Things You'll Need
Instructions
Fill up a holding tank with water which is 2 to 4 feet deep and 6 to 8 feet wide. Use well or pond water, if possible, when filling the tank because it has less chemicals and contaminants than tap water.
Fill the tank's bed with aquatic plants and ornamental accessories. You can purchase these from a pet supply store.
Install an aerator in the tank. The aerator's pump goes into the water while the hose attached to it will go beyond the side and suck in the air from the room. This will ventilate the water in the tank.
Place an air bubbler inside and sitting on the frame of the tank. This will produce a current in the tank and will reduce the stress on the fish. It will also help to maintain an even water temperature.
Place the shiners into the tank and ensure that the water is at room temperature by placing an aquarium thermometer in the tank. Temperature shock can cause your fish to die. This is also a requirement for the fish to lay eggs. After you have checked the water temperature, cover the top of the tank.
Feed your shiners daily with algae, goldfish, flies and beetles. Clean the tank weekly and regularly replace 10 or 20 percent of the water in the tank with fresh water. This needs to be done to prevent the formation of algae blooms which can cause the fish to die.