Wheres Dr Joe? Winter feeding question

[88GT]

Seems like Joe hasnt been on in months. Is he ok?

Anywho, I seem to remember almost zero feeding last winter. I know its temp dependent. Can someone remind me of the temps and feeding frequency? Is it ok to feed again if the temp briefly rises to the ok to feed temp? I seem to remember 45 degrees being the magic number.
Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Warborg]

Seems like Joe hasnt been on in months. Is he ok?

I think I saw one of his posts and it said march 2009 was the last time he was here

Anywho, I seem to remember almost zero feeding last winter. I know its temp dependent. Can someone remind me of the temps and feeding frequency? Is it ok to feed again if the temp briefly rises to the ok to feed temp? I seem to remember 45 degrees being the magic number.
Thanks in advance for any help

I would have said 50, but I can't remember for sure either

 

[Lupin]

Dr Joe is fine but he is no longer active unfortunately.

I would not feed the fish once temperature drops at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Their metabolism at this point becomes very slow and any accummulation of foods in their GI tract will only promote anaerobic bacteria to form and kill the fish in the process. Try feeding wheatgerm-based foods while you still have time before temperature dives.

 

[Muske]

65 and above - 2-4 times/day with growth or high protein foods

65 to 60 - once a day

60 to 55 - once every other day using wheat germ based foods

55 to 50 - 2 or 3 times a week. Maybe less if water temps. really drop
at night. I only feed mid-morning to early afternoon when the
fishes activity is up. Again, wheat germ based foods only.

Below 50 - Stop feeding. There is plenty of algae for them to eat
if hungry. The fish may still even come to the surface to feed,
but don't.

When temps. get close to 65, and autumn is starting or has started, I like to feed a lot of protein and fats to bulk up the fish for winter. Under 55 degress, pay close attention to the fish. If in doubt, don't feed. If the fish don't eat it, it can just cause water quality issues since BB activity is lowered in cooler water temps. as well.

 

[poptop22]

^agreed

 

[poptop22]

also make sure you resist feeding if there is a "warm spell" during winter. make sure the water is up to temp and will stay up to temp, start feeding in spring with the wheat germ foods ,spring to summer feeding is reverse of fall to winter feedings.

 

[88GT]

Thanks guys. It might also help to let you all know I keep food producing fish in my pond. Not koi or gold fish. I dont think bass and catfish eat algae. What might they eat small quantitys of that is simmilar to wheat germ based food?