Bringing Koi in over the Winter

[mandi]

Hi all --

I'm asking this question for my mother... Two years ago she bought a koi ("Jack") that was only about 3". He lives in her garden pond outside (its fairly shallow, but pretty large around). He grew a descent amount the first year, and as we live in northwestern Pennsylvania, we had to bring him in for the winter (the pond would freeze SOLID if we left it full over the winter, we have pretty harsh winters on Lake Erie).

This summer he's out in the pond and he's grown pretty large -- I think he's around 8-10". I don't think the 20-gallon (long) tank we used last year is going to cut it.

My question is, what size tank would you all suggest? (I'm hoping to buy it for her as a surprise, because I know she's worried about what to do with him -- she's grown very fond of him over the last couple years!)

 

[Paul_MTS]

Would it be possible to set up a small preformed liner in your house? Kind of like the vats they would have at a shop for the bigger koi as that will be the cheaper option rather than the massive size tank you will need.

Have you thought about heaters for the pond?

 

[mandi]

I'm not sure if a heater would work. We get cold-snaps that stay between -5 and 10 degrees fahrenheit for weeks at a time -- and even more problematic (I'd assume), really heavy snowfall.

Not sure how a big tub would work -- but that is a good idea! I never thought of going that route! This might be a DUMB question, but could use use one of those giant "feed-tubs" from the hardware store if you added something to circulate the water (like the fountain in the pond?) -- You can tell I don't know much about this stuff, it's my mom's "thing" but I'm trying to help her out.

 

[ryan]

A temporary indoor pond would be best you should be able to hire holding vats for fish from various aquatic outlets. If you go for the tank you have to remember that nearly every year it will need upgrading, a 100-150gallon tank would surfice this year but unlikly next. A large indoor holding vat/pond of around 800-1000gallons is best.

 

[Yeaulman]

Can someone use an inflateable paddling pool in the basement for fish like that?

 

[Paul_MTS]

Yes that should work although without insulation on the sides i'mnot sure if it might ned to be heated at all..

and would ned to be quite a deep one.

 

[ryan]

If it is in a basement it should be fine, obviously the temperature in the basement will affect the size of pool needed. If the basement mantains a temperature similar to the house then the pool won't need to be that deep or heated and can be used to house the fish over winter.

 

[bribones]

ill give my vote to an old bath tub readily available second hand or free and just the ticket for a small narrow space if thats all youve got

 

[bugsy66]

Hi, I house my koi in a huge rubbermaid tub over the winter. Mine are only 4" and 6" at the moment. I have a filter in there, no heater as they are in our basement that is nice a cool but not freezing.

bugsy