Creating a Container Pond in Upstate NY: Winter Survival Tips

Lynn from Upstate New York wants to convert a 6-foot wide, 18-inch deep metal stock tank into a temporary pond for large goldfish on her deck. She plans to line it with insulation and a pond liner, but Tom advises that a liner may not be necessary in her climate.

Key Recommendations

• Depth matters: Aim for at least 24 inches to prevent complete freezing.
• Keep a hole in the ice: Use a small floating pond heater (20-30 watts) to maintain gas exchange.
• Prevent snow buildup: Heavy snow blocks light and traps toxic gases like methane.
• No liner needed: Stock tanks work well without additional lining in cold climates.

Why It Works

The heater costs about as much to run as a refrigerator and only keeps a small opening melted. This allows toxic gases to escape and oxygen to enter, preventing suffocation. Tom emphasizes that the tank should not freeze solid, and snow must be cleared regularly.

For more on winter pond care, see Robyn's winterizing guide.