Winter weather in the Mid-Atlantic region can be quite unpredictable. Some years can be mild with no snow and spring-like days and some years we can experience frigid temperatures that last for weeks. Its during those extended periods of cold temperatures that you may find yourself wondering about the safety of your fish and the possibility of your pond freezing completely.
Thankfully, the water temperature in your pond does not change as quickly or drastically as air temperatures can. Your pond will begin to cool down as the seasons move from fall into winter. When the water temperature gets cold enough to form ice the pond is unlikely to freeze solid even during lengthy periods of cold weather.
The ground temperature below and around the pond helps to insulate and keep the deeper water from freezing. This deeper water can remain around 35°-40° throughout the winter. In these deeper depths, fish are able to survive the winter as long as they have adequate water quality and oxygen. Fish are classified as ectothermic, also known as “cold blooded”, meaning their body temperature adjusts to the temperature of the surrounding water. The ecosystem ponds we build are a minimum of 24” inches deep and we have not heard a report of one freezing solid in our local area, especially when using a pond heater or aerator.
You can learn more about why water quality and oxygen are important to the health and survival of your fish by reading the blog post below.
People with extremely shallow ponds may still be worried about their fish the possibility of it freezing and need to take special precautions. Setting up a large tank either inside an insulated garage or greenhouse area and moving your fish inside for the winter can be an option to consider.
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