9/19/99

Question:
Hi,

I have a small liner-style pond that is 20 inches deep at it's deepest  point which is about 16" by 32" wide. I have several inexpensive goldfish which are now two years old and quite large. There is ample space for them, so that is not an issue. Last year I bought a 40 gallon tank for the house and wintered them inside in that. I am trying to determine whether to bring them back in this winter, or leave them in the pond. How would I go about finding a heater for it, if that is what I would need, and how much would it cost to run that through the winter. My winter conditions are the same as yours down there as I live in Grand Rapids, MI. I also bought a couple tropical waterlilies here that I have no idea how to take care of through the winter. Please help me.!!

Answer:
AV.

The heater (de-icer) is the product you will need to use to keep the pond from freezing solid since it is under 30 inches deep. Also utilizing a bottle bubbler will help to keep the oxygen levels up for the winter.

As for the tropical lily. Let the cooler water send them dormant, collect the "nuts" that are just below the crown of the plant in the mud. Clean them up and store them in moist sand in a dark place at around 50 degrees F. Replant them in the spring when the water temperatures are over 60' F.

Thanks and I hope that this was helpful.