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Ok thoughts, ideas, and suggestions are needed for a small tub pond...by small I mean something Rubbermaid-ish that would be on an apartment balcony.

As far as fish options, I have WCMMs, Endler's and gold barbs; I would choose one type, not all three.

-Would one of the clear tubs or colored work best?

-Would I just use a regular gravel substrate?

-Does the tub have to be cycled?

-Is filtration or aeration necessary?

-Are water changes done regularly, like with a tank?

-Is a cover necessary for any reason?

Thanks


Last edited by Theresa_M at 08-Apr-2005 12:18

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

If by small clear ones you mean the ones sold as storage totes, I suggest no. IME they cannot support the weight of the water. Go with a stock tank if you're looking for a pond that won't have soil support. Additionally if you were to use a translucent or transparent container you'd have increased heat issues. We get up to the 100s after all, and if it's outside it's going to heat quickly.

Go with a cover or lots of floating plants, dont want anyone jumping out after all.
Have a look @ [link=crazygars WCMM experiment]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Cyprinid%20Corner/38715.html" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link].

^_^[hr width='40%']"Put your soul in the water,
And join me for a swim tonight"

Hi,
Aquarium Fish Magazine, ran a 4 or 5 page article on
"tubbing" that was amazing. I know I have the issue
(have several years) but I don't remember which or when.
You might try their web site, and then look for an index
of articles. It was a very comprehensive article.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

For tub spawning they sell stock tanks that are only 1ft deep by 4ft long and 3ft wide. These are around 60gallons and work great for small fish. A 15g storage tub works but any larger and the sides on most will stretch, bow, and eventually give. Your filtration, water changes,aeration are all done by plants. That's what makes it so simple. You need lots and lots of plants that are fast growing, use lots of nitrates, and give off enough oxygen. My licorice gourami spawning tub is half filled with water and duckweed but on hold because temps dropped down to the 40s again. Also going in the tank are wisteria, water sprite, hornwort and maybe some of the big lilly plants taking over my 55g. It's good to shade the tub at least partially or it can overheat. The fish eat the bugs, the plants use the fish waste, the rain refills the tank, and we have a mini ecosystem. I just check on mine once a week and by the end of summer I have dozens of little fry. So far I've only used labyrinth fish but I know it has been done with other fish.