I have 2 plecos in my 90 gallon above ground pond (in Miami, it's very difficult to put anything in the ground because of the coral rock) and we've had a cool spell where the water temperature has gotten to 60 degrees. They seem to be doing fine (I added hot water to get the temp up a few degrees) but I know we'll be getting cooler temperatures in the months to come and would like to get some feedback on pond heaters. I won't need a de-icer, just something to heat the water a little. If not a heater, any other ideas (like bringing them inside temporarily)? Thanks for any info on this topic!

In Florida, common plecos should be able to overwinter without any special care. But, since your pond is smaller and above ground and cold spells do come through, you may want to add a heater. Few people do it in cold areas but in a warm climate such as yours, an aquarium heater may be enough to keep the pond up at 60 degrees F. You're right that a de-icer won't help as they only kick in when the temperature gets near freezing, long after the poor plecos are deceased. A couple of 300 W submerged aquarium heaters may do the trick. Just be sure that the plugs aren't exposed to water. Keep a thermometer in there. You can bring them in if you want to any large non-toxic container for winter.

This forum has been up a few months now and while a few questions have come in, I've been the only responder. So, I'm hoping someone else out there will read these questions and be kind enough to put in their ideas and experiences as I'm just one person (who has never been to Florida or kept plecos outside). Thanks! Robyn of fishpondinfo.com

Thank you very much for the information, Robyn. I was hoping you would respond as I have constantly referred to your web site since acquiring my Plecos last Spring and have found your information very useful. The Plecos are the only fish in my pond and they have been quite entertaining and somewhat mysterious. Not only has one "escaped" twice but it seems they played football with a floating thermometer I just bought and placed in the pond last week. The only thing I can figure is they must have flipped it out as it broke on the patio pavement. Is this a common trait for Plecos?

I don't know about fliping out thermometers but my foot long Plecy likes to smash things around!
I'm always afraid he will break the heater or even the glass as he whips his tail around!

I live in a very cold environment in Nevada. We use a pond heater to de-ice our pond but with our old pond we just used a little idoor aquarium heater. It will heat your pond just enough to bring it up a few degrees. I kinda freaked out when you said you poured hot water in your pond! That may put your fish into shock if pouring too much at one time. Try to avoid putting hot water in your pond, if at all possible. That's all I have to say. I hope this helps you.

Keep in touch about how it's going and e-mail me at jnco_king_90@yahoo.com

:o I am glad so many of you keep Plecos in your pond: Beware!! as they do get larger in size as time passes. I just wanted to warn you that I had two of them over 10 inches in my pond and had to remove them, as I kept seeing holes sucked in the side of some of my smaller Koi. Ron