Ed Hayes wrote:
We are going to install a small pond in our backyard.
It will be one of those bio-eco systems that do not require massive
filters and chemicals.
Town code states it can't be over (I think) 18 inches without a fence
around the properity or pond.
We don't want the fence so we want to keep it to a max depth of 18
inches.
These bio-eco systems require fish and I am not sure 18 inches is deep
enough to protect them in our cold winters here on Long Island.
Any ideas or thoughts?

I have a very small prefab pond (60-70 gallons) that I am sure is no more than
18 inches deep. It has never frozen more that a few inches down (St.Louis
Missouri area). Mine does have a waterfall and fountain and I believe that the
agitation from those greatly affects how much of the water freezes.