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Question
Hi, I was going to start growing water lettuce and water Hyacinth in 5 1/2inches tall, 16 inches wide, 22 1/2 inches long clear tote like containers.  They would be in separated in there own 2 containers.  First of all is this suitible to hold them for a while?  Can i bring them inside during the winter?(Zone 5-6, NY)  And when i keep them outside, what kind of fish or creature can i put in it to keep mosquito larva and other bugs out?  I would like it to be something other than a betta or goldfish.  I am planning on getting a very large container like the under the bed ones. Thanks.

Answer
Yes, you can grow those plants in storage containers.  Water lettuce and water hyacinth grow better when confined.  You may want to add some liquid fertilizer to feed at least the water hyacinth.  You can bring them inside for the winter but most people have trouble keeping them alive.  I've never been able to keep them alive on just plant fluorescent lights.  They really need natural sunlight or metal halides.  

As far as fish for small containers go, you have a few options.  Mosquito fish and rosy red minnows both would control the bugs.  You could also try tropical fish which you'd have to bring inside for the winter such as danios, barbs, etc.  Since your tubs are small, you'd have to bring the coldwater fish (mosquito fish, minnows, goldfish) in as well if you get those.  You could also instead of fish add some Bt via mosquito dunks or Microbe-Lift mosquito control which is a liquid Bt solution (less messy).  They work pretty well in my fishless tub ponds but are not 100% guaranteed due to rain and no water movement in the tub ponds.  When you get your containers, get ones that are sturdy as the Sterilite and Rubbermaid storage containers I've used will bow with time from the weight of the water.  You want to get really shallow ones but I suggest getting ones a foot deep or so because that gives the roots space to grow down.  It also will prevent the water from overheating as much (to protect not only the fish but the plants themselves on really hot days).  You might also consider plastic livestock water troughs which come in a variety of sizes and aren't too expensive.  They won't bow.  Good luck!

Robyn
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