Native tank, Need help!

[Jarryd]

I need help with a tank that i want to start.

The fish that i want is a murray cod.

I will probably get a 4 foot fish tank. but, i am a complete huge beginner when it comes to everything else.

Im not going to ask much because i dont know what to ask!

I need alot of help as you can tell :p.

help me please!

much appreciated.

[Woodsy]

Hey mate,
If you want a cod and you're only going to use a 4' tank, you might want to keep in mind that they do grow relatively fast and as such, you should get your specimen as small as you can to begin with.
You'll need low lighting, a cannister filter that's going to turn your tanks volume over 4-5 times an hour, driftwood and preferably a fine sandy substrate.
pH should range from 7.2-7.6 with a general hardness (GH) of 180-200ppm.
There are a few other blokes on this forum who love their natives, and they should be able to help you with the finer points of keeping your cod. Good luck ;)

[wombat1100]

Hi Jarryd, I believe the trick with cod is not to feed them too often and to have NO heater on in the tank, this slows their growing down making your size tank suitable for a longer period, a plan on what to do with the fish when it outgrows that tank is also a must, you don't want to be cruel and have it in there just coz it looks good!

[Jarryd]

thanks both of you!

i need to know sme other stuff too,

like how often do i change the water and just tap water?

what do i feed it?

[cichlidboy]

depends on filtration etc..
you'd usually do a weekly 15% - 20% water change.
try to get the gravel siphon through most of the gravel.
and no, not just tap water.
pop into your friendly lfs and ask for help.
You need a tapwater de-chlorinator and a water conditioner(blue crystals)
You can feed your murray cod almost anything.
they seem to almost eat anyhting you give it.
I'd go for high protein cichlid pellets as a staple.
And pop in some peeled fresh prawns, or mussels and even small fish.
google some info up, you'll be surprised what you can find.
as far as normal tank maintenance is concerned, just ask the friendly people at your lfs.

TJ