Winter Pond Tips
Here is a list to double check your pond is ready for the colder weather.
PLANTS
Remove any dead or rotting matter from your pond before it sinks to the bottom and decays into sludge. Get a net to net off leaves, and use a pond vacuum to get any sludge out before it decays & creates poisonous gas.
CLEAR YOUR POND'S SURFACE
If you get a lot of debris in your pond then install a skimmer, which takes the surface debris off the pond. Alternatively put netting or floating net-floats over your pond- these will stop leaves falling into your pond. Floating pond nets are nearly invisible to the eye and are a great heron deterrent too.
KEEP PUMPS/FILTERS ON ALL YEAR ROUND
NEVER turn your pump and filter system off for the Winter. This is a big mistake a lot of people make. Your fish need clean oxygenated water all the time and keeping your system on will ensure that this is provided throughout Winter. If you have a fountain this can also help stop your pond freezing!
AVOID FREEZING WATER
Frozen water can be very bad for your pond. Filters and pumps can blow if the water in the pipes freezes so it's a good idea to insulate any exposed pipework.
WINTER SURVIVAL = POND HEATERS
Install a pond heater now to prevent your pond freezing in the Winter. A pond heater works by ensuring an area of your pond never freezes over.
If the pond freezes over completely there is a risk that any toxic gases building up cannot get out of your pond, and if this happens it could kill all your fish. Never break ice as the shock-waves can also kill fish. Get prepared, and buy a pond heater now.
FISH FEEDING
While it is still mild (and temperatures are above 4 degrees, and below 10 degrees) make sure you are feeding a Wheatgerm diet as your fish cannot digest protein in normal fish food during the Winter months. However they still need food when they are active to survive Winter. Get a pond thermometer to keep an eye on water temperature, as this often varies from air temperature.
ASK US FOR ADVICE
If you need any further advice, please come and see us, and our friendly team will be happy to help.
