Bluegill aquarium - anyone?

[Clay Thompson]

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

[Slip Sinker]

…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

[Gillchaser]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Thumbs up!

[Slip Sinker]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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.

[Julie Schroeder]

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.

[Julie Schroeder]

How many bluegill did you have? 

[Slip Sinker]

…this one would have been great for the aquarium

[NJAngler]

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.

[bait_guy]

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   ;-)

[Julie Schroeder]

What kind of substrate are you using for the sunnies?