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What kind of fish will survive the winter in a pond zone 8 (coldest 20 f -8 c)2007-11-24 23:42:00

I currently have 6 comets that I know will last the winter and several guppies that I don't think will make it through the winter.

I was thinking of adding some small gold fish (fan tails) but I am unsure if now is a good time because they would have to compete with the 6 comets (4-7inches [10 - 18 cm]) and the fan tails would be 1.5-2.5 inches [4-6cm]

Pond is about 8 foot in diameter 1.5 - 2 feet deep.

Could I safely add the fan tails.

What other fish could I add, preferably something with color.

What kind of scavager could I add and or do I need one.

What can I do to protect the fish from predators like herons or racoons. A blue heron wiped out all the fish early this year and I don't want to feed the bird koi which are $$ comets look almost as good for a fraction of the cost.

What kind of fish like guppies can live through the winter?

If I pull out a few of the guppies to save for next summer how small a tank can I get by with for half a dozen guppies (4 Male 2Female min)

Answers:

Guppies are tropical fish and can not survive the winter. Carp and regular goldfish are hearty fish and will survive the winter. Fan tail goldfish may not survive being they are a special breed. I never had luck with them in the pond over the winter. Wild catfish make good scavengers. Add decoys around the pond to scare away predators. There is no kind of guppy that can survive the winter. I had guppies and platys in the pond, but have to remove them every fall. Best size tank for the 8 guppies is at least a 10 gallon tank.

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Do what my cousin does..put them "down south" (his basement) for the winter; get a large enough tank so you can separate it into 2 or 3 areas using those dividers that look like giant fly swatters(so the water can flow properly and the fish won't attack each other); Check EBAY or local tag/garage sales for a good, large, tank and get a good filter.

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Comets are the poor mans KOI..that can survive thru most winters. I have had them live thru ICE on my pod..but I would suggest getting a small coil pond heating device. It radiates enough heat to keep the pod warm in 1 circular area of the pod. Remember fish in the winter go dormant and don't require feeing until spring.