All,
I will be winterizing my ~350 gallon pond in my backyard for the first time this year and I was looking for any tips. Right now I have about 10 goldfish and 2 comets - one part of the pond is 28" deep and the middle is 21" deep and the other end is 24". From speaking to the previous owner fish have survived in these winter conditions.
I have started feeding them autumn/winter food but some other questions:
* I've heard placing hay on top of the ice helps - any truth to that?
* I've heard lights at the bottom of the pond during the winter helps for kois - does this apply to other fish?
* When should I shutdown my water circulation/take out pump, first frost?
Thanks for any advice - I am not naive to think some fish will die but anything I can do to keep the pond in ideal conditions would be great.
Thanks
I will be winterizing my ~350 gallon pond in my backyard for the first time this year and I was looking for any tips. Right now I have about 10 goldfish and 2 comets - one part of the pond is 28" deep and the middle is 21" deep and the other end is 24". From speaking to the previous owner fish have survived in these winter conditions.
I have started feeding them autumn/winter food but some other questions:
* I've heard placing hay on top of the ice helps - any truth to that?
* I've heard lights at the bottom of the pond during the winter helps for kois - does this apply to other fish?
* When should I shutdown my water circulation/take out pump, first frost?
Thanks for any advice - I am not naive to think some fish will die but anything I can do to keep the pond in ideal conditions would be great.
Thanks