big cats r us

[follen]

Haha before he was introduced we had lots of small goldfish in there an any of the smaller roach disapeard over the foloowin weeks all of the koi are much to larger ( at the moment) .

 

[Spiked]

How cold are the winters in your area?

 

[follen]

To dam cold haha we get snow most years an most nights drop below zero.

 

[Spiked]

Sounds like here. I got the feeling I wouldn't be able to get away with keeping one out for the winter though.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Why do you say that?

 

[follen]

Wels originate from germany which are known for there very cold winters, they will do better in warm water an grow much larger but can easily surrvive cold winters.

 

[Spiked]

I'm in Canada so my guess is that it maybe a touch too cold for me to do the same here.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I don't think so. Wels inhabit Siberia too and survive harsh Russian winters fine. In any case, if your pond/lake does not freeze to the bottom AND you are able to keep a breather hole open (a bubbler with a well insulated or better heated airline will do), it should survive the winter just fine. Usually, it is a question of water depth. Below 3'-4' the ground temp never changes, and hence, it keeps the water in contact with it above freezing. In south-east Canada it is about 45-50 F. My western NY 10,000 gal koi pond was 6' deep and the temp on the bottom was always 38 F in winters.