Keeping tropicals in outdoor pond with heater in Florida?

[Iruka]

I'm in Florida (on the northeast coast) so during a lot of the year it'd be warm enough for tropicals. I was wondering if it's a good idea to keep tropicals outside in the winter and just use a heater?

What kind of ponds can you use heaters in? Like would it be safe in those preformed ponds or in rubbermaid stock tanks? I'm guessing it wouldn't be safe in anything plastic, like plastic kiddie pools?

 

[sissy]

I use stock tanks and just move mine to the basement .You could use a pond heater and maybe build a hoop house over the area .If you use plastic it should keep the water warm enough and would be easy to remove .I did a small one over half my pond for summer shade and winter warmth .You can see it on the other side of the bridge

 

[MitchM]

I would not use a heater in an outdoor pond.
There are too many factors that contribute to heat loss that take away more heat than the heater puts out.
Instead, I would measure what temperature your pond water is at and compare that to what temperature is required for the fish you are considering.

A hoop house covering will certainly help keep your pond warmer instead.

.

 

[Smaug]

Do your mean fish or plants?