New to natives....in time

[teleost]

I'm also from Illinois. With a 150 gallon tank you have lots of options. Most large US fishes aren't suitable for the home aquaria due to aggression rather than size. Bass for instance simply are a mean fish that tend not to tolerate other fishes in the tank. You could keep a nice group of the more peaceful sunfishes along with madtoms, darters and topminnows. If a predatory tank is more your style, you could have a nice group of pickerel along with bullhead and maybe a group of OSS.

If you want an active tank I would advise the first example. You'll be very happy with the constant activity of the combination. I forgot to mention that you could also keep quite a few native minnows as dithers for that tank as well.

I would stay away from ponds as they tend to have very little diversity and often stocked fish (hybrids). Natural streams will give you the best range of fish and the most fun IMO.

 

[fishingaddict]

I think you would really enjoy a pickerel in a tank that size...or maybe three...haha. But for real I love my pickerel he is a very cool fish the only hard part is getting them to eat prepared foods.

Chad

is there a way to buy pickes? because im down in the south and i dont think there are any down here, so id have to order them. anyone know where i can buy some? thanks

natives are awesome to keep in tanks.. i have a few bluegills that are very active and arent too shy. good personality too.

 

[kakojones]

Bluegill are probably the best natives for a tank that size. They may even be the best natives just for activity and personality.

 

[dprUsh83]

In a 150, would it be overstocked to keep 2-3 bluegill with a 10 inch oscar?

 

[Chad55]

is there a way to buy pickes? because im down in the south and i dont think there are any down here, so id have to order them. anyone know where i can buy some? thanks

natives are awesome to keep in tanks.. i have a few bluegills that are very active and arent too shy. good personality too.

I could give you a couple people to talk to about getting them they might be able to help you out...right now is not a great time to get them though they are out of season mostly.

Chad

 

[Chad55]

In a 150, would it be overstocked to keep 2-3 bluegill with a 10 inch oscar?

No that would be fine.

Chad

 

[ewurm]

In a 150, would it be overstocked to keep 2-3 bluegill with a 10 inch oscar?

I think thats OK, as long as the fish are the same size.

 

[dprUsh83]

I am psyched. I was on craigslist (as always) and somebody offered to sell me a 150 gallon tank for $215 (which includes their delivering the tank tomorrow morning).

I won't be able to build a stand for it until around Christmas time, but that will give me time to upgrade my filters too. At least I will have my tank sooner than expected though, once I get a chance to go fishing I'll be able to get my new fish ready to go!

 

[teleost]

IMO bluegill are drab in color and kinda mean. Almost any any other sunfish is better for the aquarium based on looks or attitude.

 

[dredcon]

IMO bluegill are drab in color and kinda mean. Almost any any other sunfish is better for the aquarium based on looks or attitude.

Ya'll just have that ugly bluegill strain up there, the pretty ones are down south. hehehe