just curious

[frankenfish]

how big of a tank would one need to keep a few sunfish, bluegill, or perch? those are all native here and i always thought it would be cool to keep a native fish tank. obviously none would go in my 5 gallon but how big would i need to go?

 

[misterking]

I'd go as big as possible! Personally I'd forget the perch.. they grow a bit too big for most aquariums and your other fish would end up lunch. I have, however, seen them used in large tanks before they grow out and are transferred to a purpose-built pond.

I'm all for native biotopes, they can look really stunning, I believe a few forum members keep them (though I haven't seen them around in a while!). As I said.. go as big as possible, 150 gallons would be ideal (though this is to keep a good-sized population, people often keep bluegills and sunfish in as little as 55 gallons). Hopefully those members with experience keeping them will pop up!

 

[xarumitzu]

I agree with misterking, go as big as possible. I've always wanted to start a native tank but I know I won't be able to until I get out of college. I do know however that those fish can get pretty big.

 

[littletankbigworld]

I'd personally buy a larger tank for your other fish in the 5 gallon before purchasing a native tank. But I'd go with at least 100 gallons for those fish.