I was thinking of swordtails and/or platies for an outdoor pond in Miami. Its to warm for koi plus 'pond" is only 220 gallons (home depot large pond)

 My problem is chilly days though rare do happen thus was thinking of any of the heaters marinedepot carries just to add heat chilly days (run it at 70) average temps here are high 70s to 80s pond will be in semi sun semi shade area side of house by electrical outlet

Anyone keep such fish , any suggestions ,input is great ?

                         Thank you

None of the heaters Marine Depot carries are approved to be used outdoors.  Will they work?  Yes, but you will want to protect the cord and plug against the elements to prevent any potential problems.  Depending on the low temperature and how many degrees you need to raise the ponds temperature will factor into how many watts of heat needed.  My guess would be between 2-5 watts per gallon.

HTH,

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Keith

"Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer

The socket I have is on the wall and has special protective cover (like a cup) to prevent the connection from getting wet ,and has built in safe guard for stray electricity . The previous owner used it for sometype automatic  cooler for his dogs house. I appreciate the honesty and know none of the heaters are actually made for outdoor use.

    thanks

You may also want to consider some guppies in there.  I have seen some really nice guppies that have grown in ponds.  With all the natural foods in there, the colors on the guppies (along with the others) can be awesome.

You could also put some other freshwater fish in there, such as cory cats or some hardier tetras. 

I recall reading an article in one of the fish magazine about a person who puts most of his freshwater fish in an outdoor pond during the summer months.  He lived more north, so he had to move them indoors during the winter months. 

Best of luck, I think you will enjoy your community pond.

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Keith

"Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer

 The flagfish from what I understand dont like each other and not sure if available in Florida for sale . Though they are hardy and great algae eaters

Overall narrowed it down to convict cichlids -platies-swordtails and than decided on platies and or swordtails as they are better natured than convicts and brighter colors. The summer will be warm so needed fish that could handle water temps in high 80s during the day as pond does get sun few hours every day

I ordered dwarf cattails -dwarf papyrus few water lillies for the pond which will be here tommorrow . I have a few plants already but wanted more as want fish cover and some water "shade"  .

Tetras like neons are a fish I like will look into as like them but cory cats thought summer might be to warm but will read up on them as like them to .

                   thanks

You might also find as the plants mature and cover more of the pond the temperature will stay more stable.

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Keith

"Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer

I did find a local livebearer breeder who has great fish and bought few of each type so far they are doing great seem very happy though only seem when I feed as put in lots dwarf cattails ,dwarf papyrus,cheap lilies,etc plants but thats the look I wanted.

Thanks