Comment by Robert Jango on January 14, 2013 at 1:38am

I think it would be an interesting experiment. Sunfish act like Cichlids but may be even more aggressive; so you're right to keep them alone. Being wild, the fish will probably be terrified whenever you approach the tank and scoot behind a rock, but I would still be interested in your experience.

The good thing about native fish is they don't need heaters and will overwinter even when ice forms on the surface. In fact they'll do better if exposed to seasonal variations. In this respect they're like goldfish. (Goldfish are domesticated Carp.)

Comment by Hunter P. on January 14, 2013 at 5:17pm

yeah i have a tint bluegill and had him for a week and he eats out of my hand

Comment by Michael Golisano on January 14, 2013 at 5:41pm

Alright now new question. Its been warm here this week like low 60's would you think it would still be a bit traumatic to get one now due to the temperature difference?

Comment by Robert Jango on January 14, 2013 at 8:05pm

I might be. I really don't know. I know firsthand that tropicals exposed to wild swings +/- 20 degrees will perish. And in his last video Dustin's goldfish (temperate fish - not tropicals) died in the greenhouse probably due to wide temperature fluctuations. Find out what the temperature of the pond is and see if you can adjust that temp upward over a period of a month.   

Comment by Michael Golisano on January 14, 2013 at 8:12pm

alright also i figure if i get the temp lower and i acclimate it in a bag long enough it wont be too much of a shock. As for the other water parameters ill be testing the water sometime this week.

Comment by Robert Jango on January 14, 2013 at 8:43pm

Leaving fish in bags for any extended period of time is deadly. Forget about that idea. People who ship fish from South America add stuff to the water (I forget what) to keep the fish alive. I would just place the fish in a bucket so you could change the water while slowly raising the temp. The adjustment period should be days if not weeks.

Of course, its entirely possible the fish could survive a sudden 30 degree swing in temperature but I'm not sure what kind of risk you're willing to take. As far as the other water parameters (PH, GH etc) I wouldn't sweat that too much; just make sure their water is clean. That means alot of water changes. Whatever you do let us know how it turns out.  

Comment by Michael Golisano on January 15, 2013 at 8:28pm

Alright will do ill probably wait a few more weeks though its gonna snow tonight from what i hear so ill wait till the snow dissipates before i begin 

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