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Ok, how stupid is this idea...

I've had the good fortune to be given a 55 gal tank. Eventually I'll set it up, but it's going to require re-arranging existing tanks and I won't get to it for a while.

So... instead of having a perfectly good tank unused, taking up floor space, I was thinking of setting it up outside for the summer - where I do have space. My initial thoughts are to use:

- one or two sponges filters w/powerheads
- submersible heater (200 Watt?)
- glass top
- no lights

I can locate it next to the house, so I'm not worried about falling branches (for example).

I've got a 10 gal tank overflowing with fancy guppies and Java ferns. I thought I'd toss a bunch of both in the 55 and see how they do. Or I've also got Pseudotropheus saulosi and Labidochromis caeruleus fry that might enjoy a summer outdoors.

How dumb is this?

No...it will work fine...just depends on species...
I'd put in a good size aquarium heater and set it at ...say
.. 74 degrees F.
Watch out for overheating too in july & august

Admin wrote:

...just depends on species...

Any problem with any of the above (guppies, saulosi, or labs)?
I would think the guppies would handle the temp extremes best.

Admin wrote:

Watch out for overheating too in july & august

It'll be in shade all day, but a couple of 90+ days will surely heat it up.
Any suggestions for handling the heatwaves?

Thanks.

Any of the Malawis can handle changes of any kind...South American Cichlids and Tanganyikan cichlids not so much.
Guppys should do well...natives of course...white clouds...almost anything...
In the event of massive overheating
(and this is true for your indoor tanks too)
a 90% water change with proper temperature water is the best solution
...or float large quantities of ice...
say a 2 litre coke bottle frozen solid in a 55 gallon tank.

Most tropical fish like about 77 degrees...
stability is more important than temperature....
like pH,
it's the up and down that stresses them,
not necesarily the particular number.