55gal biotope of Upper Catawba Watershed stream tributary, specifically a rocky run habitat.

[AquaHobbyist123]

(Will try to post pics when I can, though sometimes I am unable to for some reason)

So currently I am trying to recreate a stream habitat near where I live. Here are some specifics:

Tank: 55-gallon

Light: Currently a TopFin light hood, soon to be replaced with a 48" Hygger 978 Planted+ LED.

Filter: Marineland Magniflow c360. For extra flow I will also use ACO powerheads.

I am using spectrastone creek large gravel, which is similar to what I've seen in some streams near me, in addition to some weathered rocks which were obtained at my local Lowe's Hardware.

Plants: I decided to use Vallisineria americana. I am going to attempt to procure some wild plants, and maybe some Fontinalis.

Here is what I am thinking of as far as stocking:

6 Cyprinella Shiners, 10-12 small Notropis shiners, 2 chubs or 4-5 Darters (Seagreen or Piedmont). This is my first foray into keeping Native Fish, so let me know if you have any suggestions.

I already have the tank set up, though I will add a few things soon, such as additional rocks. I will hopefully be able to post pics soon.

Edited March 9, 2023 by AquaHobbyist123

[ScottieB]

Great idea!  Is that North Carolina? Would love to see a picture. 

[AquaHobbyist123]

Yep, it is North Carolina. Will try to post pics as soon as I can.

[Odd Duck]

You’ll want to get @Fish Folkin on this.  He’s our NANFA expert.  Tank sounds very interesting!  Looking forward to pics.

[Fish Folk]

Well, I’m no expert, but I’m definitely a huge fan!!! This sounds amazing. Here’s a 55 gal. NANF tank I recently set up for a High School Biology classroom…

Notropis chrosomus, Chrosomus erythrogaster, Enneacanthus obesus, Etheostoma caeruleum; Valisneria americana, Hygrophilia difformis, Hygrophilia polysperma, Crypt wendetti,  Java moss

[AquaHobbyist123]

Alright, so still collecting fish.

So far, after collecting yesterday, I got 8 Dusky Shiners, 3 Rosyside Dace, 4 very small chubs. Sadly my lone redlip shiner passed away in quarantine. Going to continue trying to wild catch Fieryblack Shiners before getting captive bred, gonna try again Thursday. The main problem with collecting those is that most of the streams they are in are classified as freaking trout waters and I can not collect them in it because they're considered a baitfish. 😠

[AquaHobbyist123]

[AquaHobbyist123]

 

 

[nabokovfan87]

Beautiful fish.  They remind me a lot of SAEs.

[AquaHobbyist123]

On 3/19/2023 at 3:13 AM, nabokovfan87 said:

Beautiful fish.  They remind me a lot of SAEs.

Yeah, the black lateral stripe does remind one of SAEs

These are Catawba Greenhead Shiners (Notropis chlorocephalus). I found em in a local creek 5 mins from my home. Like a free fish store lol. I hope to begin breeding them soon.

@Fish Folk also collected some recently.

 

Fieryblack Shiner (bad photo, they are very fast swimmers)

 

[Fish Folk]

Yours are coloring up wonderfully!! 

[AquaHobbyist123]

On 3/19/2023 at 11:28 AM, Fish Folk said:

Yours are coloring up wonderfully!! 

It's amazing just how fast they have adjusted to tank life!