Outside tubs in summer for breeding

[duanes]

Unless you are in shade almost the entire day, a 25 gal can fluctuate wildly.
I found even my 300 gal would vary 15-20 degrees F.
The 50 gal barrels work well for me.
I soak wood and breed grammars shrimp in the barrels/
I also hatch artemia outside. When the newly hatched shrimp seem used up, I pour the remainder in a container and usually end up with hundreds of semi adult and adults after a couple weeks.


gammarus below

 

[warhawk]

The place I'm think will be in the shade most of the day and out of the wind so that should help but I will need to test them for sure.

 

[paulW]

Thanks everyone.

I think I'm going to try it this year for sure. Do you guys think a 25g would be enough water to keep the temp from swinging too far? I do have three more 55g barrels I could cut the top off for more water or cut in half to give me six 25g tubs.

I would only put very small fish in the barrels.
You might want to leave the depth as is .. it will probably be cooler in the bottom of the barrel (I am guessing, I do not know for sure). And if nothing else, more water volume keeps conditions more stable.. Of course you are limited by stocking due to surface area..

Another thing I forgot to mention, it is important to give the fish shade.
I get some window shade fabric at the fabric store and use binder clips to secure it to the top of my tubs, across the middle. So about 1/3 of the tub is covered by this "awning".
I can pull it back when I want to look at the fish.. kind of ghetto looking, but it is instant shade cheaply.

 

[paulW]

I have never thought about doing daphnia. I will have to do some checking and find out how to start a colony of that.

A local fish club , ebay or aquabid is the best way to get a starter..

 

[warhawk]

Good idea on the shade I will do that for sure.

I will have to look for a starter for sure. No real local clubs in the area but I did get to talk to a breeder that does Discuss and Angels this morning, I'm meeting him this weekend so I will see if he has enough for a starter.

 

[Mr Pleco]

I used to breed fish all the time every summer , here in KC you have to wait till late may before putting tropical's outside .. I'd cover 100 gal plus stock tanks with egg crate diffuser with at least have the tub covered to block direct sunlight.. Cichlids and royal plecos never looked better in the natural sunlight , natural food sources, produced large SA and CA cichlid spawns.. .. Smaller tubs under 100G the weather affected water temp too drastically ...GL

 

[Chub_by]

My 25g holds water temps just fine. If you're unsure you can insulate using styrofoam for example.

 

[warhawk]

I'm thinking this summer will be a test, I will keep is kinda small and next year expand and maybe do some cichlids.


I didn't think about insulating the tubs but I could do that. Could even make a frame and build a mini greenhouse later in the season.

Really would like to do some Gourami in the tubs but I currently only have 2 and not sure if they are male or female. Plus I know nothing about breeding them other than they are nest builders like betta.

 

[Ray90]

I've use this method, typically with 50_80 gallon Rubbermaids with drilled holes for ease of cleaning/draining.

Personally, a pond is much more easy on the ideas. Or brick work around the tubs.

 

[paulW]

Really would like to do some Gourami in the tubs but I currently only have 2 and not sure if they are male or female. Plus I know nothing about breeding them other than they are nest builders like betta.

Male gouramis have a more pointed dorsal fin. Also they are much more territorial, so you can sometimes tell which is a male just by watching behavior.
Google some pictures, most gourami are easy to sex.