Leaves-how many are too many

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My Fall plans changed when I literally took a fall a week ago. Now I'm in a boot and on crutches for 6-7weeks. So the plans to put on a net didn't happen. My intake bay is pulling in a lot of them but I know I'll have some settling to the bottom as the days go on. My pond is 14x20 and 2ft to 4ft deep. I'm in zone 4. 13 shubunkins and goldfish about 6in. If I can still see the rocks through the leaves, do you think it will be ok for the winter?
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j.w

I Love my Goldies
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Sorry about your fall.
I don't think it will hurt to leave the leaves in over winter. They will start to decompose but not enough to hurt your water chemistry I believe. Not much you can do anyways unless you know someone who can scoop them out now before they all sink. Even if they sink someone could still scoop them out w/a long handled net but I don't really think you will need to do that now unless you want to. Your filter will suck a bunch out when they turn to smaller particles in the spring too.
 
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That's good to know. I'll continue to scoop out what I can reach and let the rest go. Thanks.
 
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the leaves over the winter expecialy in colder zones won't do much over the winter besides sink and soften a bit. tannins can be released which will make the water look like tea. I Deliberatly alow some leaves to sink and pile up so frogs, turtles , salamanders have a winter home they will bury them selves
 

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