Hi from the Bloviator (Emeritus)

[whuntley]

Just a "Howdy" from the high desert of Eastern California.

I live in what is called the Deepest Valley, 4200' elevation at my home and 14,000' peaks to both east and west of me. I have the world's best mountain views!

I'm mostly into killifish and other smaller species, but also into planted tanks.

I just built a greenhouse and am testing to see if aquarium heaters can make it habitable in freezing weather.

Must run, now. Going on an organized hike up to the Pleasant Valley Reservoir in a bit over an hour.

Wright

[WiNd08]

wow!

nice to have you here, wish to visit california one day but it's half way around the world!

hope you enjoy you stay here and have fun

[celticfish]

I love the mountains!
Just a curious question I have here, I am told that higher elevation reduces dissolved oxygen in water.
Do you have known issues or notice anything unusual for fishkeeping at your altitude?

Welcome to AQ!

[Wackytpt]

Welcome to AQ!

Hope to see pictures of your setup.

Cheers

[whuntley]

I love the mountains!
Just a curious question I have here, I am told that higher elevation reduces dissolved oxygen in water.
Do you have known issues or notice anything unusual for fishkeeping at your altitude?

Welcome to AQ!

It has a profound effect on what species of trout (char) live in what lakes up high; Golden trout only above 10,000 ft, and Brookies (a char) just below that. Regular rainbows are rarely above 9000 ft, and brown trout are usually below about 7000.

At 4000 ft I don't see much of any altitude effect, but I'm sure there are subtle changes in the oxygen/temperature curves. In addition to introduced trout, we have many native species in the Owens Valley. They include speckled dace, suckers, pupfish, and chubs. Several are species of special concern, and the pupfish ( Cyprinodon radiosus ) are classed as "endangered."

The latter are amazing in that they survive under ice (32F) to summer heat of 105F or more. Not many fish can do that. The trick in heat is running water with ample oxygenation.

Wright

[whuntley]

Welcome to AQ!

Hope to see pictures of your setup.

Cheers

Not right now. We had a hard freeze (9F) that burst an outside pipe valve, and exploded the water line to the evaporative cooler inside the greenhouse. It has drained out, but things are in a mess right now. [Valve is repaired and the cooler really isn't needed when outside day temps are barely above freezing (0C, 32F).]

The 75W heaters I have in each of 5 40L tanks do not keep the place nearly warm enough for fish. I have another 7 40L tanks to get running, plus a bunch of 20Ls with 50W heaters.

If they don't pop the circuit breaker, that may be enough total heat to keep the water above 70F or so. I am trying to not have to install a propane heater. My winter electric bill will be obscene, anyway.

I need to figure how to post pictures here. I haven't set up any on line site, and don't know if this site can host them directly. Any advice appreciated.

Must quit for now. The weekly 49ers (American) Football game starts shortly. Have to get the popcorn and beer ready, and warm up the 50" plasma HD display!

Wright