I've got another 75 gallon tank and was going to set it up as a rift lake tank. However I went to the LFS and was intrigued with the idea of a native North American species tank (bluegills, perch, etc.). While they don't have the colors the africans do, I think it might be kind of a different look. Would I even need a heater for these fish? I assume since they live in colder water they'd be fine without heat.
Native N.A. Species Tank
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You are right in that most NA fish do not need heaters, in fact you're more likely to need a chiller -- we're talking temps in the 50s and 60s. There was a great thread a couple of days ago titled "Native Fish, Need Help" here in Freshwater forum which would be a good starting point...
Oh, if you haven't been properly welcomed yet,
Welcome to Aquaria Central, home of more North American fishkeepers than anywhere else on the internet
Val
Oh, if you haven't been properly welcomed yet,
Welcome to Aquaria Central, home of more North American fishkeepers than anywhere else on the internet
Val
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You don't need a heater for most of them and I would stick to stocking from lakes and ponds. Trout need cool water and a chiller but bass, perch, blue gills and bullhead will be fine in cold or warm water. Be prepared to feed live foods, earth worms, mealy worms and feeders. My bullheads ate dry foods too. I did notice these fish to be quite messy. Have fun.
That sounds like a good idea. You don't need a chiller of a heater for bluegill or perch. Keep your bluegill and perch in groups. They should be fairly easy to feed.