Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is something Steve and I were talking about last week.
I am in the middle of building a small koi pond in my yard. I still think it would be cooler to have my big alligator snappers in there.
But I would think they would eventually poke through the liner.
I have a friend who said they are much more bouyant in water and don't put out much pressure with their claws.

And there is still a heat issue. We have a lot of colder nights and I think they'd stop eating all the time because of cold water temp.

Anyone have any experience?

I don't have any experience with alligator snappers outdoors but I do with other large pond turtles. I used to live in Chicago so I know what you are talking about, Mike. Here in Tampa it only gets into the 30s for about one or two weeks a year. When that happens my cooters moved into the bathtub. Even with a good heater the water temp still scared me. I assume you are building an in-ground pond, in which case the ground should insulate the water somewhat, but I would suggest building and insulated cover for your pond for the fall and heating it with a large titanium heater. Play winter by ear. If the water gets too cold then go back to the drawing board.

I am moving to Denver next month so I will have to figure out a whole new strategy out there. It's always a learning process and the source of a lot of fun as well as annoyance.

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hello mike- i really dont think it'll matter how bouyant they are. once they get down there and wedge themselves in under a log or something they can really use leverage and torque with those claws. they're made to dig and wedge in to hide.

Yeah I know. You're totally right.
If it were warmer here for more of the year...I'd make a pond for them outside...but the water temp just doesn't stay warm enough.