Outdoor Pool

[WRX]

Hello! I have a RES and a Chinese Softshell that have outgrown thier tank. My problem is that I am planning on moving into a house in the late summer, and do not want to buy a huge tank that I will need to move, plus I really do not have the room.
My question is, what are the options for an outdoor pool / pond? I have a huge deck that I could set something up on. What are the issues? Temps? Raccoons? Does someone manufacture such a thing?

BT

2.1 BRB's
1.0 RED
1.0 Chinese Softshell
0.1 2003 WRX

[Wu-Gwei]

Yes, pre-formed plastic ponds are easy, but will cost you about C$200 or f you have some land, you can dig a hole and lay down a rubber pond liner. For a pond, you'll need filtration and like you said, predation from various mammals, birds and nosey humans. You can build a screen to put over the pond if the pond is not too big. If the pond is deeper, over 2 feet and has some hiding spots, the RES should be OK from most mammals. But I have heard about some crafty raccoons, but 2 feet generally is enough.

Depending where you are, temps should not be a problem for RES. But the Chinese softshell is a subtropical species and it may be too cold for it outside especially in many parts of Canada. I am in Ottawa, and my water outside in a pond is around 12C only.


Cheers,
JJ