. Maybe cut down on them and replace em with a couple bullhead.
Alternativly you could have some redfin pickerel and a massive school of something, maybe golden shiners or if you can get them one of the prettier species.
Alternativly again, you could just make it a giant community of smaller fish. Something like some madtoms, darters or sculpins for the bottom, get a couple smaller species of sunfish such as the banded sunfish. Then add a few small schools of various minnows like redside dace, redfin shiners etc....it would look great.