Wintering over shallow ponds

NJ,
Thanks for the info. I'll get the y pipe for the fish to hide in. Maybe two of
them. When do you remove your pump? And how or do you cover your air pump to
keep the weather out?
Again thanks for the tips.
-Pat


"O3raledale" wrote in message
...
Hello all,
How does one find out what the frost line is in their area of the country?
I
live in Philadelphia, PA. and my pond is only about 18" deep. Will my
goldies
be safe in there over the winter with just a couple of air stones going?

I live in Zone 5b, where we can get several degrees below zero and have
plenty of snowfall, and my pond is only about 18" deep at its center. I
have 3 sarasa comets and a goldfish. I have NEVER in three years brought my
fish in, and they have wintered over just fine. Here is what I do:

1. DO NOT run the falls or pump. I have a Pondsweep Skimmer system, and I
pull the pump out for the winter.

2. DO aerate. I do this with a cheapo walmart aquarium bubbler with two
air outlets. I use the plastic tubing and regular airstones.

3. DO sink something in the pond to provide cover. I use a large opening
(4 or 5 in.) PVC "y" connector which lies in the bottom and allows all four
fish to hide.

4. DO NOT allow the pond to freeze over completely. If the airstones do not
provide a continual small opening, get a floating heater. They are
electric, donut-shaped, and have a thermostat that kicks on at like 34F.

5. DO NOT feed your fish once there are sustained periods of temps below
55F.

This has worked for me for three winters.

NJ