Many people are unaware that they can stock their aquariums with native fish, rather than exotic fish. If you want to have a North American game fish, you will have to get a large aquarium and evaluate what types of fish you want to have. Learn how to maintain the aquarium, feed the fish, and keep them happy and healthy. In no time, you'll have an aquarium full of hardy fish that you can enjoy for a long time!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Install and Maintain an Aquarium
Step 1. Choose an aquarium that is large enough to hold large game fish
A 100 to 150 gallon (380 to 570 liter) aquarium is a good size. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fish for every 1 US gallon (4 liters) of water. You should also be aware of aquarium accessories, such as plants and structures, and that larger game fish need more space to swim. Start small with just two or three fish and add more over time, once you know there will be enough room.
- Snook and other game fish grow fast and large for small aquariums, so carefully consider whether you have enough space for them.
- It is also advisable to start with fewer fish to get an idea of how much food to buy and how often you need to clean the aquarium. Game fish eat a lot and produce a lot of waste.
- One of the reasons people love having game fish is for the fun of watching them grow. Week after week, you will watch the fish get bigger and learn more about their habits.
Step 2. Imitate the natural habitat as much as possible
North American game fish generally live in lakes and ponds populated by other creatures and objects, such as driftwood, rocks, and surface gravel or substrate. If you catch a fish in the wild, you can add objects such as small pieces of driftwood or rocks from the lake or pond to the aquarium. If you buy a fish, add store-bought accessories so your new fish isn't exposed to potentially dangerous bacteria.
It is up to you if you want to use gravel, substrate or nothing in the aquarium. Some aquarium owners prefer not to put anything in the bottom of their aquariums because they are easier to clean. If you add gravel or substrate, keep the level 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) deep
Step 3. Use lamps to imitate what happens in nature
Lakes and ponds are generally exposed to light for 10 hours a day. Set the timer for the lamps to turn on and off at the correct times. For example, you can turn on the lights at 7 a.m. m. and turn them off at 5 p.m. m. If you decide to leave the light on for longer, no problem, as game fish are very hardy and can adapt to almost all living conditions.
- Some North American game fish owners do not use lamps at all if their aquariums are in a room that receives a lot of natural sunlight.
- Generally, it is sufficient that the fish receive at least eight hours of light every day. Although wild-caught fish are used to changing seasons, you don't have to worry about restricting sunlight during the winter and spring months.
Step 4. Use a refrigeration system to keep the temperature between 55 and 70 ° F (13-21 ° C)
Cooling systems can be expensive, but it is the best way to ensure that the water temperature is kept at the correct level. Cooling systems are generally designed for a specific size of aquarium, so be sure to carefully evaluate the ability to purchase the correct system for yours. For game fish like trout, keep the aquarium cool at around 55 ° F (13 ° C). For most game fish, a temperature between 16 and 18 ° C (60 to 65 ° F) will keep the fish happy and healthy.
- Some refrigeration systems include a thermometer that reports the actual temperature, but others do not. If your model doesn't offer this feature, buy an adhesive thermometer to keep inside the aquarium so you can easily check the temperature.
- While cooling systems are expensive, they last a long time, making them a good investment.
- Before purchasing any aquarium equipment, take some time to read the reviews of the various products available.
Step 5. Check and clean the filter every three to four days
Game fish eat a lot and produce a lot of waste. At a minimum, check the filter every four days. If you notice that the water flow has slowed down, the filter is likely full and needs cleaning. Some filters come with removable cartridges that you can remove and rinse, while others must be completely removed. Always follow the instructions of the equipment to be able to maintain it correctly.
Once you become more familiar with your fish, you will know how often you need to change the filter. The fewer fish you have, the longer the filter will last between washes
Step 6. Change the aquarium water biweekly.
Unlike aquariums with exotic fish, the water in an aquarium with game fish should only be changed every two weeks. To do this, remove between 25 and 50% of the water from the aquarium. Check the temperature of the same and the one you will add to make sure they are the same. Then add fresh water to fill the tank.
If you have trouble remembering when it's time to change the water, write the information on a calendar
Method 2 of 3: Caring for the Fish
Step 1. Acclimate the new fish to the aquarium carefully
Take about 25% of the water from the fish bag or bucket. Replace the water with the aquarium water. Add one cup (250 ml) of aquarium water every 10 minutes for an hour. Then you can take the fish to the aquarium.
Regardless of whether you caught your fish in the wild or bought it from a store, take the time to introduce it to the aquarium appropriately so it is not impacted
Step 2. Plan and follow a careful feeding plan to keep your fish healthy
All game fish eat earthworms, shrimp, whitebait, cockle, shrimp, algae, and other small creatures. Since fresh food can be expensive, feed your fish a mix of fresh, frozen, and pellet foods. Feed them once a day and all the food they can eat in a 15-20 minute period. Try to always do it at the same time so that they learn when to expect their food.
Many hatcheries and pet stores sell game fish feed
Step 3. Separate male and female fish to avoid overpopulation
Determining the sex of a fish can be very difficult. If you buy one in a store or hatchery, the seller will let you know. If you need to determine sex on your own, there are some tips you can follow:
- Observe the sexual opening of the fish, which is the opening between the anal fin and the anus. A circular sexual opening indicates that the fish is male, while a female's opening is usually more oval in shape.
- Female fish are generally much larger than males.
- When in doubt, consult a farming expert to determine if your fish is male or female.
Step 4. Introduce one new fish at a time to allow the fish to acclimate to each other
Game fish, especially those caught in the wild, are used to coexisting with other types of fish. This means that you can have a variety of species in your aquarium. However, since the aquarium is smaller than the natural habitat, some fish can become very territorial. For this reason, take some time to introduce new species to the aquarium. Add one new fish at a time, even if you already have that species in your aquarium. Give it three to four weeks to adjust before putting in other fish. This way, you can make sure everyone gets along and has plenty of space.
- If the fish get aggressive with each other, you can let them fight a bit to see if the dominant can prevail and hopefully the sub will back down. You can also rearrange the habitat so that there are different territories for the fish. Consider providing several hiding places where attacked fish can find shelter. As a last resort, you may need to remove one of the fish from the tank or create a blocked area in the tank with nets and place the aggressive fish for a week before wanting to reintegrate it.
- Feel free to check out various sport fishing forums to learn more about other people's experiences. You can learn from the successes and failures of others.
Step 5. Look for signs of illness or injury
Pay attention to fin rot, open fins, scratches, missing scales or eyes, or broken lips. These are all signs of injury. Fish that float more than they swim, sink to the bottom of the aquarium, or begin to hide more than normal could be sick. When a fish stops eating, it usually indicates that it is sick or injured. If a fish is injured and needs to heal, use a net to create a cordoned off area of the aquarium and allow it to live there for a week or two until it feels better. If a fish is sick, you can buy medicine at the store.
- You should always make sure that the aquarium filter is working properly, as is all the equipment. Sick fish can often get better after a water change or a small change in the aquarium.
- Diseases spread quickly in an aquarium, so it is important to catch them as early as possible.
Method 3 of 3: Choose Different Kinds of Game Fish
Step 1. Keep bass in the aquarium if you are looking for lively and cheerful fish
Snooks are very active and swim most of the day and night. Often times, they start following you around the aquarium once they know the feeding routine. Snooks grow very fast, so catch or buy a small 3-4 inch (7.6-10 cm) to enjoy watching them grow.
- Snooks like small insects, algae, shrimp, and bloodworms, and can also be taught to eat flakes and granules.
- This type of fish usually eats 2/3 of its weight per day, which means you will need to pay attention to the filter to make sure it continues to function properly.
Step 2. Pick freshwater sunfish as a colorful fish that thrives in an aquarium
You can easily catch sunfish in the wild, and there are around 30 different species. They are an excellent option if your aquarium is small. They thrive in aquariums of 210 to 280 liters (55 to 75 US gallons). Most eat insects, small fish, and crustaceans, and do not grow as fast as snook.
Large, adult sunfish can become territorial, so pay attention to their behavior. If they become very aggressive, you may need to take them to their own aquarium
Step 3. Add the colorful sun perch to the aquarium as an iridescent addition
If you like the look of tropical fish, the sun perch may be a good choice, since it is similar in color. It can grow to a maximum of 23 cm (9 inches), making it a nice addition to an aquarium.
- This type of fish likes to feed on small insects, snails and larvae. It also eats shrimp, bloodworms, flakes, and granules.
- This fish can be very aggressive, so pay attention and remove it from the aquarium if it starts attacking others.
Step 4. Choose the minnow as a long-lasting addition to your aquarium
This type of fish eats algae, plankton, and small insects, although it also eats flakes, shrimp, and bloodworms. At most, add two minnows for every 10 gallons (40 liters) of water. These fish can withstand many changes in the environment, making them a good investment for an aquarium.
If you plan to buy these fish, keep in mind that they are also known as "rosy reds."
Step 5. Choose trout for the aquarium if you can keep the temperature low
Trout require lower temperatures than most game fish, so they often cannot be mixed with other species, such as snook or sunfish. Keep the temperature at 59 to 63 ° F (15-17 ° C). Trout also need a strong current, so make sure the aquarium is equipped to aerate the water well. You can put a maximum of two or three trout in a 1000 US gallon tank, so keep that in mind when choosing fish for your tank.
- Trout likes to eat leeches, bloodworms, and small insects, and can also be taught to eat flakes and pellets.
- Brown and rainbow trout are the most commonly kept in aquariums.
Step 6. Don't buy or catch overgrown fish
Carp can grow up to 1.2 meters (48 inches) and produce an excessive amount of waste. The cattan can exceed 1.8 meters (72 inches), and the sturgeon can grow to 1.8 meters (72 inches) and weigh more than 90 kilograms (200 pounds). Many of these fish can also eat the rest of the fish in the aquarium.
When in doubt, do your research or talk to someone who has an established game fish aquarium for recommendations
Advice
- You should always do research on a new game fish before adding it to the aquarium. There are many useful forums online that tell you where to find a fish, how to care for it, and what the best practices are.
- Check state laws before catching a native fish. You may need a fishing license. States generally have web pages where they specify their rules and regulations.
- Many aquarium forums encourage owners to release very large game fish into the wild, but this can be illegal in many states. It can also be unethical, as the fish will not know how to defend itself or feed itself. If you need to release it, find a private pond.