Just starting a 75 gallon native southeastern pennsylvania tanks. I have 6 semotilus corporalis to begin. I'll probably just keep them until next spring. Any suggestions on what to do about logs and rocks and such. Moneys tight and I've seen some beautiful tanks on here with local decor.
Any tips or suggestions on doing native tanks
- Thread starter Brentw132
- Start date
May I start by saying welcome to MFK! Fallfish are my favourite eastern north american native fish along with central mudminnows 
If you don't plan on keeping them past next spring, they make wicked pike/muskie bait if there are any in your area 
As for aquascaping on a budget, make some trips to local creeks. Find small winding tributaries that flow through wooded areas and hunt down some driftwood. If you decide to collect rocks, try scratching them with another rock before using them in your aquarium, certain rocks can alter the pH level of the tank and some clay based rocks will forever make your water murky. Smaller fallfish tend to prefer current so the front half of the tank should be open water with a powerhead or two so you don't need too much decor in the foreground. As they get larger they tend to congregate in deeper slackwater sections of rivers, often around plant cover or structure so if you decide to keep any to adulthood, the changes can be made accordingly.
If you don't plan on keeping them past next spring, they make wicked pike/muskie bait if there are any in your area As for aquascaping on a budget, make some trips to local creeks. Find small winding tributaries that flow through wooded areas and hunt down some driftwood. If you decide to collect rocks, try scratching them with another rock before using them in your aquarium, certain rocks can alter the pH level of the tank and some clay based rocks will forever make your water murky. Smaller fallfish tend to prefer current so the front half of the tank should be open water with a powerhead or two so you don't need too much decor in the foreground. As they get larger they tend to congregate in deeper slackwater sections of rivers, often around plant cover or structure so if you decide to keep any to adulthood, the changes can be made accordingly.
I did this tank with gravel/sand from the local creek, driftwood collected from the local rivers and creek and fish caught in the same waters. Only things I bought (decor wise) were the two fake plants which I may be getting rid of now that my crawfish has been removed.
Just make sure you rinse and/or boil the gravel really well, and boil or soak the wood in hot water.
Just make sure you rinse and/or boil the gravel really well, and boil or soak the wood in hot water.
Yup, put on your hiking boots and take a walk. You can find everything you need at your local creek,river,pond,or lake. In the warmer months you can even get your plants.
Brentw132;4630772; said:
If you plan on releasing your fish next spring, change your plans. I do believe it is illegal to release fish after they have been kept in an aquarium.
Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions. Today I went out and got myself a beautiful log from the stream I got the fish from. I also got a nice rock for the tank. Only problem is the wood doesn't sink, I guess it has to get waterlogged first. I have it soaking in a large tub for the time being. I also went out to one of our lfs's and got myself a nice powerhead. Things are coming along nicely.
AutumnEffect;4631421; said:I did this tank with gravel/sand from the local creek, driftwood collected from the local rivers and creek and fish caught in the same waters. Only things I bought (decor wise) were the two fake plants which I may be getting rid of now that my crawfish has been removed.
Just make sure you rinse and/or boil the gravel really well, and boil or soak the wood in hot water.
Love that tank. How big?
Thanks! I love it too!
It's only a 40B and a grow out for my sunfish.
I had to rearrange, as the driftwood on the left must have been softer than I thought, and I noticed it disintegrating in the tank when I did a water change yesterday. I removed it, andI have some other pieces of driftwood to boil/soak today so I can redo that side. Perhaps I'll make is similar to the right side with the thinner branches angling toward the middle. We'll see.
It's only a 40B and a grow out for my sunfish.
I had to rearrange, as the driftwood on the left must have been softer than I thought, and I noticed it disintegrating in the tank when I did a water change yesterday. I removed it, andI have some other pieces of driftwood to boil/soak today so I can redo that side. Perhaps I'll make is similar to the right side with the thinner branches angling toward the middle. We'll see.