I have a small outside pond that had 3 goldfish and koi in it. When the power went out, the pump quit working. I couldn't leave the fish outisde because the pond was already freezing and they would die.

So, I took a bucket and put some of their own super cold water in it and put the fish in the bucket. I brought them in the house and I am assuming I need to leave them to warm up in their own water.

I fed them in the summer, but not the winter because their heartbeats slow down and they can't eat.

How long should I wait to put them in the tank?
How long should I wait to feed them?
I don't have a heater in the tank, but am I correct in thinking that they will be fine in room temperature water?

I would appreciate any help you can give me.

I would feed them now as they are now in warmer water. Also I did this for years and still have one and he is a big goldfish! Once they are inside they keep on going as if it is summer to them. They shouldn't need a heater.

I had koi and goldfish, we shut the water off in the winter, it froze, they were fine....go put them back in the pond! And no, adding water to a bucket for them is not good. Fish can freeze and still be okay. And I know that giving you this advice, and yours die, I'll be in the doghouse!!!!!!!!!

I have heard they can swim around under the frozen surface...but I've never tested it on "my own" koi, so I've just "heard" that!

Oh, and I just remembered....DH went out and broke holes in the ice so air could get in....... I just did some research and all say the fish will be fine even if frozen.

Thanks for the information. I feel better now.

I thought there had to be holes to let the ammonia escape. It just warmed up enough in the last couple weeks to be able to thaw the 5 inches of ice. In another month, without any water moving I don't think I would be able to break the ice.

I have a tank that is plenty big enough for them to be able to go into, so that isn't a problem. I just didn't know how long to give them to acclimate before feeding them.

How long do you wait to feed them after the weather starts warming up outdoors? I would think that same time frame would apply now :D:D:D

If there is a place deep enough that the fish can shelter from the ice, and the pond does not freeze solid to the bottom, then they are OK over the winter.
Fish CANNOT survive being frozen solid -- the ice will break cells.

Their survival will depend on how deep is the pond. If you only get a few inches of ice on the top but the bottom don't freeze, they will be just fine. Their metabolism slows down as the temperature goes down. You took them out and they are fairly warm now, so be very careful bringing them back out if that is what you choose to do. No need to let ammonia out, since they will not be producing much once their metabolism is slower. If the bottom of the pond freezes, it may be harder to get them back in the spring. It all depends for how long they are frozen. Making the decision to keep them indoors for the winter is a big commitment. You will need to make sure they have a good filter. Kois can produce a lot of waste in a short period of time. Once they are back in room temperature water their metabolism goes back to normal and they need to be fed.

When I lived in Plattsburgh I had a very large basement with a few 80 gallon fish tanks. The temps up there are so low that most ponds freeze to the bottom. for about 5 years I housed the kois from my friends ponds during the winter. My Dr didn't know how to take care of his fish and after loosing his kois he asked me to care for his new ones. In the spring I would bring them all back. I wish I had the space now. I love tanks.

Thanks so much!

I am glad to hear this Maria. They will be in an 80 gallon, so they should be fine. I will pick up some food for them.