Winterizing Large Pond: Fish Safety in Deep Water

Pond Profile

20×15 ft, 6 ft deep one end, 2.5–3 ft other. 18–20 fish (fantail shubunkins, feeders, large koi). Location unknown.

Assessment

6 ft deep = excellent for winter. Fantails most cold-sensitive but OK with hole in ice + aeration.

Steps

1. Keep hole in ice: De-icer + aerator (air stone at 2–3 ft depth, not bottom).
2. Clean debris before freeze.
3. Stop feeding <50°F.
4. Run waterfall if pump rated for freezing (or remove pump, use aerator only).
5. Monitor weekly.

Reference

Winter guide: fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm.