new to native tanks

[jarrodrussell]

hey all i just read a post about native fish tanks and just looking around for some info about them

i have a 250L fish tank with one large canister filter and a smaller filter in it

just looking for some tips and set up ie gravel wood plants ect

could someone also post pics of their native tanks to give me inspiriation ?

[Stella]

Have a rummage through the natives section, there are heaps of discussions about tank set up etc etc as well as lots of photos of people's tanks.

A 250L tank sounds like a great start - they definitely need their space, particularly ground area (few natives are mid-water swimming, most spend much on their time on or near the substrate).

As for decor, start checking out your local streams. The great thing with a native tank is getting to create a lovely natural habitat. Get to know how your streams work, what is in them, then decide what sort of habitat you would like to show and what species you like. I have one tank modelled off a forest stream - it is dark and woody, with large stones and gravel and very mild flow. An old tank was a riffle with very fast flowing water, very clean and large stones and lots of light.

The truly great thing about recreating native habitat: no faffing about with plants! :happy1:

And *cough* I have just published a book all about keeping native fish

[phoenix44]

no faffing about with plants! :happy1:

I think I'm going to have nightmares tonight. :nilly:

[Stella]

my work here is done 8)

[DennisP]

my work here is done 8)

:lol:

[Kinbote]

I presume natives need fairly cool water. Are there any chillers that don't cost $1500?

[blueether]

Desk fan and 3lt justluice bottles of ice

[Stella]

Yeah, cool water is key.

It is possible to do it without a chiller but you need to be careful. Also being in Auckland puts you at a disadvantage, being warmer to begin with.

Ways and means (preferably as many as possible) in order of importance:

Start by putting the tank in the coldest room of the house.

Have good ventilation (my window is open 24/7 on security stays).

Have as large a tank as possible (large volume is more stable).

Have the lights on timers so they are on for the minimum required time.

Have the lights lifted above the lids allowing heat to escape.

Avoid aquarium hoods that retain heat (while bearing in mind that these fish are escape artists)

Use icebottles when necessary.

Weekly waterchanges at least (less chance of pathogens or toxins building up)

Ok that sounds like a daunting lot....

I believe that any major group of fish is probably about as hard as any other to look after properly. As long as you understand what they need (and give it to them) you will be right. Tropical fish are easy for most people simply because that is what the hobby industry is geared towards. Natives aren't hard to keep, just a different mindset

[Kinbote]

Thanks Stella. So what kind of temperature do we need to keep it at?

Yeah, cool water is key.

It is possible to do it without a chiller but you need to be careful. Also being in Auckland puts you at a disadvantage, being warmer to begin with.

Ways and means (preferably as many as possible) in order of importance:

Start by putting the tank in the coldest room of the house.

Have good ventilation (my window is open 24/7 on security stays).

Have as large a tank as possible (large volume is more stable).

Have the lights on timers so they are on for the minimum required time.

Have the lights lifted above the lids allowing heat to escape.

Avoid aquarium hoods that retain heat (while bearing in mind that these fish are escape artists)

Use icebottles when necessary.

Weekly waterchanges at least (less chance of pathogens or toxins building up)

Ok that sounds like a daunting lot....

I believe that any major group of fish is probably about as hard as any other to look after properly. As long as you understand what they need (and give it to them) you will be right. Tropical fish are easy for most people simply because that is what the hobby industry is geared towards. Natives aren't hard to keep, just a different mindset

[Stella]

LOL very good point!

Under 20*C is preferable, under 18* is ideal.

That said mine are mostly around 20-22* at the moment. NOT good, but I know these species are slightly more tolerant, and these individuals are healthy and the aquaria are well-maintained.

If they hit 24-25 I start freaking. That temp long term or above that temp as a spike and you start to get deaths and diseases.

High temps have two effects. Warm water holds less oxygen - obviously not good. Also the stress of the lower oxygen plus increased growth rate of potential pathogens means they can get sick more easily.

Think of it this way: you probably have cold viruses in your nose right now, but because you are not run down you are ok. Bring on winter and our bodies get run down so we are more open to infection.