I've had my smallish 2400 gallon pond for three years now, nestled deep in the woods outside a tiny place near the Vermont border. It's been a mix of koi pond and water garden.
Our winters are so cold that I haven't tried to winter my koi over in the small pond, instead moving them over to our large natural pond that has a strong enough water source that a small hole stays open all winter to vent any noxious gases. Unfortunately, it's also a great entrance hole for mink, who eat all my beloved koi. I've actually seen them dive into the pond during the winter.
So far the mink haven't found the small pond so my cunning plan for this year is to use a bubbler to keep my small pond open all winter, and to try to winter over this season's five tiny koi. I'm hoping some other winter bound ponder has had experience with this and will share their expertise and experience. So much to learn, eh?
Our winters are so cold that I haven't tried to winter my koi over in the small pond, instead moving them over to our large natural pond that has a strong enough water source that a small hole stays open all winter to vent any noxious gases. Unfortunately, it's also a great entrance hole for mink, who eat all my beloved koi. I've actually seen them dive into the pond during the winter.
So far the mink haven't found the small pond so my cunning plan for this year is to use a bubbler to keep my small pond open all winter, and to try to winter over this season's five tiny koi. I'm hoping some other winter bound ponder has had experience with this and will share their expertise and experience. So much to learn, eh?