Archivarium 2004

[Rossco]

I have heard of people keeping goldfish in an outdoor pond through the winter. In canada we have cold winters. Like -30 for a month so I was wondering if this was possible?
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Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost

[Huntress]

It's possible as long as the filter keeps running and you put some type of wooden board over it. Also, make sure it goes down below the level of frozen ground. I'm from Montreal and I've seen several ponds like this.
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"Feminae bene moratea historiam raro faciunt"

[SherryNE]

As long as the water does not freeze solid, you should be OK. The top of the ice should not stay frozen over completely for long periods, either, as no gas exchanges can happen if it is completely frozen over the top.

[marto]

float a tennis ball at the surface during winter. If the top layer freezes then their will be oxegen for the fish to breath
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Martin
70 gallon tank with 11 various kind of fish
Pond with 3 goldfish

[dale]

Hi rossco,
We have goldfish and koi survive our winters here. As stated above, the pond needs to be deep enough so the fish don't freeze solid. At least 24" here-probably a little deeper for you (36"?). A bigger problem for me has always been detritis and organic matter (cedar needles mostly) that fall in and acidify the water. I occasionally flush the pond to correct this but this year I am going to build a small roof over it.
Good luck!
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Think like a fish