About Robyn Rhudy Expertise I can answer questions regarding goldfish, koi, orfe, minnows, frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, aquatic insects, snails, shrimp, other aquatic animals, algae, aquatic plants, winterizing, pond maintenance, pond setup, pond problems, and more. I am not as good on the actual construction of ponds and with pond equipment such as pumps and filters but know the basics.
Experience I have eight ponds and four aquariums. My largest 1800 gallon pond was built in 1997. Since then, I set up a web site on my animals, fish, and ponds. My pond web site (fishpondinfo.com) is huge, award-winning, and has spawned a free pond e-newsletter and a book on ponds. I am well known and respected in the on-line pond community.
Organizations Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Publications I am quoted in an article in Aquarium Fish (May 2003). I published my own book on ponds in 2001. I wrote an article for the Jan/Feb 2004 issue of Organic Gardening on tub ponds.
Education/Credentials Masters degree in analytical chemistry; many people consider me a pond expert
Question We live in mid Missouri. Winter temps get down to zero or below. We have a 1500-2000 gallon, lined fish pond in the garden. (cement with a rubber lining) We have been told that the koi can live in the pond thru the winter. Is this true? What precautions should we take? What about feeding? Aeration? Should we use a floating de-icer unit? Thanks for any help or insight you can provide. Lew Leake
Answer It depends. How deep is the pond? Is it heated or does it have a de-icer at least? If you can keep an opening in the ice and prevent the pond from freezing to the bottom, the fish can overwinter in the pond. Do not feed them when the water temperature is below 55 degrees F. Putting an air stone on the bottom (below the de-icer helps) is a good idea to be sure that the fish get oxygen down there and let out carbon dioxide. A floating de-icer is a good idea. See my winterizing page at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm for a lot more on keeping a pond going in the winter. You are in a much colder area than here in MD so I do not suggest running any waterfalls, etc. Good luck!
