Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

So, has anyone tried to set up an aquarium just for Bluegills? Is it legal? Any suggestions?

Views: 1378

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

…been thinking about doing the same thing... i have a 55 gallon in storage id like to get going with some bluegill, seeds and crappie. i want to start them out small

I've been thinking the same thing but with a couple redbreasts .

Ive set up several over the years.
Nuttin to it. Just dont include anything smaller than them - they will gobble up little fish like tetras.
I made mine all bluegill, with a few plecos to root in the bottom. That's best.

No fancy water tricks, just treat em like a regular aquarium fish: clean water with regular water changes.
Just make sure the tank is established BEFORE introducing them normally. Also, adhere closely to the 1" of fish per gallon of water rule of thumb- so plan ahead. They'll grow pretty quick, when well fed and unmolested in a sheltered environment.
They dont need special food, just regular aquarium types. But they eat a lot.
I would also toss in flies, fleas, bugs out the yard, ticks, moths, grubs, regular worms - they don't care. They eat it all
as for legality, its not a problem if youre not caught. All kidding aside, Im not aware of any restrictions, anywhere, against the practice.
And its always easier to get forgiveness than permission

Thumbs up!

…thanks David ... what substrate do you recommend?

The funny redneck answer:
"Substrate? Shoot... just get you some rocks and gravel from the pond where you got yer fish!"
Seriously, I've literally done this. Plus water logged wood from the same water is nice. I like a bio-tope, or natural habitat aquarium.
Just soak your rocks and wood for 3-4 days in strong salt brine to kill micro-hitchhikersm then rinse well (NEVER use bleach, disinfectants or soap/detergents. Just brine).

Easier still is a mix of store bought gravel, with native rocks and wood. That's the way I'd go if I were setting up a biotope aquarium today.

If you want to grow rooted plants, then include an inch of potting soil between two layers of the gravel. Or do the gravel/rocks/wood thing and grow the plants in small pots. This also allows you to remove them for cleaning, repotting, or swapping out.

What size of tank did you have? I am setting up a 75 gallon and am wondering if I can have more than one sunfish.

How many bluegill did you have? 

this one would have been great for the aquarium

I have to say, I'd be shocked if anyone successfully keeps a home aquarium containing bluegill, pumpkinseed, redbreast, etc. For starters, you'll need a very large aquarium because they'll need A LOT of space. Most likely, if you have a tank under 150 gallons (probably need an even larger one), the fish will become stunted in size which is very unhealthy for the fish. Other than larger, commercial aquariums, I have never seen a home aquarium housing these types of fish. Keep in mind, these are not the types of fish you can buy in pet stores which have been bred for home aquariums. You can prove me wrong, but I can almost guarantee these fish do not survive in a home aquarium environment.

I've had aquariums like that for many years ... the last one was a 55 gal, but it started to leak so had to drain it, the fish were fine until then ... have also used them to keep minnows and craws alive almost indefinitely ... just picked up a 75 that I'll be stocking as soon as I get it set up ... I'll put just about anything in there, this time going to try numerous different species, various sunnies, a perch or 2, chubs, a crappie, a bass ... I like to watch them swim around and I've picked a couple pointers watching them eat ...  if they get to big I eat them   ;-)

What kind of substrate are you using for the sunnies?

RSS

Latest Activity

tracy willis commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Not often That East Coast of North Carolina Boat Ramps are Covered With Snow and Ice……1/22/2025

"yeah the ice in the bays have just melted as of this morning on KY lake.  this is the third…"
10 minutes ago
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003414

"Wow, beautiful!"
Monday
John Sheehan commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003414

"Real nice, Troy!"
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003414

"Looks great Troy……a beautiful reminder of the sport we love……good luck…"
Friday
Troy Dorman posted photos
Friday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

2lb 7oz toad

"This is a beautiful tribute to a great fish…..well done to the angler and your…"
Thursday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Agree John….we were reasonably mild until we reached January….we’ve had small craft advisories every day in 2025, no safe boating yet ,crazy"
Thursday
John Sheehan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Jan 22
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Not often That East Coast of North Carolina Boat Ramps are Covered With Snow and Ice……1/22/2025

Water looks inviting but single digit wind chills screamed don’t do it Jeffrey….cant wait for…
Jan 22
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"No Fish but got out on the Ice this past Thursday but no luck.5-6 " ice,19-21 turns of the…"
Jan 19
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's status
"Dick, I thought that used Christmas tree was for a Fish crib."
Jan 10
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's status
"No trees John. Trees around the whole pond on the outskirts."
Jan 9
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"Hope to see some action for both of us, Bruce! "
Jan 9
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's status
"That tree going out on the Ice for a Fish attracter, Dick?"
Jan 9
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's status
Jan 9
dick tabbert posted a status
"Starting to ice up here again."
Jan 9
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"I hoping this cold weather will get me back on the ice. It's been very windy here, too."
Jan 9
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"Last day of high winds are preventing proper freeze up. Lord knows it's been cold enough for…"
Jan 9
John Sheehan replied to Jim Gronaw's discussion BOWFIN LOVERS in the group The Big and Ugly
"From the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife site. New State record Bowfin  Frank Hubert caught the…"
Jan 9

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service