Coldwater Koi

[JohnnyReb]

I recently bought 35 Koi 3 to 5 inchers. Every time I clean the filters, I think, that is cold. If you are used to tropical fish, it is hard to imagine a fish that likes 65 degree water. I hope to winter them over in some 75 gallons tanks till spring. My first lesson was that most all koi are bottom feeders and pellets that sink often get lost in the rocks and cause water problems. So, I started training them to top feed on floating pellets. Then my next lesson was that they are raised in tubs, tanks or ponds where they are not able to see out the sides, only the top. So, they hide for the first few days if in a 75 gallon tank.

 

[Magnum Man]

My brother has koi in his back yard pond, in Kansas, he’s had them for 5-6 years, doesn’t move them, but doesn’t heat the pond, he has had cold enough weather to skin the pond over with ice, yet his koi have thrived… I’m sure if I tried to do that in Minnesota, they would freeze out, but his have been fine in central Kansas…

 

[JohnnyReb]

My brother has koi in his back yard pond, in Kansas, he’s had them for 5-6 years, doesn’t move them, but doesn’t heat the pond, he has had cold enough weather to skin the pond over with ice, yet his koi have thrived… I’m sure if I tried to do that in Minnesota, they would freeze out, but his have been fine in central Kansas…

Yes, all I have talked to said if the pond is 4 to 8 feet deep, they hibernate. In Minnesota you might need a heater to keep the water open somewhere.

 

[emeraldking]

My first lesson was that most all koi are bottom feeders

Yes, you can see that they're natural bottom feeders for their mouth is directed downwards.

Yes, all I have talked to said if the pond is 4 to 8 feet deep, they hibernate. In Minnesota you might need a heater to keep the water open somewhere.

They already hibernate at 2 feet during the winter period. But 4-8 feet is really the minimum to keep koi in with their growing potential. I've kept and bred koi since the mid 1980's up till 2005.
You actually don't need to use a heater with koi.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Yes, you can see that they're natural bottom feeders for their mouth is directed downwards.

They already hibernate at 2 feet during the winter period. But 4-8 feet is really the minimum to keep koi in with their growing potential. I've kept and bred koi since the mid 1980's up till 2005.
You actually don't need to use a heater with koi.

TY for your input, I guess I did not mean they had to have a heater, I just preferred an opening to the surface during hard freezes. TY for the 2' info, that was not what I had been told. I hope you will help guide me along the trail.

 

[emeraldking]

I just preferred an opening to the surface during hard freezes.

For that purpose, you'll only need an aeration pump.

 

[JohnnyReb]

For that purpose, you'll only need an aeration pump.

That would work too.

 

[emeraldking]

That would work too.

And that's also cheaper than using a heater.

 

[JohnnyReb]

And that's also cheaper than using a heater.

I am not an electrical engineer, but I would concur, till I consult one, lol.