Ponds during winter

[voodoochild]

Thinking about putting an above ground pond outside maybe 300 gallons. Not sure what species but what do I do during winter? I'm in Tampa so it doesn't get too cold but cold enough. If I get a tropical species do you think it would work if I put greenhouse plastic over it and heated the water. I heard some people get hot tub heaters for their ponds so that they can keep cichlids in their pond year round. You think that might work? Not sure I'd have room to bring them inside during the winter. Any ideas would be great!

 

[wellington]

Any aquarium or pond heater will work. Make sure it's for the right size pond and not just a de-icer. On the really cold days and nights, you could put a clear plastic over it to help keep the heat in.

 

[AndreaRosie]

We have a big pond. My dad got some pond heaters. Get the right size though because we didn't realize ours was to small. Even in Louisiana fish freeze.