Winter Water Garden Care

Question
Hi Leigh,

We have a small water garden of about 1200 gals.  We live in S. Central KY and the winter temp. seldom hits 0 degrees, usually about the coldest is in the teens.  Anyway, last winter we took our 3 goldfish and wintered them in a tank in our garage.  That is not an option this year because they are breeding like crazy!  Our wg is sort of an elongated figure 8 with a little stream and a waterfall.  One side was supposed to be 24" deep which is what I read you need to winter fish in this area.  The idiot that put in the wg only made it 18" on both sides. The pump that he installed is not to be run in cold water, so we need a new pump and some type of a heater.  Can you give us any recommendations for both?
Thanks!
Michele

Answer
Don't believe everything that you hear. Bottom line is if the temperature never dips to 40 below you should be OK, I would like to see the pond at least 3 feet deep you should be OK take off the fancy fountain head and keep the water running through the pump. AS long as water contiues to run it will not freeze. Make sure the pond does not freeze solid. DO NOT hit the ice with a sledge hammer the impact will kill the fish. You should be OK if you keep the pump running. Believe it or not Mother Knows Best.
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