Just how cold can it get?

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Even at 29 degrees tonight?

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

As long as the pond doesn't freeze over, which it shouldn't if you're pump or water feature is running, they'll be fine. And that would probably be because of toxic gas build-up first and and not the cold itself. Seriously! I've got koi worth hundreds of dollars and I'm not worried. The temp. change was very gradual this time.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Okay, I'll seriously stop worrying tonight.  It just keeps getting colder and colder....  :)

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

If you're really worried about the pond freezing over or if you have shallower areas, I just remembered this tip: Put a floating ball on the water's surface and the constant motion of it will help keep ice from forming.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Brilliant!  Doing it now.  

Thank you!!

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

No prob! I'm sure there'll be fine, but I'm going to go check on mine as well.

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Whoa! I almost slipped on the grass covered with frozen condensation. The koi looked fine, they were just huddling together in the deepest part of the pond like they usually do when its cold and swam around a bit when I shone a flashlight on them. Their metabolism has slowed, but they're still alert which is a good sign.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Well, I just tossed a couple of balls in the pond and all ours are hanging out at the bottom of the pond.  No one even asked for food...which is a first.  I'm going back out to shine a light on them to see if they want to move around.

Oh, and be careful out there!  If you go down, who's gonna take care of the fish!  

[PlanB]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

No kidding!

[blacksmith37]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

For a large pond , a partially inflated inner tube with a brick or cinderblock tied to it will keep a hole in the ice (likely serious over kill in E.TX).
On about Jan 4 I measured some pond temps: 24" deep, 47F with/without floating plants.
30" deep ,plastic foam covering 90% of surface- 51F.
34" deep ,plastic foam covering 90% of surface AND about 75 watt pump for circulation - 59F.
A little insulation and heat goes a long way.
The 30"/foam covered pond (with no circulation) went anerobic, killing tapoles.

[txfatcat]

Re: Just how cold can it get?

Well I kind of had this same question. I just finished our pond along with all the stupid landscaping. Really not stupid, I am just worn out from all the sun and work. We went with the 125 gallon preformed from Lowes.  I did a little research and decided to go with Shubunkins.  I read some place that they can withstand extreme low temps and higher 90 degree temps.  My question applies to a catfish or pleco. How or should I say what kind of temps are ok for them? Right now the floating thermometer reads about 60 degrees at night and today it got up to about 78 degrees.

[jeff]

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...

I have pills for that

[imagirlgeek]

Bringing this thread back to life for information sharing. It's gonna get cold tomorrow!!

[newb]

yep...and snow too.

[76dragon]

The plecos will begin to float in a couple of days if there are no heaters in the pond. I have lost many that way. Last year I put 2 300 watt heaters and they survived..