Just how cold can it get?

[imagirlgeek]

This is going to be our first winter (if that's what you want to call it here) with a Koi pond and I'm just wondering exactly how cold it can get before I should start worrying.  And if there is a time to worry, what do you guys do?  Pond heater?  Move them inside?  The weather has been so bizarre so far this year, I just want to be prepared for anything.

[CichlidFan]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

I can't say too much, I've only been here in Houston for 3 years now, but it did snow the first dec (04) I was here. That was the coldest winter I have experienced so far.

CF

[islander]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

If you are talking about big koi in a pound I don't think you have to worry, especailly if it is a 2' or deeper pound.  I think they are talking lows just in the high 40's to 50's.  I keep swordtails and mollies outside in 50 gallon barrels and they are still doing fine.  I am not worried about mine.  later, ken

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

The size of our Koi varies from about 5" to about 12" and the pond is pretty deep so I won't worry.  Thanks for the feedback!

[katypond]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

You have nothing to worry about with your Koi as stated as long as the pond is 2 feet deep.  If you have placos or other types of fish you may consider preparing a place for them.

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

I wouldn't worry at all. Just feed them an easily digestible winter food until the water temp gets into the 50's then don't feed them at all. They will act hungry but don't be tricked! The slower metabolism won't be able to handle it, not to mention the nitrifying bacteria in the filter will be dormant. No need for de-icers, pond heaters or overwintering here, as long as your pond doesn't freeze over (fat chance) they'll be fine. Remember, koi have their roots in Japan which gets it's fair share of cold weather. What I would worry about though is the stress from the temperature fluctuations.

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

You have nothing to worry about with your Koi as stated as long as the pond is 2 feet deep.  If you have placos or other types of fish you may consider preparing a place for them.

Oh yes, definitely move any plecos or catfish inside! I found that out the hard way  :(

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Great info!  

How do I handle the stress from the temp. fluctuations?  Is there anything I can do?  I've actually thought about that...

[Leprae]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Cold weather?  You might have to worry about a tropical storm first...  

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Cold weather?  You might have to worry about a tropical storm first...  

Very true!!  But it IS Houston so you never know.  Like CF said, a couple years ago, it actually snowed!  And if I remember correctly a couple days after that it was back to sweater weather.  CRAZY!

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

If the koi have made it so far, they've probably acclimated and gotten past the worst of it. If you want a a little insurance, a little stress coat here and there or melafix to help stave off infections from weakened immune systems. Just remember to keep it light on the feedings, especially right before it's going to get really cold.

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

I always worry that the fireworks twice a year will shock the koi, but it hasn't happened yet... I'm sure it's stressful though. But it turns out that while water is a good conductor of sound, it doesn't travel well from the air to water.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Yeah, the cats have been more freaked tonight than the Koi.  In fact, the Koi have been just kind of hangin' out.  It's a little chilly so I'm guessing that slows them down a bit. :)

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

My turtles definitely do not like it. They usually bask when I leave the lights on extra long, but they've been hiding since the fireworks started.

[guppymax]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

I have been here half a century and normally we get three or four light freezes a year. However I have seen five or six snows, one as much as three inches deep. It does get down in the teens every decade or so and the ponds do freeze over but only inches deep. Also there is a difference of at least ten degrees or so in Galveston and Conroe. It is colder in rural areas. Some of the mollies cannot make it outside in barrels in Crosby. Your goldfish and koi are fine in ponds that are two feet deep.

max