Store-bought fish in ocean water ?

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Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 29, 2011
3,441
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New England
I set up a "touch pool" for my nature classroom. I've had it set up for a few weeks, and am now going to return the animals to where they came from - but one of the crabs I had caught was "born" without chelipeds. I would rather him have a luxurious life of not having to worry about predation, or food.

This means I'm going to be the new keeper of a salt tank - which was not planned. I use ocean water rather than mixing it myself.

My question is; can I buy some fish from the store (thinking maybe a couple damsels or clownfish, etc.) and put them in ocean water? I'm not sure if the salinity will be a large factor in play here, for the fish?
 
There shouldn't be any problem as long as the tank is heated and the specific gravity is between 1.022 and 1.025.
 
What temp do most store fish need ? mid 70's ? Or is room temp okay?

The specific gravity is what I do not want to bother with - I have enough to focus on, as it is, with my other tanks - which is why I asked - is this pretty much close to ocean water in the stores ?
Thanks!
 
Most saltwater fish sold are tropical not temperate/cold water fish like you'd find in your locale. They should be kept in 76-82F water. Idk how a temperature that high will affect the crab you currently have, though. Also, yes, the ocean water found near you should be of a similar salinity to the water found in tropical regions/LFSs. Just make sure you acclimate the fish and you should have no problems.
 
Depends on how cool we're talking an how aggressive the crab is. A Catalina goby or even a jawfish does best in cooler water like around 68-70 but they might get pestered by a crab. If the crab really is defenseless/helpless then I'd go with a Catalina goby or two. Good luck!


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I don't know what kinds of crabs are out in new england, but horse shoe crabs are great for touch pools too if you find some.
 
It's a green crab - which apparently is an invasive here - I love horseshoe crabs, but have not found a baby in many years.
Room temp would probably be about high 60, low-mid 70's.

I don't know what Catalina Gobies are, but will look them up. The crab has no way to catch fish, so this is an unique situation.
Any other fish that would be okay in this temp? Thanks!
 
Several things you should know - The Ocean water along the coast is generally polluted, Fish sold in stores are generally tropical meaning proper homeostasis occurs for these fish in ocean waters @ approx 78 degrees, and salinity increases with heat - I doudt the oceans around england are a match to those of the waters between the meridians. Just somethings to keep in mind as you proceed.
 
Just curious, does the water in New England have the same trace elements and stuff as the water on a reef? Or is that what you meant by "I doubt the oceans are a match?"
 
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