Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 3 goldfish, Ben, Jerry, and Brewster, whom I adore- they started off as your $.50 pet store tiny things and are now 4 inches long. They currently live in an outside pool that is about 1 1/2 feet deep and 36" diameter. I have an aerator on the bottom and a fountain on top. My question is,should I bring them in for the winter. I would appreciate any info on this topic- I have been reading all weekend and can't decide what is best for them. Thanks for your help...Judy

Hi
It depends on what kind of winter you get. Im from the uk so you will have to say if the temp gets a lot of the time in the sub zero range.
At a foot and a half in cold climates where the likelihood of a freeze will occur i would say bring them in as i dont think the pond is deep enough to allow the fish to escape any freezing water.
For most frosts 3 feet deep is required as a minimum.
if you can try and get a 60 gallon tank or rubbermaid with lots of filtration you wont need a heater if its in a indoor room and your fish will be ok to back out in the late spring again.

I have a similar situation too. Where I live he temp. can get to -30F. I wonder if a pond thermo will work in this case.