Backyard Puffer Pond???

[Coop]

Ok so I have a serious question. I am fixing to put my 90g Bowfront freshwater complete setup and fish for sale. I am also going to make a backyard pond with stream and waterfall. I hate to part with my Fahaka Puffer. So I was considering putting him in the pond. When I say pond in talking about an 800 gallon backyard type that recirculates to the waterfall. I plan on having a heater in the pond, as well as plants, rocks, tree trunks/limbs. I'm curious if anyone has done this or know if this would be successful. I also plan on making a fish cave. I have seen several people say they can't survive in a pond, but I never see them say why not. Fahaka puffers survive in the wild in streams and this isn't like a big pond, it will be a combination of stream/pond. I live in an area that doesn't get snow and doesn't really ever get real cold, plus I'll have a heater in pond. So my question is will this work and if not, why? Thanks

[KGotschall]

I think temp stability would be a concern. As well as the water stability, as a huge rain followed by a hot placid day could leave you with some serious oxygenation issues. Koi and goldfish are terribly hardy and able to handle it i guess.

[papasmurf]

It should work as long as you can solve the heating issues and keeping the temp steady. I think this is going to cause you issues potentially as the cost to heat it to what the puffer needs is going to be significant in the winter. I have a 300-400 gallon pond in my backyard and have raised african, south american, and central american cichlids in it without issue. They do great about 7-8 months of the year on average. I just pulled them out this weekend as night time temps were falling into the low 60's. The central americans have taken even colder temps well into nov/dec but I would not try to push it.

[Coop]

Thank you for the info! I'll just have to suck it up and let him go with the setup. I'll miss the little guy haha. Thanks again!