Question
size: 400 gal.; 4 ft. deep
4 koi; 2 shubunkin
filter & water spray
faces south, so sun much of the day
the water temp is below 50 F
hanging around the surface
last water test was fine, though that was before it got cold. I guess I could do that.
air temp about 40 F day a bit over 32 night
2 plants above the water with roots in the water
netted, so no leaves in water

I live in WA state and have had koi since 2008, same pond, same plants. 8 mo. ago I moved to a slightly higher altitude, so a couple of degrees colder. When the temperature in the pond dropped below 50 degrees, I stopped feeding them. However, in the past, they settled on the bottom. This year they're on the top swimming around. Is that okay? Thanks,

Answer
Dear Karelina,

in principal this is ok.
I'm from Belgium and have two ponds next to each other.
Now the water is approximate 10癈 and in one pond they are at the bottom, the other pond at the surface.
I should not worry for now but keep an eye on them.
The should lower when temperatures will lower up to 8癈.
Good luck for the winter and happy pondkeeping!

Warm regards and the best wishes!

Kind regards,
Raf