Hey guys. I typically keep bait (common shiners) in my garage over the Winter months as bait for ice fishing. I don't have any problems other than it freezing during really cold days. The fish are fine, but it has broken a HOB filter by freezing solid and expanding. Also, I have an old unused acrylic sump that I was thinking about using instead of my rubbermaid storage container tank. I think that will crack with the expansion. Obviously I could heat it slightly, but is there something I can add to the tank to keep it from freezing? I know limestone creeks in the area stay "warm" in the Winter and don't freeze. Is there somewhat of a similar strategy for a tank? Some kind of additive or chemical?
Keeping Fish in Garage Over Winter
- Thread starter bjbass
- Start date
Plain salt, CaCl, etc will al lower the freerzing point of water. Limestone creeks don't stay warmer, they just require lower temps than non-limestone creeks to freeze. And of course moving water creates friction between the molecules which generates a bit of heat.
How about insulating the tank and the HOB with bubble wrap (for example) when cold weather is predicted?
How about a stock tank heater? I have one in my horses' water tank. It keeps the water above freezing, but not warm. They have a floating type and a sinking type. Some are even designed to be used in plastic tanks. I overwinter some hardy lilies and a couple goldfish in my horse tank every year.
Oh, and a HOB filter would still freeze. I'd stick with an internal filter for a tank that might get that cold.
Oh, and a HOB filter would still freeze. I'd stick with an internal filter for a tank that might get that cold.
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