Hi Guys,
I'm running out of space indoors and I've just had a massive baby boom - 62 fry from one female yesterday. I'll be selling them in 3/4 months but I need a temporary solution. I'm thinking of setting up a grow-out tank in my garage - I've got a spare tank and it'll do for now. My main concern is the temperature, my friend reckons it'll be too cold and fluctuate overnight, but won't a good heater sort that out? I'll need to cycle the tank, but that's doable.
Many TIA
Keeping a grow-out tank in the garage in the uk year-round.
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jellybelly - Posts: 13
- Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2022 8:22 am
Re: Keeping a grow-out tank in the garage in the uk year-round.
I'm not based in the UK, but I've had similar concerns in a colder climate. The garage itself is key - its construction, insulation, and overall setup will make all the difference. I've found that even in an uninsulated space, I could successfully raise livebearers during the warmer months.
In my experience, a well-insulated garage can maintain a relatively stable temperature. Even with a temperature drop at night, a large enough tank can hold the heat, and a heater set to a reasonable temperature wouldn't struggle to keep up. I've found that a temperature of around 22 degrees works well for my setup.
While I'm coastal and don't often deal with extreme temperatures, I do experience some variation in temperature throughout the year. Inland areas, however, can see much higher temperatures during the summer months. I've learned to adapt to these fluctuations, and I'm sure you can too.
I've heard of British fishkeepers using insulated garden sheds as fishrooms, which is an option worth considering. These setups often require a heat source during the winter months, but they can be very effective. I've been impressed by the creative ways some fishkeepers have managed to fit multiple tanks into small spaces.
In my experience, a well-insulated garage can maintain a relatively stable temperature. Even with a temperature drop at night, a large enough tank can hold the heat, and a heater set to a reasonable temperature wouldn't struggle to keep up. I've found that a temperature of around 22 degrees works well for my setup.
While I'm coastal and don't often deal with extreme temperatures, I do experience some variation in temperature throughout the year. Inland areas, however, can see much higher temperatures during the summer months. I've learned to adapt to these fluctuations, and I'm sure you can too.
I've heard of British fishkeepers using insulated garden sheds as fishrooms, which is an option worth considering. These setups often require a heat source during the winter months, but they can be very effective. I've been impressed by the creative ways some fishkeepers have managed to fit multiple tanks into small spaces.
Re: Keeping a grow-out tank in the garage in the uk year-round.
I've been running my tanks in the garage for 8 years now, no major issues to report. I've got a 9ft and a 6ft setup, both with their own sumps, plus a small marine reef tank. Initially, the energy costs were a bit steep, but after installing a roller shutter door, the insulation has made a huge difference – my energy bills have dropped significantly.
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