I am considering setting up my 100 gal rubermaid outside again. It has been sitting full of water from the rain for the winter.

Last year I had 11 comets in it. All went well until I put some stagnet duckweed in for a treat and killed off 9 in about 30 minutes. Was such an awful time. The two that survived are in the house in what is becoming a crouded 20 gal tank.

I want move the location of the tank to a shady part of the house. this way they would be safe from the hot summer sun.

What is the best plan of attack for cycling the tank. I set it up and put the fish in it last year. It took about two to three weeks to cycle if I recall.

I am considering getting a few more fish after these are outside. Should I get some more feeders and fatten them up or should I get something else? The 20 gal will be empty and I would need something in it. I have a 10 gal on the lower deck with white clouds in it. I would love to move the white clouds up to the 20 gal tank but they would start to have babies. I think at this point they reabsorb the fry.

I am also considering getting a heater and leaving them out next winter. There was only a three hour power loss this winter. I dont think three hours would have been enough to harm them.

Ok I will send this off and see what wisdom comes back.

Thanks for your help in advance, Demi

Demi, here is what I would do...
When setting up the 100 gl tub, I'd take out all the filter media from the 20 gl and put it into the filter that you have planned for the 100 gl. Then stuff the rest of the filter full with new filter media. That way you don't have to cycle - the new filter will contain the bioload already that is neccessary to keep your 2 fish happy. The new filter media also will seed with the biobgs rather quickly, and after a week or two you can take out the filter media you need if you wonna get the 20 gl tank again.
As to what fish to add this summer - you can get around 2-3 more. Comets need much more space than fancies, I calculate at least 30 gl for mine, but they would do fine in 20 gl each as well. You can get more comets, if the red/white pattern is the one you love. Or have a look at shubunkin, which are basically comets in calico pattern. If you can find wakin in your area, they are also nice pond fish, and grow big just like comets, are also very hardy and can withstand some cool water.

As for leaving them out next winter - that depends on where you live and how low the temps get at the most....

Thank you for responding Andrea 8)

I live in Portland Oregon and it does get below freezing for about three weeks in the year. I was wondering if a stock tank heater would keep them happy. I would not be able to have another tank inside to winter over if I got more fish. these are busting out of the 20 gal as it is. They would not be able to move if I put them in a 5 gal bucket for transport so they would have to go into a 18 gal rubermaid to transport.

I live with and care for my 92 year old grandma in her home. she has often asked me when we are eating them for dinner. Saddly we I have very restricted space to put another tank. Thats why I had the stock tank. I had 11 various sized ones in it last year.

Thanks for the cycling suggestion.

Now to get motivated to empty the rain filled 100 gal's. We have had lots of rain this winter. Our yard is clay and wont absorb it.

Thanks again.

Demi

Portland, hm? Gosh, you realize you have the biggest goldfish show each year right infront of your nose? I am jealous!!

The stock tank heater should be just fine. In addition, you have to shut off the filtration when the water temps get below, say 50, and stop feeding around 55 degrees. I always cover my tubs with some styrofoam that I get cheap at Homedepot, and leave just a tiny spot open for oxygen exchange.
Yours should be doing fine...

Why shut off the filtration when below 50. I configure my filter to pump straight up during the winter to help keep a hole in the ice.

Be careful with stock tank heaters as they are intended for metal tanks. When used in plastic tank the heaters must be well anchored so that they can not touch the side of the tank or you can get a melt through.

Shutting off the filter prevents the water from cooling down too much too fast. Every time the surface is agitated, the pond water gets a "sniff" of the cooler water in the air, and eventually will get cold itself.

With the filter shut off, there is almost no surface agitation, and the pond water has a better chance of keeping the temperature more stable and dropping slower. Of course, if you would have an underwater filter of some kind, where the filter output never touches the surface of the pond, and goes into the pond from below, then you don't have to worry about that. Its only important when the filter output of water gets a chance to "take in" the colder air before hitting the pond water...

thanks for the good ideas. I think I could almost pull it off. Now the last thing to worry about is we have had lots of standing water from all the rain. The yard is made of clay and is always so slow to drain off. the area I am thinking of putting the tub is on a brick area. If the water is standing on the brick would the tub be too heavy for the area? I would not want the tub to cause setteling of the brick or something like that. I have not even checked to see if the brick is level. This idea may not work if it is going to be slanted. Looking at the brick it looks flat but who knows what my perception is of when looking at it.

Thanks again 8)

What we do with the bigger ponds Andrea is move the filter/pumps up to a shallower end so it doesn't pump the warmer waters and I run my hose over to a shallower spot just below the surface to keep a spot open. And I get way more snow then Demi see's in a winter! Its just a trick to moving things about....

Demi, there's a trick with stock tanks, cover rolled insulation with plastic so it won't get wet from rain and wrap the stock tank. This in turn can be hid with rocks. Otherwise you do need to be careful with heaters as suggested. You could also build a shelter cover for it as well.

If you want some shebunkins I have heaps of baby's and don't live that far away, your welcome to have any of them you like!

I live the otherside of Detroit lake in Idanha...

These guy's are ready to go anytime!

Wow thank you Kathy 8)

I live in Portland. Not sure what I want to do yet about increasing numbers. Want to get these two settled in first.

We are going to a family reunion to Fishermans bend this summer. I bet we could take a little detour and come East a little further if it worked out 8)

now its sorta a waiting game for the yard to dry out more so I can move and refill the stock tank.

It is so exciting to connect with people here in the forums.

Thanks again, Demi

Thats only 25 ish miles away! Know exactly where it is!

That would be so cool! I've really got a variety going here. Some are solid white, some two color, some tri color. Few solid silver too. I just know I have to find homes for them. Way too many to keep! Your welcome to as many as you want! Very healthy little piggers too!

The ones I brought inside for the winter that where too small are spoiled,lol! They love vegies. The ones I caught from the main pond in fall clean down are wintering over in the stock tank. I'll have to see if I can get a new pic or two and post up since they have grown some.


I agree! At first it seem'd like I was lone ranger here and in other forums but I've been seeing more and more Oregonian's lately!

I'm looking forward to the show in Portland too!

is it the content that you put clothes and stuff in