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What to do with fish from pond that is empty

25 10:01:52

Question
I went out to my pond today to find it almost empty of water.  I was able to get about 10 fish out including my 2 larger koi.  My problem is what to do with the fish until I can figure out what is going on with my pond.  I live in NC and it has been pretty cold here getting down in the 20's at night and I doin't want to shock the fish by making them to warm or to cold.  What is the best solution.  I have them in a 5 gallon bucket right now do I need to bring them in or leave them outside in the temps they are use to.  I will put them in a larger container as soon as I know where they are going to be.  I appreciate any help you can give me

Answer
I would set them up inside, in your coolest room like the basement or garage.  You can buy a large plastic storage bin, rubbermaid tub, or kiddie pool to make an indoor pond for now.  A bucket is too small for more than a short few hours.  Your big koi can't be that big!  Mine wouldn't fit in a bucket at 1.5' long!  If you leave them outside in a small container in that weather, they will freeze so you have to bring them in until you can find the source of your water loss.  Fill the indoor pond with water from the pond if any is left. They will gradually warm up but not too quickly.  Here are some pages on my site that may help:

Leaks:  http://www.fishpondinfo.com/pcare.htm#leak

Indoor Ponds:  http://www.fishpondinfo.com/indoor.htm

Robyn