I have a 175 gallon pond outside... about 8 Comet goldfish and one koi... all over about 5-8 inches. We live in IOWA , its starting to get cold.... I just want to know if I need to get a small heater or large heater? Will they be ok? What should I do??

I live in central NY and last year even with a large heater, my pond totally froze and all 13 of my fish died. The year before the fish survived. This year I am taking no chances and bringing all fish inside. I'd go with the big heater. Good luck.

Jgainesia I live just south of you in Missouri. Your pond is small so you don't want to heat it too much. I have a stock tank heater in a 500 gallon pond, it has an automatic shut off for warmer days. You need to remember if you use a heater you will need to feed your fish. I don't use my heater unless it is absolutly necessary. I leave my pump running and this keeps the water from freezing solid. I go out every morning and check to see what the ice looks like and if I need to plug it in. Good luck.

oh so as long as I have a fountain pumping out water it shouldnt freeze and i should be ok?? So what are the rules on feeding during the winter? thanks for your replys

It can still freeze so keep an eye on it. I don't plug my heater in until it gets below freezing for a week or so - in Missouri is will warm up above freezing usually at least a few times a week. Make sure you put your heater in the water and let in float - it's a little hard to use once the water is froze if it is not in the pond. You should not feed at all in the winter unless you leave the heater on all the time - then you need to feed them like you normally do - maybe not quit as much.

Once the pond water gets to 50 degrees do not feed the fish any more. The food will just rot in their stomachs and eventually kill them. Once the water is at that temp they go into a hibernation like state.

Good luck.

What have I gotten into!? I have fish in 3 outside (metal) stock tanks, I bought them to keep the mesquito pop. down. But I fed them too and have gotten a bit attached. So winter is coming (to Central Texas) what do I do? I moved one tank to the south side of the house to block the north wind. In a nice sunny spot. I would like to put all the fish (21) in one tank (they are young feeder GF) but I'm concerned the tank is not big enough. Holds about 100 gallons (I think, it is the smaller of the tanks). No pumps, no heater, nothing extra except I made a sanctuary of cylinders and flat stones at the bottom of each tank. What do I have to do to see them through the winter? Thanks Marion

Marion, I would keep track of the water temp and once it gets below 50 stop feeding them to start. I'm not sure if freezing will be a problem where you are. I know that you do sometimes get cold spells in Texas but not sure if the water freezing is an issue for you. You could always buy a small heater if that is a concern for you. My fish have wintered well outside and then last year they didn't do so good. I usually stick all my fish in my bigger pond for the winter if I keep them outside.

Good luck.