Re: Sunfish aquarium

On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:16:56 -0700, Charles Woolever wrote:

> Looking for suggestions on the typeof setting for sunfish or bluegill
> in an aquarium. What size/color of gravel to use and recommendations
> on rocks, plants, wood. I'm looking for a natural looking setting.
> 
> I see these fish hanging out next to docks with no plants around,
> swimming over rocks. I see them in the weeds. I see them hiding in old
> broken ceramic pipes.

Well, they like some cover to hide and some open space to swim around.
Other than that, they'll adapt to any conditions. 

I've kept a longear sunfish in a 29H. I had long jungle val in one corner
which covered part of the surface. He would hide in there, if he was
surprised. There was an open area with no rocks or plants with pea gravel. 
That's where he would keep a look out over his dominion. 

You could make your tank look like the edge of stream with a rock wall
and some driftwood. That would be cool, too. 

Spawning is in a shallow nest dug out on sand or small gravel. 
So, give them an area where they can dig, if they so choose.