Winter Die Off

[lynnsisko]

This winter in my big pond (15' X 30') I lost all my goldfish. It was over crowded to be sure, but I never lost all of them before. The few fish I had in a smaller pond all made it. I live in north west Michigan. Anyone else have a large die-off this winter? Pond heater to leave an open hole, etc all the same.

 

[Becky]

Welcome back to the forum @lynnsisko and sorry to hear about your fish

 

[addy1]

Darn sorry to hear. I would guess it was the overcrowding, but that is just a guess.

 

[Lisak1]

Welcome back - sorry it's with such disappointing news about your fish.

15x30 is a good sized pond, but overcrowding is still possible. I know you said everything is the same, but fish do grow and as they do they produce more waste and require more oxygen. Perhaps you reached the tipping point this year. Do you shut your pond down over winter and just use the de-icer to keep a hole open?

 

[qclabrat]

Sorry to hear that @lynnsisko
Have you tested the water and do you aerate to pond in the winter?