Outdoor tank for a SAL

[noebyus]

Hi!
I have this small "pool" with water plants in my garden and I was thinking of moving my SAL there, as the tank he is living in now is quite small for his 11 inches. Yet, I'm not sure if this can really be done. I don't have experience with outdoor tanks. Are there special heaters to heat the water or something? I don't think I would have problems in the summer,as temperatures range between 77-86 at that time of the year, but during winter it's much lower (48-53, even 32).
Does anyone have experience keeping SALs outside?

Thanks!

Noelia

 

[sbuse]

it might get spendy to heat that tank if it is not in a shed or somthing like that. in mn winter gets often a high of 32 thats why i need to build a pullbarn of my big pond plans, you could have a tank inside to winter it though. i only have expirence with a koi pond no heat required. good luck

 

[SimonL]

There is a much larger problem than heating the water, which is doable with a submersible heater...Lungfish must breathe air and inhaling cold air, even if the water is warm, can damage or kill the fish.

Best left inside methinks...

 

[noebyus]

Hi! Thanks for you replies. I hadn't think about the cold air. That can certainly be a problem. But the idea of having a tank inside to keep him there during winter is good.

I've read somewhere that I should be careful with the water plants in the tank, because if the surface is completely covered with them it might prevent the lungfish to breath. Is that correct, or is it a bit exaggerated?

 

[SimonL]

Long as he can reach the air it'll be fine. They haven't lived in swamps for hundreds of millions of years without being able to deal with floating plants lol.

 

[andyjs]

My little 4" SAL can easily move the floating plants in his tank to breath. I'm sure yours will be fine in that regard

 

[justonemoretank]

Your summer temperatures sound so wonderful right now... It's 95 and crazy humid in Virginia. I'm jealous!