It is a sunny day here in Chicago but it is cold outside! We are sad to see the warm season pass into the winter season. We have retrieved 2 Platcisomus (algae eaters) We cannot find our third one that is about 12 inches in length. I would like to know if anyone has had a Platcismus make it through a zone 5 area. Our pond is 3 feet deep and we keep a floating heater that goes on when it goes to 40 degrees.

Hi Lorraine,
Welcome Aboard, we're glad you found us..

Just so you know, I'm going to move your post into the WATER GARDENS' SECTION...
I think you may get a few more answers for your post/question into there alot better....

lorraine, welcome to the garden helper. i think, if you have a heater that keeps the pond at 40 or above, your fish should make it through the winter.

i haven't done that as i live in the south, but i know mine made it through several nights below 30, i just had the pump running so the water didn't freeze.

i'm sure that some will check in soon and let you know.

Thank you for moving my message to the appropriate area. You have been very helpful.
I would like to say we have Koi and Goldfish in our pond that have made it through 2 winters so far. Our algae eater though is a tropical fish and should be removed. That is why I was concerned. Everyday, we look for the Placicamus. My husband even took a flashlight out the other night to look for it. We are so happy that we did find 2 of them.
You may check out the photo section on my website: www.lorrainedeneen.com

Weezie, I just checked out your photo bucket website. I loved your pictures. Would you like to link my site www.lorrainedeneen.com to yours and visa versa? I am looking for ways to increase my website hits.