Bottom feeders

[rydordi]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here. I've been to this site many times via google searches.

I have a native 55g tank with a LMB, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, and a Rock Bass. I have started to pellet train them, but they spit out so much food. I expected the catfish to clean up all the food on the bottom, but he really doesn't, so I'm looking for a bottom feeder that won't get eaten by my LMB.

While fishing in local streams in Northern VA, I've seen plenty of loach type of fish and suckers. They will swim right by my food while wading. Would these clean up the bottom? Anyone know how I could catch them?

I used to have 4 green sunfish that were really good at picking up scraps, but they all got terrorized to death by the LMB one by one.

Would a Pleco eat up carnivore food? I've been trying to find one on craigslist.

 

[MN_Rebel]

Limit your pellet feeding and clean up any uneaten pellets. Give the catfish some time and he will eating them like candy. But I am concerned about your current stock in a 55gal. None of your fish are suitable in a 55gal as adults.

 

[rydordi]

Thanks for your comments. I can't say that I have definitive plans for the fish when they reach those sizes, but for now, I think they are okay. Here's some pics of the setup, can you tell me how long until they are too big?

 

[DammitKhoa]

Does look awfully familiar.. Does you name happen to be Charles?

 

[rydordi]

yeah, lol.

 

[jdl]

i have a pleco in my tank that cleans up the bottom. It is also as big as my natives so they dont bother it at all. I also have a goldfish as big as my sunfish so they dont bother him either and the goldfish is the best bottom dweller of all time.

 

[killzmke]

Plecos don't clean. If anything they're mess makers. They're poop machines. Cats are good bottom feeders.

 

[DammitKhoa]

yeah, lol.

Haha sorry for the miscommunication on our end, the day you came by. Welcome to MFK man

Looks like the rock bass is still settling in a bit. It has those dark stripes when it's not happy haha but imo, it looks awesome that way.

 

[rydordi]

Haha sorry for the miscommunication on our end, the day you came by. Welcome to MFK man

Looks like the rock bass is still settling in a bit. It has those dark stripes when it's not happy haha but imo, it looks awesome that way.

NP and thanks. The rock is getting terrorized by the LMB. I was hoping he would be bigger, but I think he will be okay. I added the flowerpot and 2 cave structures for him.




Does anyone know how to catch a small carp. I'd like to catch one that is about 7-8"

 

[Ambervikings91]

nice fish