local sealife in tank

[quadcam79]

just curious if anyone collects things from local waters for use in their tanks?
for instance hermits, i see tons of small hermits almost identical to the blue leggers, I'm thinking about grabbing a bunch and using them in my tank rather
than having to buy them.

I've even thought about collecting some sand from the beach and using it to cover the bottom of my tank but i'm concerned about introducing unwanted things into the system so i'll probably play it safe and go with regular playsand instead.

[betamed]

I've put hermits, sand, algae, dry rocks, shells, and water collected here in south florida.

[Loverotties]

Friend has a tank ,just what we caught using a sain net!

[chiapet]

Just be aware that right now there is a spotty red tide outbreak along the central region of the east coast of Florida.

Here are the rules for salt water collection in the state of Florida:

http://myfwc.com/marine/recreational/recharvestmls.htm

You would be surprised at what you would find off shore of Jacksonville in about 60-70 feet of water.

[dragonrep]

I used to have a friend that would scuba in local waters and collect fish. He found some really pretty critters. He would put the in a quarantine tank, identify them, and if they were not something he could handle he would return them to where he collected them within a week. The collection laws have have changed since then, but he always had an awesome tank.

[Bennihanna]

Just be careful because some temperate animals do not do well in tropical tanks (especially inverts). The fish from this area should be fine though. I know that the marine science center in mayport has quite a bit of local sealife in their tanks with no problems.

[andbigdaddy2]

Anyone have any suggestions on good places to collect in the jax area ?

[quadcam79]

I've seen tons of little hermits in the water while fishing at the jettys in mayport. thats pretty much the reason I asked the question.

[andbigdaddy2]

Is Mayport a open base again? I remember after 9/11 you couldn't get on to fish unless you had military ID.

[racerw]

You still need Military id to get on Mayport base

[slant77]

I think it was kinda silly that back in the day as long as it was light out you get on with out a military id. I think the closest base that you can just drive onto now is fort stewart. Also I don't think it was a great idea to fish any were on the base. I truly fund it funny how many guys would be catching fish from the harbor water.

[quadcam79]

not ON the base but directly across from it at the little jettys park. if you follow a1a toward mayport village theres an area right there before you get to the coast guard station. good fishing too, you just need alot of weight due to the strong current and the bottom is full of rock and oyster beds.

[racerw]

Another cool place to get some snails & crabs is Black Rock Beach off Heckscher north of Talbot Island. You can also see fish swimming in the rocks. Just have to be sure to go during low tide.