Dirt in my tank

[Allen Jiang]

How come there is dirt in my tank which is brown? Is it from the river rock that I put in (had dirt on it) or has it grown there?

[Allen Jiang]

no i mean the outside temperature not the tank temperature.

[TCLynx]

The fish don't care what the outdoor temperature is, only what effect that temperature has on the water they live in.  The smaller the fish tank the more likely it is that the water temperature will reach near to the air temperature during the day.

[Allen Jiang]

so if they are in the shade the temperature would be lower right?

[TCLynx]

Definitely keep the fish tank in the shade.  The grow bed needs some sun for the plants but during the heat of summer some partial shade would probably help the plants as well as help keep the water cooler for the fish.

[Allen Jiang]

so if i put it under my deck would the plants still be able to grow?

[TCLynx]

Depends on if they get enough light.  If they don't get enough light they will struggle and stretch for the light and may not thrive.

[Allen Jiang]

so do you think i should put the tank underneath the deck or leave it where it is?

[TCLynx]

I don't know, where is it now?

Can you place the fish tank in the shade yet put the grow bed where it will get some sun?

Is the Deck North Facing?  Could you place the grow bed such that it will get more sun in winter than it will in summer?

[Allen Jiang]

it is not outside in the sun.

I'm not sure. except under the deck. it will be just like putting it inside our house.

yes it is. i'm not sure