What kind of fish will survive the winter in a pond zone 8 (coldest 20 f -8 c)?

Question

I currently have 6 comets that I know will last the winter and several guppies that I don't think will make it through the winter.
I was thinking of adding some small gold fish (fan tails) but I am unsure if now is a good time because they would have to compete with the 6 comets (4-7inches [10 - 18 cm]) and the fan tails would be 1.5-2.5 inches [4-6cm]
Pond is about 8 foot in diameter 1.5 - 2 feet deep.

Could I safely add the fan tails.

What other fish could I add, preferably something with color.

What kind of scavager could I add and or do I need one.

What can I do to protect the fish from predators like herons or racoons. A blue heron wiped out all the fish early this year and I don't want to feed the bird koi which are $$ comets look almost as good for a fraction of the cost.

What kind of fish like guppies can live through the winter?

If I pull out a few of the guppies to save for next summer how small a tank can I get by with for half a dozen guppies (4 Male 2Female min)

Answer 1

Guppies are tropical fish and can not survive the winter. Carp and regular goldfish are hearty fish and will survive the winter. Fan tail goldfish may not survive being they are a special breed. I never had luck with them in the pond over the winter. Wild catfish make good scavengers. Add decoys around the pond to scare away predators. There is no kind of guppy that can survive the winter. I had guppies and platys in the pond, but have to remove them every fall. Best size tank for the 8 guppies is at least a 10 gallon tank.

Answer 2

Powerful filter doesn't mean that much if you still don't change the water regularly. Goldfish? Koi? I think 10 goldfish averaging 3 inches in a 20 gallon tank is asking for sickness. Perhaps leave the 5 biggest ones outside and taking the 5 smallest ones inside, then changing 25% of the water 2x per week using a gravel vacuum. I'm going to assume they are goldfish. Last fall on my campus there was a pond I'm guessing hardly 100 gallons full of leaves and dying water plants and a few small goldfish. I wanted to save them out before it froze but I didn't have anywhere to keep them so I didn't. The ice froze quite thick and I was sure that the fish would be poisoned with all those dead plants. But as spring came along and the ice thinned I could actually SEE the little goldfish swimming around under the ice! Those guys are tough! Just make sure the pond is clean of any leaves and debris, stop feeding the fish if you are (they will do fine off of food growing/falling into the water- feeding them can actually kill them when it gets to cold because their digestive system slows down and the food may rot in their bodies) and make sure the water level is topped off as the pond freezes so they have as much depth as possible.

Answer 3

Comets are the poor mans KOI....that can survive thru most winters. I have had them live thru ICE on my pod....but I would suggest getting a small coil pond heating device. It radiates enough heat to keep the pod warm in 1 circular area of the pod. Remember fish in the winter go dormant and don't require feeing until spring.

Guppies...I wouldn't think of putting guppies in a pond. These are aquarium fish and require heating up to 76 degrees. Keep those in your indoor aquarium. I

To avoid the predators on your pond SCREEN it over. I've had my pond invaded by raccoons....but they're so smart if they're hungry enough they know how to knock the screen off...But birds like herons aren't that smart!

Answer 4

you don't need a scavenger - goldfish are scavengers
i can't tell what area of the country you are in
fantails might be a little iffy, usually your best bet will be single tail
goldfish - they are hardier
do not put bream or catfish or bass in your pond EVER they will cannibalize or kill all your fish
the guppies won't make it - you can catch some gambusia
(wild minnow looks like guppie) and keep in your pond, they eat mosquito larvae
get pond netting or fruit tree netting at garden supply shop and
hang over your pond to keep predators away
for color have you checked on shubunkins (calico goldfish)?

Answer 5

We call them feeder fish. They sell them at the local bait store. They're bright orange and get quite big in our pond. I suppose they are plain old goldfish. They last very well over the winters. We usually lose none of them or maybe one. As long as you leave a stick in the water (and be sure it doesn't get knocked over by weather or a raccoon), then the top won't freeze solidly and everybody should be fine.

Answer 6

i would recommend making the pond a little deeper. Or a section of it at least. That way the top will freeze and the fish can go lower to where the water isint frozen.

Answer 7

Do what my cousin does....put them "down south" (his basement) for the winter; get a large enough tank so you can separate it into 2 or 3 areas using those dividers that look like giant fly swatters(so the water can flow properly and the fish won't attack each other); Check EBAY or local tag/garage sales for a good, large, tank and get a good filter...

Answer 8

Most coldwater fish such as sunfish bluegill, catfish native to the U.S., goldfish, guppies, carp, gar, koi, drum, bass, perch, and pike will survive outdoors in that temperature. Most tropical fish will not.