| Heated ponds in winter
There are othe benefits in dopping the water temperature in heated pond for winter: microfauna and heterotroph bacteria populations will be much reduced when spring comes back (or you raise the water temperature after the artificial 6-8 weeks low without feed).
Last winter, following JR's recommendations for "seasonal fish", I did just that. What a difference in water quality and fish health in the spring. Not a single problem and water stayed crystal clear at all times.
The previous year I maintained 65°F all through winter for added growth and had to battle with problems in spring and early summer.
FWIW
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Arthur
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