Ill make sure and take my thermometer with me next time I head to the lake!I would do some more research. Actual temperature data of Michigan's inland lakes shows me that they don't get up to 80 degrees until late summer if at all.
A pond heater is not a good solution. If you figure a good rule of thumb for an aquarium is 5 watts per gallon for an insulated aquarium then you can figure on doubling it at a minimum to heat an uninsulated pond. For a 1000 gallon pond you are talking about 10,000 watts of power! The electric company is going to love you!
I understand the appeal of these fish but they would be better off if noone ever purchased them to begin with as they are not suitable to be kept in aquaria.
Andy
Just out of curiosity, what research did you do? What data was collected to say our inland lakes dont heat up till late summer? Is this an average of all inland lakes in Michigan? If so I would say it would be somewhat irrelevant.. considering the amount of lakes in the U.P. that im sure never heat up at all.
I live in Lenawee county, it borders Ohio, as south as you get in Michgan. And the lakes around here are HOT by Mid July...
As I said originally, since you have mentioned it in both of your posts (I can read btw), I did not Purchase these fish, I didnt go out of my way to Get them, I took them from an aquaintance, who had them in a 55g, I am trying to give this fish a better life, since he wasnt. If you dont want to support what I am doing, fine by me, but I def. dont need your negativity, it doesnt help... thanks!