Setting up a 4ft tank outside - Need advice

Hi!

I am looking for some advice...

Space is getting cluttered inside the house, so I want to move a 4ft tank outside.

What would you suggest? I plan on keeping it planted, but to go as low tech as possible. Even, if possible, without heaters.

So, what are some suggestions? I know to keep it in a shaded area, outside of direct sunlight, or at the least to cover the sides, back and top of the tank to keep the sun out, unless I want green soup.

And I suppose that keeping live bearers would be first choice? (Not really into keeping goldfish) Any other fish that might do well outside?

Is there any suggestions for keeping the water temp and parameters stable? I can insulate the bottom, sides and back with poly, and thinking of maybe making a "box" with old pallet wood where only the front side is visible. That way I can keep the sun out, and insulate most of the box... However, if I do this, then I will need lighting there, which I can do...

Any ideas, or suggestions?

Thanks

 

Maybe look into White Cloud Mountain Minnows? They prefer things on the cooler side and are stunning little fish. LMAO every time I see two males flaring at eachother

 

Jip, was considering them as well. Brother in law has some Golden WCM, and they are quite pretty and entertaining.

 

I have 4 in unheated tank. See 2 are plumbing up, so i think i might have 2 males and 2 females.

If you do decide to keep guppies etc you will need a heater, there are people saying that they acclimatised them to cold water, but seeing is believing...

Anyway, the insulation sounds quit good. But do it properly. I would even do the front at night if its outside with valcro. But if its outside i would even considder heating it with solar in conjunction with heater, which is fairly easy.

Wish i could heat and use my tubs outside year round, but i think electricity usage might become a problem.

This morning my tubs was at 12 degrees, and outside temp 18, the water temps is still to cold for tropicals.

I would say, most fish should be ok outside in summer, but not year around unless you heat the tank or pond, which will use electricity, erespectively....

 

I considered solar, which is easy enough to do, however, regulating the temp is another story.

I also thought about making a cover for the front, but will see when it comes to design stage.

I have seen people successfully keep guppys in ponds year round, so I think if the temp change is gradual enough, and does not dip too low, they will survive, and can even thrive.

That's awesome about your minnows. Hope you get a successful spawn soon!

 

Luckily it doesn't get too cold in winter here. This winter we only had 1 or 2 nights where it dipped to below 3-4 degrees.

Something I must consider is protecting it from hail storms, so thinking a box-type cover will go a long way in that regard.

Mmmm, not very keen on Goldfish. I know you get really fancy ones, and some people really like them, but they are not for me.

One of my biggest concerns are algae... They just loooove sunlight.

And I wanted to ask, if I keep it in full shade, will there be enough light for plant growth? Or would I have to add lighting?

 

Jaco, i sent you a message, regarding solar option.

 

@Fishlips Where did you send it to? Nothing received yet...

 

Went to your profile then message

 

4ft sounds great ourtside. Don't consider the algea as a problem. My river tank, no heater all year, is outside. If you add some powerhead to create flow you can go that direction. This opens up a lot of options. Sewelia's. Gecko Loach. Firefly Loach. Blue Mountain Goby. Boreo Sucker. White Clouds. Sumatran Goby. And there is more.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info!

Have you got any pics of your setup? Sounds really interesting!

 

I will load some foto's tonight. Mine is a 2ft though. Would love to do this in a 4ft

 

Awesome, thanks!

 

Yes mountain minnows is a good choice, they can handle even colder temps, i had them in a unheated intex pool all year round, and they breed lekker too they dont eat their fry. So good choice yes.

 

I use solar on my guppy pools, one pool is a intex 6500 ltr, it warms it up in.the day to 26 -27 to give heater a break. So heater really only.runs half the time

 

What about paradise fish, anyone ever try them outside? They been available a lot lately.

 

Here is a photo of what my tank looks like now

 

I had White Clouds for many years in my pond but sadly they got wiped out by Common River Frogs and tadpoles so I have reverted to Goldfish . One winter the water temp went down to 5.5C and the White Clouds still survived. They thrived in the warmer weather and bred well.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I will be getting a munch of minnows. Now to start looking for some nice spiderwood...