Winterizing Kentucky Water Garden: Pump, Depth, Heater

1,200-gal pond, KY, teens °F winter. Last year: 3 goldfish in garage tank. Now breeding — too many. Pond 18" deep (not 24"). Pump not cold-rated. Asks pump/heater recs.

Depth Reality

18" is marginal. But KY rarely hits -40°F. Run pump 24/7, remove fountain head, float log. Fish survive if water moves.

Pump & Heater

• Pump: Any submersible rated for continuous use. Remove fountain attachment.
• De-icer: Floating stock tank de-icer (100–250W) keeps hole open.
• Aerator: Cheaper than de-icer, does same.

Don't Feed Below 50°F

Mother Nature handles the rest. 18" works with flow.