outdoor tropicals in florida

[jpaner]

I'm going to be moving to Tampa and I want to keep tropical fish in outside all year. I'm thinking a pond/aquarium which could be viewed from one side would be best. I'm looking for some ideas on how to house/heat this in the winter months. I'm thinking a water temp of 70F would be the lowest I would like to go. The avg air temp in Jan is about 63F and I think water temps are in the low 60s also. I'm going to need some way to heat this water up a few degF with out costing me a lot up front or in utility bills. I think a heat pump is the best answer but are pretty $$.

John

 

[Indigo]

Hi, the only fish that I can think that are happy in those sorts of temps are goldfish and koi. Even fancy goldfish wouldn't be too happy with that. As for heating, I think gardening stores, and places like Home Depot might have pond heaters.

Hope that helped a little...

 

[jpaner]

Actually most of tropical fish come from farms in this region. I guess they heat the water when it drops to the low 60s. I'm just looking for some ideas on how to heat.


John

 

[sky.eyes.woman]

A pond heater will be a great choice for the winter months there, since you really don't have to worry about freezing temps. I'd be more concerned with providing some shade for the fish to retreat to in the summer heat when the sun beats down on everything, and protecting your fish from raccoons, cats and predatory birds. It may not be the most attractive way to protect a pond, but some 'shade' screen like they use in the outdoor plant nurseries down there would do all of those things

 

[jpaner]

most pond heaters keep the water from freezing. I'm trying to keep the water at about 70ish.

 

[Indigo]

How much water/how big of a tank are we talking about here? standard aquarium heaters like ebo's, etc could work, not sure if they're meant for outdoor use, they are completely submersible though... so I suppose it could work. Depending on the amount of water you've got, you could get multiple heaters, like 3 300Ws or something. If its an inground pond, you'll have some of the insulating effects of the earth, which will help keep it stable. Which will in turn help your electricity bill... does this help a little?