Pond Life in the Winter
As those cold, freezing temperatures begin to arrive, it is time to prepare your pond and fish. Of course, your first priority is to protect your fish because of their sensitive nature. Because the freezing temps don’t usually arrive until November or December, it is ideal to begin preparations as early as October. Let’s go over some of the things you can do to keep your fish safe in the winter.
Aeration is the First Step
The first thing to remember is that pond aeration is important in any type of weather, including winter. Aeration is key because the process keeps the water flowing smoothly throughout the pond. Because the water continuously moves, it is hard for the water to freeze over, potentially causing harm to the fish. Make sure that you invest in an aeration system that will suit your needs. You can choose from solar, electric, or wind-powered pond aerators.
A Natural Habitat
The cold temperatures could cause your fish to move slow as they swim. Moreover, you may also see them stay way below the surface of the water. This is because the fish will find warmer spots deeper in the pond. You can also create a natural habitat within the pond so that your fish can hide during the winter. For example, using rocks to create crevices or small caves inside the pond can help protect your fish during the winter.
Create Shelter for Your Fish
Other than creating natural caves with rocks or stones, you can also invest in fish shelters. Depending on the size of your pond, you’ll have an array of sizes to choose from for your fish shelter, which can include Koi castles or empty flowerpots. This will give your fish a natural sense of their habitat, protecting them in the process.
Creating a Waterfall
Along with your pond aerator, it would also be a good idea to implement a waterfall. You can run a separate hose to connect a flow of water that can cascade off the high ground. This, coupled with your already existing aerator, will surely keep your pond from freezing over. Fish also tend to eat less in the winter, so you can reduce the amount of food you feed them. Otherwise, leftover flakes or pellets will just sink to the bottom and create waste.
Using a Winter Pump
When you’re browsing through your pond aeration alternatives, make sure that you also consider an aeration system that is made for the winter. Other pumps may not be able to handle freezing temperatures and could even break down, which can cause your pond to freeze. In this case, you can look for pumps that are specific for cold temperatures.
Keeping an Air Hole on the Surface
One important thing to consider about an aeration system is how it keeps your pond open in freezing temperatures. Your goal is to keep your pond from freezing over, having proper aeration will keep the pond from freezing over. If your pond does freeze on the surface, it is essential to keep an air hole. By doing this, you’ll allow oxygen in your pond along with letting gases out.
Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
