I have a 12' X 16' pond with a waterfall. It is about 0 degrees right now, rare for this town, but am I correct that as long as the waterfall is running and there is a 12" hole where the waterfall enters the pond that my fish will be ok? They have been at the deepest part - probably about 3' for most of the winter. There have been just a couple of cold days and it will be back in the 40's, supposedly on Wed. and the rest of the week. Do you think this is ok and that my fish will survive (5 koi and 40 or so goldfish)?
A freezing pond questiion
The only good information I have read anywhere on this, said to make sure your pump is not sucking the water from the deepest part of the pond. You'll want your pump in more shallow water for the winter. Otherwise you are taking the warmest water from the pond and replacing it with water very much cooled from the exposed waterfall.
Everything should be fine.
If you put a medium sized rubber ball in your pond it will prevent the surface from freezing over completely. I keep one in our water garden all winter as backup protection in case of electrical failure and my de-icer heater doesn't work.
Thanks to all of you who answered. I think the pump is in the right place. The rubber ball idea is great and a new one to me. I am thinking "spring!"