Fill a holding tank with water. The size of the tank can be from 2 to 4 feet deep and 6 to 8 feet wide. If possible, use well water to fill the tank because well water has fewer chemicals and biological contaminants than other water sources.

Fill the bed of the tank with both living plants and decorative accessories. Most pet supply stores will have a large selection of plants and accessories.

Install an aerator in the tank. The pump of the aerator will go into the water, while the hose attached to it will extend over the side and suck in air from the room and oxygenate the water in the tank.

Position an air bubbler inside the tank. The bubbler should be underwater and sit on the frame of the tank. It will make a wave current in the tank and reduce stress on the fish as it will help maintain the water temperature in the tank.

Add feeding materials for the shiners into the tanks. Algae, goldfish, and some flies and beetles are excellent sources of nourishment for the shiners.

Place the shiners into the tank. Make sure that the water is at room temperature when you place the shiners in the tank. A temperature shock may cause the shiners to die. The water in the tank should always be kept at room temperature as it is the temperature required for the fish to lay eggs. Cover the top of the tank.

Monitor the food given to the shiners daily. Do not overfeed the fish. Give only enough food for each day that they can eat in a 10 minute-period.

Clean the tank every week. Regularly replace the 10 to 20 percent water in the tank with fresh water. This will prevent heavy algal blooms, which also can cause the shiners to die. Also refrain from putting soap or chemicals inside the tank. These substances may be toxic to the fish.