Dustin's outdoor dirt tanks

I have an empty 20long tank and am interested in setting up and outdoor dirted tank. I've seen Dustin's videos on his outdoor tanks, but have some questions about filtration/water movement.

it doesn't seem like Dustin has a filter or power head in any of those outdoor tanks. are these tanks maintained only with water changes? looking for some details on upkeep on an outdoor planted tank before I jump in and set it up

also, it doesn't look like Dustin is filling these tanks up all the way, is that the way to go?

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Permalink Reply by Mr Puffer on August 15, 2012 at 7:22pm

Your main concern will be keeping the tank cool enough. Just make sure that it is in the shade most of the day and only gets direct daylight a couple hours a day.

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Permalink Reply by seth roach on August 15, 2012 at 8:26pm

ive had an outdoor tank for quite a while it was also a 20 long. no filter or powerhead just did water changes whenever I was outside working and figured it could use one...i didnt even dechlor the water i added back and never really had an issue. I had it FILLED with plants which did pretty well I also put a pair or two of guppies in there to get rid of mosquito larva and ended up with probably hundreds of guppies i ended up using mostly as feeders. Id recommended it if you got the empty tank...next year im thinkin of doing some totes the same way. like puffer said temp is really one of the only things i had any issue with...Im up in NY though so for me it was cold nights that did in a few guppies. haha actually I got some pretty interesting nussiance creatures too but I was taking some plants from local streams and waterways so i expected it, the worst were some what im pretty sure were infant lampreys...but anyways GO FOR i wish i lived somewhere a little warmer cause i already am thinking about cleaning it up for the winter. good luck

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on August 16, 2012 at 3:53am

My experience is similar to Seth's. And I think Dustin changed his water by running a garden hose at the bottom of the tank and letting it overflow - talk about convenience! I wouldn't worry too much about chlorine but check to see if your water contains chloramines. By the way, Duckweed feeds off of chlorine - kind of.

Exposing your tank to nature - the sun, air, and insect larvae - is the best reason for keeping an outdoor tank. Place it in the sun and if you experience some kind of heatwave, temporarily shield the tank with a piece of cardboard or something. The sun will get your plants growing like crazy and you'll never need a filter. And by stocking the tank with floaters and/or bog plants you'll shade the tank and help to stabilize the temperature.