Planted tank outdoors? Would it work?

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Pyramid_Party

Pyramid_Party

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2008
4,916
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Monterey, CA
Hi,

I have this idea to start a Walstad-style planted tank. It would include 1 male Betta. The tank would be 1.75 gallons, and mostly be outdoors getting natural sunlight. I live in Southern California so I believe it is warm enough for the Betta. But in the event it were too cold, too windy, or raining I would bring the tank indoors. I would feed the fish and the fish would get whatever live food that comes around (Mosquito larvae, tiny insects etc).

Think it would work? I think the most important thing here is the plants used. I need some help selecting them. Comments/suggestions/concerns? Thx
 
More info:


There will be water changes when needed. I may add 1 Amano shrimp. Where I plan to put this tank, the sun comes overhead around noon. The tank would receive light from noon till sunset. But as the sun sets the tank will not be getting direct light, only partial.
 
IME, silicone sealed tanks are very weather un-resistant. the changes in temperature cause the seal to contract and expand and eventually come loose. I would suggest using a one piece plastic or acryllic tank.
the other thing I personally would worry about in that small a volume of water would be drastic temp. fluctuations. Of course bettas can take the heat of summer with ease, but I'm not sure about cold nights if it is like this in your climate.

Personally, I would use a larger bucket or a slightly bigger one piece tank (though not so big you couldn't carry it in and out easily)

Thats a good idea though, I'm planning on keeping bettas outside in buckets this summer for fun and mosquito control
 
Yeah it's acrylic no silicone. I get what you are saying about temp fluctuations. Maybe I will find something bigger. Gambusia are also good mosquito control too. But they would breed like crazy. In the spring and summer around here night time temps stay in the 70s mostly, maybe even the low 80s at night in the summer.
 
I think you would get assualted with algae honestly, as well I would be concerned with the wildlife. A small 1.75 gallon tank would be able to be knocked over by just about anything a squirels' size. Not to mention some larger insects, repitles, and amphibians attacking your fish. Im not very familar with your area, but I know down here I would be concerned leaving it anywhere except in my screened in pool area. Even still I would be worried about the algae more than anything.
 
Bhack91;4939841; said:
I think you would get assualted with algae honestly, as well I would be concerned with the wildlife. A small 1.75 gallon tank would be able to be knocked over by just about anything a squirels' size. Not to mention some larger insects, repitles, and amphibians attacking your fish. Im not very familar with your area, but I know down here I would be concerned leaving it anywhere except in my screened in pool area. Even still I would be worried about the algae more than anything.
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I have to agree. Algae would be the biggest problem with all the natural sun light.
 
Are you guys familiar with the Walstad-style natural planted tanks? Natural sunlight is part of the set up. But from what I know there is supposed to be a mix of natural sunlight with artificial light. I think with enough healthy plants algae would not be that big of an issue. Not to mention you could add amano shrimps or even an otto.

I am more concerned with getting opinions form those who are familiar with this method. Also, it doesn't mean the tank would be in the sun for like 12 hours. At most it would get like 6-7 hours of light with only like half of that being direct sun.
 
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Pyramid_Party;4943115; said:
Are you guys familiar with the Walstad-style natural planted tanks? Natural sunlight is part of the set up. But from what I know there is supposed to be a mix of natural sunlight with artificial light. I think with enough healthy plants algae would not be that big of an issue. Not to mention you could add amano shrimps or even an otto.

I am more concerned with getting opinions form those who are familiar with this method. Also, it doesn't mean the tank would be in the sun for like 12 hours. At most it would get like 6-7 hours of light with only like half of that being direct sun.
Click to expand...

Yes I am familiar with Diana Walstad. But the "walstad method" is not some thing new. It's what people did in the late 1800's all the way into the mid 1900's when filter and pumps became mass produced and widely available.

I read a while back that Diana Walstad is a moderator on APC. user name dwalstad

The facts are if you put a 1.7 gallon tank out side in the sun you are going to have an issue with algae. If done right algae should be your biggest issue. As I stated before.
 
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