On 21 Feb 2007 07:42:49 -0800, "elaine" wrote:

We have a 15' x 21' x 3.5' pond, and temps here at the moment are -10c
to -25C (14F to -13F) with min 2' of snow in the yard(not drifts). We
always keep the "up pipe" from the fountain running all winter to keep
an open area but never heat and the goldfish seem to be fine lots of
fry overwinter and adults keep growing. We have had more than a few
-32C(-26F) days this winter so we had a HUGE ice volcano built up
around the end that kept trying to ice over despite our best efforts
to keep it open. Finally after a few -36C+(-33F) days it was finally
a balmy -28C( ) so we ventured out to see how the pond was doing.
Well it was ofcourse completely closed in;running but closed in. DH
tried to knock the top off again but only succeeded in knocking the
whole thing apart which then took the pipe to the bottom of the pond.
It was still running as you could see the ripples in the water but as
the hole was only 12" there was no way to locate exactly where the
pump/pipe was sitting. It has been -32C(-26F) with a few days of snow
and wind again so when I went out to check I can no longer see anykind
of open area, but pump is still drwing power so it IS still running,
and there is also a sump that pumps water from under the liner back
into the pond which is also still running(sort of). What I am wanting
your input on is whether I can let this go and have any fish survive
or whether I need to use an auger to keep an area open. I doubt DH
will go for the auger idea so I REALLY hope we can wait and see. I
know we will lose some if not all the fry if it is left but as the
adults seem to spawn nonstop all summer I can live with that. Thanks
for any input you gurus of pond land can give : )
Elaine

IMO, And it probably the most pricey, I'd get a stock tank heater and let
it melt a hole thru the ice, at which time, if you're concerned about the
cost of electricity, drop in an airstone. Plug heater in as needed. ~ jan