2007-01-20 15:38:44 · 13 answers · asked by maranda s 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
We're assuming this is goldfish and/or koi you're talking about. Goldfish and koi require a cool water environment with an ideal water temperature ranging between 65-75º F; however, they can survive in temperatures above or below this range. Only common, comet and shubunkin goldfish and koi can survive outside in cold climates, where they will lay dormant, in a state of hibernation, in the water under the ice during the winter. Fancy goldfish cannot be left outside through the winter. The pond MUST be at least 18 inches deep, however, the deeper the better. It must not freeze solid. If it appears that it is going to do so, you MUST remove the fish. It is good to have some movement or aeration, but it is most important that a hole be kept in the ice at all times. If you can, break the ice and remove enough pieces to make a hole of at least 12 inches. Another good trick is to get a large pan of boiling water and set it on top of the ice and let it melt a hole through the ice. In cold climates, it's normal for koi in outdoor ponds to stop eating when the water temperature is consistently below 45º F.
2007-01-20 16:53:59 · answer #1 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the fish. We had gold fish when we lived in NY. We but them in a bucket when we moved across country in the winter. Needless to say, the top of the water froze solid. So, when we stopped at a motel we filled the bath tub with warm water and set the bucket in and the ice slowly melted. Our pleco lived for one day after that. But, our goldfish are still alive today and that was two years ago.
As long as the water is not solid ice underneath then you should be ok. Again, depends on the fish. Coi and Goldfish should be fine.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!
2007-01-20 23:59:36 · answer #2 · answered by The cat did it. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the pond is deeper than 12" they should be fine. Since most freezing happens between 1" - 12". Koi and gold fish usually swim to the bottom of the pond to escape the cold water. =o) Its been my experience anyway. Adding a pond heater is always a nice way to ensure your fish live!
2007-01-20 23:43:33 · answer #3 · answered by ebay_convert 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would depend on the type of fish.
When I was in grade school (back in the 1957), there was a fish pond in the schoolyard. It would freeze over in the winter time. But during recess, we could go out and see the fish swimming underneath the ice. Never saw one die.
2007-01-20 23:44:06 · answer #4 · answered by John Hightower 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldfish are pretty hardy and will take a lot of abuse. Most tropical fish will die right away. Why not just get a small pump and keep the water moving so it doesnt freeze?
2007-01-20 23:42:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldfish and Koi (Japaneese hybrids of goldfish) do normally survive the winter in an outdoor pond. Tropical fish won't likely survive, they hate water under 74 degrees.
2007-01-20 23:45:09 · answer #6 · answered by SharpGuy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what kind of fish you have...if you're talking about koi in a deep pond (at least 4 or so feet deep) they'll be fine, but don't feed them until it warms up because they cannot digest food when they are cold.
2007-01-20 23:43:17 · answer #7 · answered by Carson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldfish will usually be all right no matter what you do, short of putting them in the bathtub or salt water. Any other kind of fish, I'd be worried about.
2007-01-20 23:43:21 · answer #8 · answered by Cat Loves Her Sabres 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it is goldfish they will be fine just break the ice every once in a while and stir the water around so it get air mixed in it
2007-01-20 23:45:08 · answer #9 · answered by Heather 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends on the kind of fish, but that's what they do in nature.
I wouldn't try it though......especially with tropical fish...lol
2007-01-20 23:42:32 · answer #10 · answered by ***HDK*** 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋