Emergency: Pond Nearly Empty, Fish in Bucket—What Now?

Pond almost empty, 10 fish (incl. 2 large koi) in 5-gal bucket. Cold nights (20s°F). Owner asks: bring in or leave out? Best temporary housing.

Immediate Action: Bring Indoors

• Bucket is lethal—too small, no oxygen, temp crash.
• Set up indoor tub: Large Rubbermaid stock tank, kiddie pool, or 50+ gal tub in coolest room (basement/garage).
• Use pond water if any left; otherwise dechlorinated tap water.
• Aerate: Air stone + pump.
• Cover: Fish jump.

Don't Heat Rapidly

Let them warm slowly to room temp. Cold water holds more oxygen.

Find the Leak

While fish are safe indoors, locate pond leak: Leak Guide. Indoor setup: Indoor Pond Guide.

Act fast—hours matter in a bucket.