Hi all!


I'm having an idea and would like to know what you think..

I should start by telling you that I live in an apartment, so I don't have a yard or a sunny balcony. The tank doesn't get much sunlight even in the summer, and I don't want my moor to fade. So I was thinking about getting a large rubber maid and keep it in there, outside (in the shade), at day.
But.. since the lawn belongs to everyone in the neighborhood, I can't keep it outdoors overnight, or make a sort of pond. That means not only that I have to keep an eye on it all the time, but also that I have to take it back inside whenever dawn comes.
What do you think? It'll only be for a few hours every day. Will it make a difference? Also, will it work??

Edit: I live on the first floor so getting the electricity for a pump won't be a problem.

XD that sounds like an awsome idea, when it gets warm here I am gonna do that and just let them have a bit of fresh air off my deck for a few hours during the hot days Thats if its a safe idea XD *waits for others that are more experienced to answer*

My tank has NEVER been outdoors in the freash air or had sunlight directly beam down into it. Reason.... Algea. Sun makes the algea grow like wildfire. My black moor is as black as can be.

But if you are dead set about getting your fish outside to get some sun... and keep it's colour ( never heard of that personally ), then why not just get a UV light for your tank instead? There are tons of lights out there and a UV light is available. It's great for your live plants if you have any.

Another reason why I wouldn't put it outside is because of the cats... birds and other things that could get into the tote. Not to mention some pesky kid that loves to poke at things.

And transporting your fish back and forth could affect the fishes slime coating and give it a bit of stress.


Probably not a good idea. That's my opinion

I've heard a faded moor can regain it's colour by being outdoors. It's kind of turning brown. It must be because the food, but I can't find any food without color enchancers.
Tanks lights are so expensive here. Also I don't want too much algea.
The only thing I'm worried about is the stress. Cats and kids won't be a problem, I intend to sit right next to the tank and guard it.

From what I have read black fish do lose color if they don't get some sun, so thats nothing new to me. And I do agree with tank lights being expensive! They are here as well especially the UV ones. Food can be a part of it but from what I read its mostly water conditions and sun XD
XD I wanted it to be a bit of a treat for my fish and a bit of a treat for me when its warm out, to just go sit on my deck and let my fish have some "fresh air" I have a kitty but he doesn't go outside, so no problem there and no other cats can reach my deck and as well for kiddies... I already have a 3 year old that already does lots of petting as he loves to pet my fish as well as I do myself with giving them a little rub, since they come and sit in my hand anyways when I have my hands in the water. XD plus I would take it with an appartment the only way to get to the deck is through the house like my deck.
I was gonna do the same sit and draw and watch my fish and then bring them back in when I was done with being outside, just a treat thing. I think I will try it out this summer and see how they and me like it

Ive read that doing that would kind of help a little.

From what ive read it depends mostly on genetics I think.

I agree with Barbra44, the stress to the fish isn't worth the few hours of sunlight it's going to get.

Keeping a fish in a pond, all the time, does have a tendency to improve it's color, but three or four hours isn't going to do anything.



If you're concerned about feeding food with color enhancers... Make your own, there are plenty of gel food recipes available on this site. Or you could consider feeding your fish more vegetables and fruit.



The slime coat isn't the only thing to worry about. How about water quality. If you're going to use totally new clean water... That will also cause stress to the fish.
And what about the water temperature. A shallow five gallon container of water will heat up real quick sitting in the sun.

It sounds like a nice thing to do for your fish, but it will probably do more harm than good.

Agree with barbra and bak2it.

It's not worth the trouble doing it only for just a slight chance of making the black come back.

Seems like I'll have to buy those expensive lights then.
The gel food was a great tip though, I've never thought about it!

You've had some good advice here but I'd just like to add that it's quite normal to want to give your fish some sun!! I have often felt the same way so you are not alone...is there any chance you can get your tank near a window or your balcony-without a draught of course- then you might not need the lights.

Unfortunately, the only window I can place it by is in the kitchen, and the kitchen isn't big enough for the tank. The other windows (and the balcony) are all facing the wrong direction, and only catches a few minutes of morning sun.

I see. You might have to save for the overhead light then I suppose. Or try and pick up a used one somewhere. I was worried about the electric bills with lighting but it hasn't been noticeably much. Good luck.