You can also cover the pond with a heavy plastic like we do. We make a
rough frame of 2x4's over the pond at drape the plastic over that. We do
all this and live is SW Ontario and the pond has never totally frozen over.

"~ jan" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:31:51 CST, wrote:

I live in Michigan and have small pond about 5 x 6 maybe 300 gal
.......and
is about 15 to 16 inch deep...I have 6 goldfish about 5 to 6 inch's and I
am
concerned that pond may not be deep enough for them to survive......I do
not
have place for them inside.......I am looking for a low cost
option.....any
advise would be appreciated...

Get a stock tank heater ($20-25) from a farm supply store. Then go to the
Xmas display stuff and get a heavy-duty on/off switch ($15-20). I have one
with a remote control. This will keep your costs lower by only using heat
as needed. The heaters do have a temp control, but they are primitive. Why
I like to have the control when mine is on/off for sure.

OR.... you can get a pond one that is only 100 watts at a pet supply place
and plug it in and leave it. Unfortunately they run anywhere from ($50 -
80). In the meantime, you can use an air stone (should have one anyway)
until it is really cold. ~ jan
------------
Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us