Help! Noobie Question...

[The.Kid9]

This question is probably for people who keeps tropical MONSTER fish outdoor... by tropical monster fish i mean pb, rtc, tsn, tsnxrtc, and you get the point...i know its not recommended but i would like to hear some comments and feed back as will it work (if possible how???)...the question is...will these fish have any (if yes, what???) problem or trouble in cold nights that the temperature tends to be around the 40s....the pond is probably above ground with only tarp covering...see image for more info...lol




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[studd muffin]

Yes it would be a problem. The only time I keep my tropicals outside is in the summer time. I only keep hardy tropical fish in there only such as pleco's and convicts. Even though I have styrofoam insulation it still does get chili.

 

[The.Kid9]

are there other ways to work around that problem??? would a small green house help keep the temperature warm at night??? and lifted/open during the day????

 

[studd muffin]

Not too familiar with green houses.

 

[The.Kid9]

is it possible to train or somehow get the fish use to the cool (65degree) - warm (87degree) water with out having to put them inside for winter and outside during the summer???

 

[Muske]

Go the greenhouse route. No need to remove during the day (maybe in the summer) if you have plenty windows for ventilation. I would still lean towards a permanent structure and add more ventilation down the road if needed.

 

[Luc70]

I think your solution would come from at least 2 things...
1. Volume of the pond...the bigger the better for holding a constant temperature.
2. Green house certainly a good idea, but isolate the pond if it is above the ground.

You could also think of heaters to support the cold nights, in combination with a green house.
One step further, you can think of solar panels and batteries or a hot water tank that circulates hot water in a closed loop around the pond to heat the tanks at night.

 

[Luc70]

One thing, make sure you have an airstone pullinf air from outside the pond and cover or any other type of access to fresh air when you cover the ond at night. Don't want yr fish dying from lack of oxygen.

 

[Muske]

Solar Thermal panels are an option, but not a cheap one and can only be used during the day. They might actually cool the pond if ran at night during cold spells. Supplemental heat either in the greenhouse or the water itself will most likely be required with any application u choose.