12 replies to this topic

[Grumpysmurf]

I have just setup an aquaponic system with some Silver Perch and Barra. Is there any cheap and large pleco (sucker type fish) that will live in an outside pond (10 deg - 28 deg) year round?

[scottyhooton]

Not a Pleco but tandanus cats get huge and will live happily in an outdoor pond 30cm pup should set you back around $40 retail

[spendy]

I know a few people put there plecos outside for summer..
Gold spots.sailfins and commons..
They seem to do good. Grow extra large and clean the algae..

Renato

[joe23]

would common bn catfish survive outdoors all year?

[ice]

When I was in Bali earlier this year I saw heaps of plecos and gibbys outside in ponds and stuff, the climate over there is a bit warmer but you'd think they would be ok here in summer.

[tranced]

the short answer is no! so get out your algae scrubber

[scottyhooton]

Not quite , Chinese algea eater will clean up and they don't mind cold water , but they can be a nuisance as they will sometimes feed on the slime coat of other fish

[tranced]

most people ive talked to have reported them dying off in the winter in ponds.

[scottyhooton]

i kept them in the cold with rainbow trout in an aquarium

[bigjohnnofish]

common b/n will survive 10 degree water temperatures over winter... but no lower.... and only if they have been in the pond over summer and get time to adjust to the cooler water getting towards winter... and they are at least 10cm.....

i actually tortured mine down to 5 degrees before they died the stronger ones will survive to continue the species when it warms up....

smaller fish died off between 10-15 degrees but it didnt bother the bigger fish untill temp went below 10 degrees...

[Hypanheaven]

the cheapest 'pleco' so to speak is a gold spot, throw him in a watch in go

[scottyhooton]

bristle nose are still a pleco and much cheaper than goldspot

[werdna]

I would keep a Gibbi over a Gold Spot in a pond if the purpose is algae removal, they are amazing with how much they eat!
However the Silver Perch will eat algae if that is what you are after