Darter biotope

[Bigfishnut]

Thought I'd post a few pics of my little stream tank I built for my darters. I go out every June here in Northwestern Pennsylvania and collect them. Always keep a few of the best ones. They really do surprisingly well in captivity, I feed mine a combination of mysis, bloodworms, and spirulina brine shrimp. They will even eat flake! I set up a 20 long with a 1.5" bulkhead draining to a 15 gallon tall sump. I crank 525 gph through the tank to simulate a stream. Flow is end to end from a home-made spray bar. The darters love it!

 

[Bigfishnut]

Here's a few pics. I have a real stunner male rainbow, and 2 equally nice bluebreasts in the tank that get most of the camera time. Also some other male and female rainbows, a variegate, greenside, and a female blue breast.

 

[tlindsey]

Awsome!!!


Thinking about ordering from Johnas Aquarium. I live near the Chagrin River but can't swim or I would collect them myself.

 

[tlindsey]

I also was told over the weekend that they will be spawning soon.

 

[Bigfishnut]

I also was told over the weekend that they will be spawning soon.

They spawn in June, just as the water level drops and temps go up. Usually about the second week of June in my area. They are always in the shallow riffles (10"-24") and look for clean, gravel sand bottom. I'd love to see you get into darters Thomas. They are fantastic little fish!

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

Nice looking fish! Do you have any videos of them?

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

You should submit the last one to POTM.

 

[Bigfishnut]

Nice looking fish! Do you have any videos of them?

No video right now

 

[Cowturtle]

Nice looking tank I love the 3d backgrounds I wish I had made one for my darter tank. I set one up last year but ended up turning it into a reef tank. Here's the best looking darter I've found from a few years ago.

 

[Bigfishnut]

Super nice rainbow! That background is actually flat pieces of shale I found. So it's actually a natural 3D background!