using large stock tanks for fish?

[stingray94]

Hi I was pondering the idea of using a 535 gallon stock tank (7 foot circle and 2 feet high) for rays. Here are a couple problems that I come across:

evaporation? How much water would you lose if it was kept inside? Do you have to make a cover, if so how?

filtration? an eheim 2260 and another filter or a sump? How big would the sump have to be? How would I make it? Can somebody please walk me through how to make a sump?

heating?2 400w theo heaters, 4? How much heat does something like this need? Thanks in advance

 

[rob0521]

The sump would probably have to be at least 100 gallons, a DIY sump would be probably the cheapest way to filter that much water. As far as heating, around 1200 watts but more is better.

 

[stingray94]

Ok so I could get a 100 gallon sump, how would I make a sump without overflows? Thanks

 

[cjohll]

try looking at the indoor pond section.

 

[cjohll]

A cover of some sort helps alot but the round tanks are a liitle harder. The stock tanks take up alot of room and are sturdy

 

[Dr Joe]

Do some searching on here. There's at least two tanks with covers, several different sump systems for them. At least half a dozen people are using indoor pond systems for their rays here. Pick the ones that interest you and then ask more specific questions.

Who's the manufacturer of your stock tank? Straight wall or tapered?

What's your budget like.

Does it have to look pretty?

Rule of thumb on sump size is 1/3 of tank for average bio-load.

Water loss will depend on room's humidity.

Use 2" Styrofoam 4'x8' sheets, cut and piece together for the cover.

Heaters depend on ambient air temp in the room containing the pond.

Dr Joe

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