Leaves or no leaves?

[Limburger]

I'm winterizing my pond and still have some leaves in the water. I have noticed that the koi hides under the leaves and was wondering if I should leave some of the leaves in the pond for them?

I would be fine with leaving them in or taking them out, but wonder what would be best to do.

Thanks for any advise.

 

[pondlady]

Get out all you can, As they decompose the release bad gassed that can kill the fish. Your spring startup will be much easier as well.

 

[DrDave]

I agree. No rotting vegetation is best.

 

[PHYLAL]

Ditto, no rotting vegetation.

Build a little tent out of PVC pipe and plastic window screening for your fish to hid under. (Or anything similar)

 

[Limburger]

I did clean the leaves out 2 weekends ago. All the water in my yard up here in MN is frozen, except my pond. Today water temp was 48F and the fish seem to be happy. The outside temp was 37F