It's cold out there.

Dear Eric and company,
Winter is finally here. About a month late.
It was 45 degrees below 0 Farenheit with the wind chill last night and 25 below this morning on the thermometer. We have not had a bad winter for two years and this one isn't shaping up to anything really serious yet.
My koi are in a large rubber stock tank in the basement. They have been in there since September. I have all of my water plants in pots and buckets around them hoping to get them through the winter. I have a 600 watt halogen 4 foot long light across the tank. So far the water hyacinth are doing fine, the water lettuce has almost died out, but may hold out. I think the water may be too cold for them, it is very cold to the touch.
I have about 6 koi ranging in size from 5 inches to about 10 inches long. The biggest one is a butterfly with a very messy Hi Utsuri pattern, the others are terrible mixes of colors, but I do have a few metallics that I believe are Yambuki Ogon and a Platinum Ogon. Also two pinkish Platinums. One has a dark grey circle on his head, that I am wishing will turn red.
I hope to find some "real" koi this spring. There are two good places in the state. One 3 hours away and one 5 hours away. They are in nice cities to visit.
I daren't buy any really terrific fish because of the wildlife around here. A bald eagle landed in the yard last week. He stayed a few minutes then flew off. We have had warnings to keep puppies and kittens underguard until the eagles leave for the winter as they are very hungry and getting desparate for food. They are not terribly bright birds. You'd think frozen lakes and snow would give them the hint they need to go south.
Have a great holiday season. I would love to come your way some year for Christmas. Anybody want to come here? I think it will only be 30-40 below by then. By the way the ice on the lake is about 2 feet deep now. Almost safe enough for cars and trucks to go out.
I have to go, time to feed everyone.
Your frozen Friend, Sue (Northern Minnesota, USA).