Typically you want about 10% or slightly less of the total surface area in open water in 1/4 the total pond depth for the winter. How much of an area did you have with the aerator that was running?

1/4 acre is roughly 10,000 sq. ft, so you should have around 500-1,000 sq. ft. of open water. That's a circle 26' to 40' across of open water......


www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).