Question
QUESTION: I have read many ans. on this site, it has been helpful. I have a small approx. 4' fiberglass sugar kettle which I have added natural rock for fountain and ledges.  I then added one I guess med. plant.  I then waited and added (from what I have gleaned from this site, way  too many goldfish), of course some have died. They were all pretty small. I did buy one 2" gf and it is still fine.  My water is clear & have checked pH (fine). The pond in above ground, would like to keep fish alive for winter in north east TN. Is that possible. Should I get a air stone, heater, filter? Add salt, barley? Would like to be more reesponsible, gee I did not realize is was not too simple. Should I be changing the water? Taking out slabs & washing? The water is clear at present. Not sure how many fish are in there as they hide in ledges & do not all come out at once. I am sure there are approx. 10 small ones (maybe more) and my 2" one.  They container in in a shady protected area.  Is there one particular site that I shold go to for setting up tiny pond. I appreciate you help. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Deborah,
Thanx for your question.  I would get a pond filter that not only filters the water but also aerates it.  They aren't that expensive and can be found at most garden centers.  You should be able to overwinter the pond as long as you keep the water surface from freezing. Gasses must be allowed to exchange or the fish will suffocate.  There are also small, floating heaters you can buy that will warm the water enough to keep a small space of the surface open to allow for the exchange of gasses.  The cost per month is similar to the cost of running a refrigerator.  Your pond should not be in a completely shady area.  Ponds need sunlight (at least 6 or more hours per day).  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I appreciate your help and have a few more questions and will be able to give more info. at this time. From reading the site, I did figure I needed a filter of sorts. Bought a mechanical one (is this type okay?)and installed yesterday, so took out all fish, ledges and cleaned pond. Scrubbed stone ledges with brush and no chem. Installed filter, replaced ledges and plant, dechlorinated water and replaced fish and barley pad. They seem happy. How often should I clean filter? Oh, counted fish and have "8" tiny (1" or so) and one approx.2-3" one. Also, you said that pond should not be in shady area, well, mine is and cannot be moved. Patio does rec. sun on portion, just not that portion.  I have a east-west patio exposure with side of house being on east, so no morn. sun and afternoon sun blocked by tall fir trees. So, have tried to notice but do not believe any direct sun hits pond at any time. This will probably be the same for winter, so what steps can I take to make pond okay. Remember, I cannot move, it is in the only space available for it due to area of patio. If the problem were just electrical, could solve, but it really has to do with position and space. It does rec. filtered light, just not direct. Thanks..deborah

Answer
Hi Deborah,
Thanx for the follow up.  I'm not sure what you mean by a mechanical filter.  There are filters made specifically for small outdoor ponds that are available at places like Home Depot or local nurseries.  These kind of filters are usually biological filters and usually only require a spray of the hose at the end of a season just to clean off any mud or sediment that may have settled on it.  Don't over wash these filters.  The fish population sounds fine for now.  Ponds in shady areas are prone to algal infestation but because your pond is small you probably won't have a problem keeping it clean.  I hope this helps.
Tom