Saltwater Pond

[Starr]

Okay I dont know if this is in the right place or not but I had an idea. I have a pond that is set in the ground but is made out of acrlyic. Its not exaclty buried in the ground, if you can imagine its front is exposed and you can see into it, while the rest of it is in the ground. You kind of walk down and the front looks like a tank. It cost a little to have made but it was worth it. My question is do you think it would work as a mini oceacn pond? What would you guys suggust that I would have to do to make this work? Any response would be good even if its a yea or nay.

[urban79]

You have to think of run off of dirt and rain water. Animals. I thought about. But i see that it would be too much trouble. It would be nice if you could have it with covered and inclosed.

[Starr]

It has a clear acylic top and a 2 foot raised concrete barrier around the rim, very litte to not dirt enters it. What im worried about is water flow, chemical balance, evaporation, and all around upkeep. Is it possible with out breaking my bank and going crazy?

[urban79]

MMMM I would say yes and yes. YOu be better of doing one in the house. Plus you have to think about temp.. it was 100 today you temp. would be jumping up and down alot..

[Starr]

I already have to tanks, to many tanks that is!!! My wife will kill me if I set up another one. So the mini ocean was my next idea because she said "There is no more room for tanks in this house". Well the temp is right, it would be the biggest problem. Dry ice? Just kidding. Any ideas on how the keep the temp down.

[cpreefguy]

a 10hp chiller :lol

[captexas]

Having it buried somewhat in the ground will help a little with stabalizing the temp. Many earth friendly homes are either built into the ground or have a dirt berm pushed up around the walls to help insulate. Probably have to shield the tank with a patio cover or something to keep the sun from heating the water even more. Other than that a big chiller and a BIG pocket book to pay for the cost of water and electricity.

I toyed with the idea of getting one of those 1000g stock tanks (about 2 feet high and 9 feet in diameter) from Tractor Supply and setting it up on my back porch. Thought it would make a neat FOWLR tank for some bigger fish, maybe even a small shark.

[Alamo]

I wouldnt do it, the temp is gonna be way too hot, my pond water when I touch it in the daytime feels hot enough to make goldfish soup.

[OldSalty]

Agree,with alamo. not cost effective, way to many variables you would have to overcome. Can you imagine the algee problems alone! and thats just for starters. Now if ya win the lottery then maby :skeezy

[txyaloo]

I know Tim Marvin used to have something along these lines in his back yard. I got several bags of live sand/rock from him. I believe it was one of those big stock tanks, like captexas was talking about. If I remember right, Tim's was sheltered in some way like in a mini greenhouse or something...

Anyone else remember that system?

[SaltyJim]

Anyone else remember that system?

I believe that was just for storing/curing live rock...I'm pretty sure Tim didn't keep any livestock out there. I could be wrong.

[hobogato]

i remember someone talking about someone keeping a nurse shark in a tank of sorts in their back yard, but dont know any specifics. - this is starting to sound like an urban legend now :lol

[brewercm]

I think Tim tried a green house version but it was basically only good for LR and LS because of temps. Anybody else remember it since it was several years ago.

[txyaloo]

Did he keep the shark in there or was it in the stock tank in the garage? I honestly can't remember. He may have had the nurse shark in the garage. This was back in the day when he was making big group orders for folks. I believe he ordered it for someone and they decided they didn't want it?

Edit:

I found this post:
http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2860
Pretty sure it was in the garage with those temps. I'd think it'd get a lot warmer in the greenhouse tanks.