What is a de-icer? Do I need one in Atlanta? Our pond is 8' x 11' x graduated 1', 2' 3' deep. We have 2 koi and 9 goldfish in it. There are 2 water lilly plants, it is partially under crepe myrtle trees, but also in sunshine.javascript:emoticon(':unsure:')

Being in Atlanta, you probably don't need a de-icer. How often does water freeze over there? I'm sure it's not often. It's warm enough that you can simply leave the pumps (and falls) going year round. The water movement deters minor ice formation. A de-icer is a heater that melts ice in a small area in order to keep a hole in the ice over a pond to allow gas exchange and prevent the animals from dying under the sheet of ice.

Thanks...I didn't think we needed one...but...we do have ice storms each winter resulting in a few days with no power...what happens if the falls and pump are off during this time? It is normally only a few days and temps hover around 10lo-35hi.
Thank you!

Ice storms normally occur when the temperature is near freezing and not really that far below freezing. So, during this time, it's not likely that a pond would freeze over. If you did get some ice, it would be ok. You just need to keep an opening in the ice. Without power, you can simply disturb the water to move it some to break up thin ice. If the ice is thick, then you can set a pot of hot water on the ice and let it melt through (be sure to catch it!). That only works if you have a gas stove or other non-electric source to boil some water. Having a generator for emergencies is always a good idea too. Even if a pond freezes over completely, as long as it's not for more than a few days, the fish normally survive. I have a general section on what to do for a pond if the power goes out at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/pcare.htm#power