Collecting and Keeping LM Bass

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rittz

rittz

Banned
Jan 11, 2014
45
0
0
Arkansas
When I was in college a few years back I had a lm bass I caught from a local pond, I kept him in a 55 until he got larger and I returned him to the pond. I remember the bass being a smart much like a cichlid. Its been a few years so I'm rusty and needing some tips as I'm going out in the morning to try to collect a few from my family's pond. So here's my plan.

I have a cycled 100 gallon waiting for the bass, this tank will be for them alone. I'm aiming for two or three 5-9 inchers. Before putting them in the 100g I'm placing them in individual 40 gallon wide rubber maids, 60 gallon HOB, ph 7.0. Room temp water and considering adding homemade black water extract, yes or no? I'm thinking them being in the rubber maids for two weeks will reduce stress with them not having to look out glass and having people walking around the room spooking them and such.

I'm planning just to fish with a pole and medicate for any damage the hook causes. What do guys think?

I'd appreciate the help!
 
Also the drive home will be an hour, should they be OK in a ten gallon Rubbermaid filled half way, and would u recommend me catching an extra or two in case of any losses?

And yes I do have more space available.
 
To be honest - you're overthinking it.
Just put them in a 5 gallon bucket with a battery air pump and put them right in the tank. Don't worry about all the fancy shmancy chemicals / additives.
Start them on worms, and let them get hungry, and try pellets. Mine took pellets immediately. (About that size.)
But - a 100 gallon tank is tiny - you should have only one in there eventually.
 
fwprawn said:
To be honest - you're overthinking it.
Just put them in a 5 gallon bucket with a battery air pump and put them right in the tank. Don't worry about all the fancy shmancy chemicals / additives.
Start them on worms, and let them get hungry, and try pellets. Mine took pellets immediately. (About that size.)
But - a 100 gallon tank is tiny - you should have only one in there eventually.
Click to expand...
yeah honestly just keep one, catch a few and put them in a bucket until you're done, choose the healthiest (make sure its lip isnt too busted) and it wont die in your tank for sure, they are hardy
 
Thanks everyone. I'm going to bring back two. Just in case one goes south, upgrading the aquarium would not be a problem. I've got some rosy reds I'm attempting to breed so I have some disease free feeders, worms and such for food.

Should a 5-9 incher be OK in a 40g wide for two weeks? Also debating on adding gravel and rock works for idea or keep it bare. Trying to ease the transition.
 
I've placed natives in an aquarium and they got stressed and died the same day in the past. I feel more comfortable using the rubber maids if each bass can survive in 40 gallons for a week or so. Possible?
 
Think about this - it's coming out of a pond - which has (sand/gravel), rocks, plants - you would want to have something at least similar to make it feel "at home." Again - don't over think it.
Also - start small - it will do better adjusting.

If you have had natives die the same day, it means they were not handled properly or your water conditions were not right.
 
Thanks guys!And in the long run and with a tank upgrade can these fish be housed with other fish besides, other natives?
 
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