Sand/Coral/Fish from Ocean?

So what are the risks of (or would it be okay to) getting sand and eventually coral and even fish right out of the ocean? I live in central Florida and can get stuff from the Atlantic and the Gulf. Could probably even get to the keys for some nice tropical white sand and the like.

TIA

 

Ha, have the same question. I live in the Bahamas, and friends have done it all the time... although I am sure there are some tips, rules.

 

I was just in Turks! Couldve swam over and seen your tank, lol. You have some nice sized rays down there, and some pretty boxfish.


You can, but iw ould check with laws concerning the colletction of creatures and rocks from the area. The fish/rocks/ETC from the ocean have no guarentee of being free of nasty stuff, but they are natural

 

I was always under the understanding that getting anything from the ocean was a no-no. You might bring something that will hurt your tank, anything close to shore is properly polluted. Now that piece of advice was for me(Miami) I dont know if it differs depending where you live. I'll be honest when I tell you that I myself have gotten Hermit crabs, corals and algae straight from the ocean and nothing has happened to my tank. However, I do believe its still a risk.

 

I guess I just wondered, especially starting a tank, I could just take some 5 gallon buckets to the coast and stock up on what I assume would be live sand (wouldn't it?)

 

Well, theres only one way to find out;D What size tank are you setting up?

 

While there may some risk of introducing pollutants to tank if gathered right near shore...they are probably negligible compared the "legal" and "moral" risks.

Check out "rules" closely.

You did not mention water, which I think would great if you could get a good ways off shore. (Maybe use a UV sterilizer on it just to be safe.)

I think in general, if you are not a licensed collector, not a good idea.

"Om"

"Reef on"​

 

i have no clue on any of the rules, but im sure if you were just setting a small tank for show, and if u didnt take anything that was endangered or rare or anything like that, i dont see the harm really. but i can see the point of the pollutants in the water or animals or rock, but i think it would be really cool. concider it protecting and helping the local population!!

 

you know ive been living here in florida and never did the water out the ocen thing or sand.makes alot of sense to me.i know they have royal gamma out here in florida.

 

You can collect most fish. When I go snorkeling I see a bunch of tangs,gobies,sergeant mayors, etc.. Sand is too much trouble so for $20 bucks a bag I just buy it. Water is too much of a hassle also. You can get some corals like polyps,ricodias,anemones etc... You can not get any hard corals!

You have to have a saltwater fishing license by the way.

And heres a link to back my post.
RECREATIONAL HARVESTING INFORMATION FOR MARINE LIFE SPECIES