Looking to buy a RTC, some question first

[joxer]

I'm looking to buy a RTC (I Think). I know these get HUGE but currently I have a 90g tank, I'm going to be working on building a pond in the next year or two.

My question is how long could he last in my 90g?

What size pond would he need in order to fully be ok in, and would he be ok outside during the winter in Virginia?

 

[Jesse]

IME, RTCs grow very quickly. Against my protests, my wife purchased a very cute 3" RTC earlier this year. It started out in my 55 gallon, was moved to a 100 gallon, then to my 180, and now to my 360 gallon, all in a period of around 9-10 months. It is now 18 inches long! Given that a 90 gallon is only 18 inches wide, I'd say it would be good for 9 months tops.

 

[tfaceon]

my friend has a 30in one he will sell for the right price pm me

 

[parker21104]

They do have the ability to grow anywhere from 2-6 inches monthly. I would give a 90 gallon 2 to 3 months.

 

[kntrygrl4lyfe]

It will not be ok outside in a pond in Virginia during the winter. Mine grew from 1.5 inches to 12" in 4 months.... so I wouldnt give that 90 very long. I say, make a nice indoor pond, and when its almost done Then buy one.

 

[joxer]

Even If I heated the outdoor pond?

What size pond would a RTC need in order to live a long life?

 

[bubba23]

that is a nice red tail catfish

 

[parker21104]

figure that there are now quite a few members that have 40" + rtcs I would give him a minimum 8000 gallon pond. Where ever you build a pond just remember it needs to stay in the upper 70's for temp.

 

[necrocanis]

One answer to heating an outdoor pond is insulation. Insulation can go miles. put an insulated lid, and insulated box around it you can keep one outside in the coldest climates. Just take it off during the summer so that you can enjoy the fish.

 

[kntrygrl4lyfe]

I wasnt sure if you ment you would heat it. But yeah if you heat it, and like stated above, insulate you should be good. Is it going to be above ground?