80*F Dwarf Neon Barrel in -Degree weather

[knuggs]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to share some pics of my water barrel that I keep outside by my front door. It has been in the negative F temps for awhile now but this barrel has been able to maintain its heat. I do use a trash can lid to keep it covered so it doesnt evaporate too quickly. I have a group of Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish that reside their, started as a pair but bred this summer. It has Hudoroi Crypt, Unknown Moss, Anubias, HC, and Some kind of Ludwigia for Fauna. Maybe some Orange shrimp in there to but not sure, havent looked that hard.

 

[rufioman]

Wowzers! How many watts of heating and gallons of water? Sick idea, bro, might have to try this!!!

 

[knuggs]

Thanks, I know one of the heaters is 400w which is what I usually just keep in there but when it starts getting below 10F I have to start using the other heater which I believe is a 200w but not sure cant remember. I have to turn the 400w down almost all the way when I have them both going or I would cook them. I guessing its somewhere around 30g. We have had wind chills of -20-30f temps and woke up yesterday to -9 F which is has gotten down to -15 without wind chills and still manages to keep up. The barrel is kinda of a tester for the pond I started last year and plan on finishing this year and hopefully have it up all year round too.

 

[Chrisinator]

Wow! Thats very cool!!

 

[knuggs]

Thanks Chrisinator!

So, I filled the barrel back up to top level yesterday and found 5 lil babies floating around the top. The Neon Rainbows must think its still breeding season. Heres a pic for proof, kinda hard to see but they are there

 

[gmh]

You have an hob filter on the side of the tank? Do you leave this tub uncovered a few hours a day for the plants to get sunlight? Do you perform water changes?

 

[Wren]

That is awesome!

 

[daphilster08]

Always wondered about doing this! Now I might this summer and see how it lasts for next winter in the Minnesota winters! Thanks for sharing!

 

[knuggs]

You have an hob filter on the side of the tank? Do you leave this tub uncovered a few hours a day for the plants to get sunlight? Do you perform water changes?

Yeah all I have is a inexpensive HOB from walmart. I uncover it in the morning and cover it at night. I could prolly leave it uncovered all the time but my light at my front door is always on because the digital timer malfunctioned and havent taken the time to replace it, other priorities. I usually just add water. Since it doesnt have a liner and is naturally sealed it leaks a lil time to time. Once in awhile I will take water out.

That is awesome!

Thanks Thats a great looking rainbow in your profile pic. What kind is it?

Always wondered about doing this! Now I might this summer and see how it lasts for next winter in the Minnesota winters! Thanks for sharing!

Your welcome, always glad to help Its been well under the negatives here this monday was -15 and the barrel was still around 78 and not running at full capacity of the heaters.

 

[knuggs]

Well the barrel seems to working well still. I've pulled hundreds of fry out.
This is one of over 10+ pitchers I have pulled out in the last week.


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