Re: [Killietalk] Anyone raise killies in tubs outdoors?

[Gary Elson or Mary Frauley <fraulels at videotron_ca>]

I've used 20 gallon plastic tubs with various plants. You have to watch for 
temperature stability and torrential rains. I've done it for several years. 
Results vary - more often than not I have lost the fish. However, I have 
also harvested tons of juveniles at the end of the summer in other cases.

You need floating cover and hiding places. My new neighbourhood has a lot of 
mosquitos, so fish to eat them seems a plan. I live in a region of unstable 
temperatures (Montreal) and so you have to prepare for heat and cold. It 
gets hotter here than these fish may be adapted for in Africa, so shade is 
very important.
Depth matters as there will be predators (birds, raccoons, cats) about, and 
killies still jump outdoors. Don't expect to see a lot of your fish. When I 
keep Epiplatys outside, I can find them and their behavior is interesting. I 
have A poliaki Tifa out back now, and their camouflage works half a world 
away from where they evolved. You see the surface strikes when they take a 
bug, but you don't see the fish against the dark bottom.

I am also 2 km from the nearest natural fish habitat, so it's safe. Don't do 
this if your fish could escape into nature, as even if the winter kills 
them, with luck the coming summer will be long.

Gary E
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Allen Newkirk" <awnewkirk at comcast_net>
To: <killietalk at aka_org>
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 4:53 PM
Subject: [Killietalk] Anyone raise killies in tubs outdoors?


>I am just wondering if anyone has experience raising killies outdoors in
> tubs? I am thinking about trying it this year and would like any input
> on the process...e.g., recommended strains, what plants to use, what
> type of tubs to use.
>
> Thanks for your feedback.
>
> Allen Newkirk
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