Using Children Paddling Pool As A Fish "tank"...

[N0body Of The Goat]

Years ago when I kept two Red Ear Terrapins, before the days of the "interweb," I read a book that suggest that those small garden splash/paddling pools could be used long term as a wet pet home. Albeit they do not have much depth, the footprint would be huge, allowing the possibility of a really interesting aquascape and also plenty of space for territorial fish!

Has anyone ever used such a pool, short or long term, setting up the pool indoors and presumeably with some sort of cover to retain heat better?

If so, tell us about the maintenance and costs of running such a pool, relative to any glass tanks you have/had.

Part of this is just general intrest, but also part of this has been brought about by recent posts, such as "croggy" buying an upgraded 75x12" tank for his Black Ghost Knife Fish (following advice on here)... Only to be told that his beautiful fish is expected to get as long as the new tank is wide!

 

[Katch]

I know several people who have set up tropical ponds for large species. I don't see why you couldn't use one as long as you could filter it and heat it.

The cost to keep such a large amount of water heated will be substantial.

 

[shroob]

I believe it is more common practice in the states than it is over here (thinking of 'Rubbermaid' tubs)

Obviously it would have to be indoors, in a well insulated place in order to even think of having one - even then as katch said I still think the heating bills would be through the roof - looks out of window now and its frosted over....

Theres no reason why it couldn't be done, I imagine it could be quite attractive if done well and the species chosen wisely (as you would be viewing from above).

 

[star4]

A few years ago before I had my boys, I used to have a little paddling pool in the garden in the summer for my red eared terrapins. They were only in it during the day, I bought them back in at night. Now they just have their 36x30x18 tank, but hopefully after xmas their new 54x30x18 tank will be ready.