Hi! I have a question

[RAP_SoCal]

I am new to this board. I have a question.

I am an avid diver here along the SoCal coastline. I do numerous dives just about every weekend, from the beach, as well as, boat dives out at the Channel Islands. I am real experianced with freshwater setups, but I want to do a coldwater marine setup, to bring what I see into my house for all to see. I would do one for now, more to follow if this works out. I would be doing my own collecting of the species I see everytime I dive. It would have to be a coldwater setup, as the water temps here are between 51deg upto 71deg in the summer. There are so many things to collect. Bluebanded gobys, senioritas, nudi's (numerous species), urchins, anemines, shrimp, and numerous other items.

My question is: is this feasable?

I am very mechanically inclined, so a chiller is no problem.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[Gealcath]

Make sure there are no laws or regulations you have to follow before you start collecting wild populations.


Also not everything you find in the ocean can work in an aquarium, Nudibranches are an example. Whatever you see a Nudibranch eating on a reef means it will ONLY eat that one specific thing.

 

[RAP_SoCal]

Make sure there are no laws or regulations you have to follow before you start collecting wild populations.


Also not everything you find in the ocean can work in an aquarium, Nudibranches are an example. Whatever you see a Nudibranch eating on a reef means it will ONLY eat that one specific thing.

I checked the laws already. I can collect for my personal use with a fishing license.

I would have to study each species (i.e. eating habits, compatability, ect.)

I plan on doing alot of research, and gathering of info, before attempting this. I want to make sure I know what I am doing, first.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[OrionGirl]

Oooooh.....I want to be your friend! I'm moving to California in March, and that's exactly the kind of tank my husband and I want to setup! We'll be just up the coast, Lompoc area.

So, here is our plan: Set up the tank and cycle it with a mix of base rock and low grade decorator live rock, 3-4 inches of sand. This way, we won't import tons of tropical water animals that will just die off, but will be able to establish bacteria colonies. We're not going to worry about a chiller, but rather have a heater set to keep it from dropping below 65. We're going to focus on the tide pool animals initially, since they will be more tolerant of instabilities. A few small fish, then anenomes, urchins, and lots of inverts and snails.

If you're interested, we can get in touch once I've moved out there. I'll happily help you with your setup if you'd be willing to share a few specimens collected during your dives!

 

[RENEGADE]

I've always wanted to do this! I've found some great stuff fishing by the channel islands but never knew if it was legal or not to keep them.

OG: I don't think your going to have to worry about going below 65

 

[reefrash]

When you get started post away!!! I ran an aquaculture facility up here in HMB for years, and saw some of the coolest stuff in my barrels. Make sure you set your tank up so that the stand can handle some condensation, it's amazing how much water builds up on the glass/plexi, and you definetly don't want dry rot. Just run a squeege across the tank and your golden. BTW, my father lives in Goleta, and I'm down that way quite a bit to surf/visit, I'd be willing to put my $.02 if your interested, that is of course if there's any beer in the fridge :sim: .

 

[OrionGirl]

Guiness is usually on stock.

 

[RAP_SoCal]

Oooooh.....I want to be your friend! I'm moving to California in March, and that's exactly the kind of tank my husband and I want to setup! We'll be just up the coast, Lompoc area.

So, here is our plan: Set up the tank and cycle it with a mix of base rock and low grade decorator live rock, 3-4 inches of sand. This way, we won't import tons of tropical water animals that will just die off, but will be able to establish bacteria colonies. We're not going to worry about a chiller, but rather have a heater set to keep it from dropping below 65. We're going to focus on the tide pool animals initially, since they will be more tolerant of instabilities. A few small fish, then anenomes, urchins, and lots of inverts and snails.

If you're interested, we can get in touch once I've moved out there. I'll happily help you with your setup if you'd be willing to share a few specimens collected during your dives!

Sounds like a plan. I would be happy to share what I bring up, for info and help. I have been wanting to dive up the coast, also, so maybe a short dive trip is in order in the future :dance:

I just talked to a local store owner and she said most of the species that I will be collecting, can handle a little rise in temp if it is done slowly, 1/2 to 1 deg a day. upto around 71degs, and do perfect. She said that it is a great idea, that alot of people always talks to her about this kind of setup, but, she doesn't know of anyone that has set one up. We will be on the ground breaking crew.


Reefrash-I will do alot of posts, and I am sure have alot of questions. So, a sitdown may be in order.

Renegade-There is so much to see down there. The fish and game told me that a good rule of thumb to follow is if there are alot of the spicies, then it is ok to take them. I still want to make sure I am doing it legal

Rick

 

[reefrash]

Aquaria Central West Coast!!!!!!! Yeah!!!! :dance: