Question>
We had an algae bloom that was pretty bad in our pond. I used a
flocculant and an enzyme and right now the water is crystal
clear.
However, when the water began to clear, and very much to our
surprise, we found in the neighborhood of 2 dozen babies (Koi) in the pond. Most
of them are still there and growing, but I wonder if they will survive the
winter being so small?
We are in southern New Hampshire. I planned on buying the
winterizing kit you sell but will that be enough for the babies?
Sincerely,
Marty
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Answer>
Hi Marty,
FYI - UV sterilizers are best to prevent algae blooms in the
future! If you had babies, you're doing something right, so
congratulations!
Sure, they should survive if your pond is at least 18" - 24" deep
in your region.
Either way, the deicer will be important for creating a hole in
the ice. It's important so that decaying organics in the pond
(rotting leaves, fish waste, etc) can 'de-gas' from the pond
water. The fish will go into hibernation mode, and will slow
their metabolism so that they can survive just fine ... As long
as they don't freeze solid...
Hope this helps,
MWG
*** PS. We've also had some questions lately about feeding fish
in winter. As a reminder, you SHOULD NOT feed your fish when the
water temperature drops to below 55 degrees F. This is because
fish don't have stomachs, and have much less digestive enzymes in
colder temperatures, so feeding them food can by very dangerous
for them.
Fish are little pigs, and will act hungry at times in winter -
but you MUST RESIST the urge to feed them. The food in their
intestinal tract will essentially rot, as it cannot digest
properly. So be fish friendly, and DON'T FEED at temperatures
below 55 degrees!
==
Question:
HELLO,
I have a pond approx. 8' x 13' (rubber pond lined) that
is 12- 14" deep. It is filled with 6-8" goldfish and a few
other small fish. Would a heater or deicer keep this
water from freezing as well as an opening in the top?
Any idea of electric usage? Keep in mind we can get -10 to -15
F for weeks at a time.
Thanks for any help,
Darrin
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Answer:
Darrin,
Your pond is not deep enough for your fish to survive that harsh of a winter
without a deicer. You would need 18" - 24" minimum depth
for them to survive without freezing.
So, in your case, I would have two. One for backup in case one deicer dies during the winter...
These deicers are thermostatically controlled so they only turn on then the
temperature drops below freezing. In your case, that may cause it to be on
continuously, but without it - the fish will surely freeze.
The only other alternative is to bring them indoors, but this can
be problematic as well.
Hope this helps.
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