The wintertime lull in the Northeast from the main Pond Season brings thoughts of anticipation for when life bustles upon Springtime.
Concern for our finned friends, as well as, favorite pond plants in the cold weather is ever-present and certain steps if taken - almost assuredly spell success.
The first and most important step is to ensure that the pond condition as far as water quality is at it's very best. Debris extraction in the Fall from deciduous trees along with some coniferous or evergreen varieties is important. A properly timed & superior quality netting material can help reduce maintenance on this step prior to closedown.
Trimming back & adjusting aquatic/ marginal plants in & around the pond is great for reducing the chance for dead or decaying organic material from affecting water quality. Proper concentrated bacterial supplementation helps to stabilize water conditions upon shut down. Cessation of fish feeding after the water temperature falls below 60 degrees is important as they will hibernate and do not require feeding at this point. Living off body stores with a heavily reduced metabolism & oxygen demand is an amazing survival adaptation that Koi & Goldfish possess.

Northeast winters can very so much year to year as far as how temperate things may actually be. One key piece of equipment that is useful no matter what- is a proper aerator.
More often than not, this alone can be sufficient for keeping one area in the pond from completely freezing and allowing proper gas exchange to occur. Gas exchange being the out-gassing that will occur of carbon dioxide and organic gasses hopefully in the minimal amount, along with the oxygenation of the water that will maintain supersaturatiom quite easily in the colder temps. Placed in the shallower zone of the pond in the winter prevents de-stratification of the warmer temps in the deeper part of the pond where the fish will hibernate.
Sometimes a low wattage floating heater with a built-in thermostat used in conjunction with the aerator is useful & even necessary in extreme conditions over an extended timeframe.

As with all things electrical, it is important for manage cordage and electrical connections. It is recommended to periodically check to make sure equipment is functioning properly and that no power outages needing things to be reset has occurred.
For more information, follow us on the social channels & visit www.bio-fusiondesigns.com
Comments