How long can my pond be iced over before the fish are in danger?

[DrDave]

I grew up in North Dakota, The rivers there froze over every year. I remember standing on the cliffs overlooking the Missouri river and seeing the 2' carp swimming in the shallows every spring. There were sometimes hundreds of them. I don't think anything short of being frozen solid will harm them.

 

[koidance]

DrDave I am talking in Centigrade, in GB we used to have Fahrenheit but the European market changed all that.

 

[DrDave]

DrDave I am talking in Centigrade, in GB we used to have Fahrenheit but the European market changed all that.

Thank you, I thought as much. Since we are International, it is important to add a C or F after temperatures. That keeps it simple. :biggrin:

 

[Joy Seacat]

Firstly, you must put a hole in the ice only using hot water.
...Then use an aquarium pump and stone to keep the hole open.
You can pick them up in wallmart or a pet store for a few bucks.

If you smash a hole in the ice, you'll probably kill your fish, as they
are very sensitive to the vibrations that will result from pounding on the ice.
what concerns me more -- is the size of your pond for your climate...
you may need a heater to keep the pond from freezing completely.

How deep is your pond at the deepest part?

edit
Ok, we posted at the same time, I see your pond is 3.5" deep, that's good.

 

[lauralouise90]

As others have said please don't smash a hole in the ice as you'll scare the fish - be careful, slow and gentle in whatever you do.

 

[addy1]

lol 2009 thread, they might not see your response