Sorry I just want to add something else, they say next week will be in the 60's. So I do plan to address this.

We had a similar issue last year - the pump we used to keep the pond open created a dome of ice but not a hole. Come spring, the fish were fine. This year we switched to an aerator and de-icer and have had no problem even in the recent below zero temps.

Very interesting article by the way. I've heard the same theory from other professionals - maybe we should all just relax a bit and let things happen? We have natural ponds in our neighborhood that do freeze solid - we skate on them in the winter. Never even worried about the fish... Of course, I didn't BUY those fish!

Craig, use an aquarium bubbler, all you need is a bubbler that is
about a five watts. Put it in a jar with hole in the lid for the tube to come
through. Hang upside down on a stick a few feet above ground.
submerge the tube in the water a few inches down.

Hey guys, today was a nice day. So I opened a hole up using the pot and hot water trick. I have an outdoor aerator I use when cleaning the pond. So I dropped the 3 inch diameter air stone through the hole. I found my problem, the pond heater was hooked up to an outdoor outlet. I think the outlet got wet and clicked the breaker. Unfortunately, my pond heater is now imbedded in ice.
The pump is a duel outlet, tomorrow I have to get more air line to hook up the other side, then it should be a good current. I like the jar trick.

Craig