ne of the most overlooked chores is proper pond winterizing procedures. For easier startup and healthier fish in spring follow these tips!
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Closing your pond properly, for the winter months, is one of the best things you can do for the next pond season. While these procedures do not apply to everyone, they do apply to many of us.
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The number one problem that can cause dangerous conditions for your precious fish is the decaying factor of plants. Remove all foliage from your aquatic plants before or right after the first frost.
Water lilies leaves and blooms should be snipped at the top of the container and discarded. Move the containers to the deepest section of your pond.
Lotus leaves and blooms should be snipped at the top of the container and discarded. DO NOT move the containers to the deepest section of your pond.
Marginal plants are generally clipped about 2" above the water line. If you are lucky enough to have the room or a small preformed pond- many tropical marginals will winter over well indoors.
Surface plants need to be removed and discarded. Most are tropical in nature and will not make it through the winter months and require too much room to bring inside.
Submerged or oxygenating plants can survive under certain conditions, but more than likely they won't make it so it’s best to net them out.
One last thought here on plants. Do a good job in removing foliage and debris from the plants. Leaving them in your pond will foul the water, endanger your fish and create more work in the spring.
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Koi and Goldfish are cold weather fish. Miraculously, their metabolism will slow as the water gets colder, making them fairly inactive. Don’t give in and feed them once the water temperature drops below 55 degrees. It’s a mistake is to feed (even low temperature food) or otherwise bother them when the water turns cold. They may look hungry and appear to beg however, their bodies can not digest the food properly and will cause stress for them. They do not need your help or food during the winter months – I promise.
One thing you can do for them prior to the cold is giving them a clean environment and places to hibernate safely. You can place 2’ sections of 4" PVC pipe in the pond - this will give them a place to winter over. Drill a hole in each end and tie a short piece of fishing line with heavy weight to the pipe. This will keep it on the bottom and in place. Consider a Koi Kastle, to protect koi from predators. You can also form caves by placing two large rocks as a base and a shelf rock over the top. These will protect them from predators all summer as well.
Consider using a product that will place a slime coating the fish. Using pond salt is advisable only if you follow directions to a tee. Salt does not leave the pond once added so be careful to keep it under .02% or it may damage the plants.
Finally, be sure to leave a hole open in the ice. Many products are on the market that will keep an open hole in a frozen pond. Without this hole allowing trapped gases to escape, the fish will suffocate. The best defense is a simple thermostatically controlled pond deicer that comes on at 32 degrees and off again as the water temperature goes above freezing. Pond-Vent Ice Reducer; the pump pulls the lower layer of water from the bottom of the pond through the hose, and let out at the surface. An inexpensive aeration kit may be used in light ice areas to assist the transfer of gases and keep ponds oxygenated.
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Treating your pond with the proper additives will increase your chances of a clear, clean and healthy pond for the spring. Nitrifying bacteria keeps the pond clean by providing beneficial bacteria in your pond during the warmer months but once the temperature dips under 55 degrees, bacteria dies. Use of Microbe-lift Autumn Prep will continue to provide sustained biological activity in water temperatures under 55 degrees and will jump start your pond in the spring as this product will remain effective if frozen and after the thaw.
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Covering your pond is very important and should be done as soon as you have removed the foliage from the plants. Be sure to net out all the debris, leaves and whatever has accumulated at the bottom of the pond. Get as much as you can, as this will make the difference in water quality and clarity in spring. A small pond vac might help to get the some of the muck.
The most obvious way to cover your pond is with nylon pond netting. This netting is strong and will not rot or decay making it the choice of pond owners everywhere. This netting is extremely important in keeping out the leaves and debris associated with Fall. The netting is stretched tightly across the pond and anchored with plastic stakes or rock. One good idea is to place a floating object in the pond to make the netting take on a tent like appearance instead of lying directly on the water. Use foam, beach balls, even plastic milk jugs.
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There are differing opinions on what to do with the equipment that filters, pumps and sterilizes your pond. One thing we know for sure, you do not need UVC filtration during cold weather. There are those who advise to turn off your waterfall and cease circulating the pond water as the fish do not require the added oxygenation and contend circulation by waterfall causes the water to get colder than it would otherwise. Circulation will disturb the deeper warmer water so you may want to just shut them down till Spring, this will also extend the life of your pumps.
Disconnect and clean all of the equipment in your pond. The pump, filter systems and UV sterilizers should be checked, cleaned and air dried prior to storing them. Basements or attached garages that don't freeze are prime choices for storage. Follow the instructions that came with your UV or use the following general procedure. To properly clean a UV, mix a solution of 50/50 water and Clorox 2, NOT REGULAR CLOROX. Place masking tape over one of the holes. Pour solution into the UV until it is about half full. Place tape over the other end and shake vigorously for 2 minutes. Pour out and repeat. Next remove the tape and lay the UV on the ground. Place the end of your garden hose in one end and turn on at about 50%. Let the water run through it for at least 5 minutes. Now turn the UV 180 degrees and repeat the procedure. This way the UV will be properly rinsed and will not harm fish or plants in the spring.
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We hope this information has been helpful. Preparing for winter is a very important part of the necessary maintenance to preserve the eco-system of your pond. Your fish will be happy and safe and you will find that your spring maintenance will be significantly reduced giving you more time to enjoy the awakening pond life.
Best Regards,
For your convenience we have listed below a sampling of our seasonal pond maintenance products for your perusal .
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Autumn Prep - 1 Qt.
Code: EcoMLAP
Price: $22.00
Microbe-lift Autumn Prep will continue to provide sustained biological activity in water temperatures under 55 degrees. Helps to jump start your pond to a healthier environment in the spring. Maintains healthy immune system for fish. Even if frozen the bacteria will remain effective after thawing out. 4 monthly applications are recommended. 1 Quart will treat ponds up to 5000 gallons.
Floating De-icer
Code: FarP-418
Price: $45.95
UV approved and simply the best little pond de-icer around. 1250 –watts; 10’ cord; 3-yr. manufacturers’ warranty. Safe for use in rubber liner or in plastic pre-formed ponds. This floating pond deicer is thermostatically controlled and keeps a 1' - 3' opening in the ice depending on outside temperature. Don't take a chance with your pond freezing over this year. Methane gas will build up and you could lose all your fish.
Thermo-Pond - 100 Watt Pond Heater
Code: Khm100
Price: $54.95
A unique floating pond heater that keeps a hole free of ice allowing toxic gases to escape throughout the winter. Thermostatically controlled it operates on ONLY 100 watts and will not harm liners or preformed ponds.
Pond Netting -
Code:
Lit566380
Lit566384
Lit566388
Price: $16.95 – 59.95
Protective pond netting to cover the pond in the off season, so that leaves and other debris can be removed with ease. Also helps to protect pond from birds and predators during times when plant cover is not available. This netting comes in 3 sizes and is ¾” square mesh, fastening pegs are included.
Lit566380 - 7' x 10' $ 16.95
Lit566384 - 14' x 14' $ 29.95
Lit566388 - 28' X 28' $ 59.95
Big Top Pond Covers
Code:
NycPc05
NycPc10
NycPc20
NycPc30
Price: $49.95 – 229.95
Keeps out leaves and debris while allowing sunlight, ventilation and moisture. Deters herons, hawks and other predator birds from fishing your pond for lunch. Black polyester netting, strong nylon webbing edges, brass grommets. Aluminum stakes, poles that lock into place. An optional 4’ poles are available to keep the center of the net out of the water or for deeper ponds. We also have floating nets for less severe winters.
NycPC05 (6’ x 9’ net- no poles) $49.95
NycPC10 (9’ x 12’ net - 1 pole) $74.95
NycPC20 (9’ x 18’ net - 2 poles) $159.95
NycPC30 (18’ x 24’ net - 2 poles) $229.95
Ultra Pond Covers
Code:
Ult610
Ult1010
Ult1020
Ult2030
Price: $26.95 – 209.95
Resists tears, mold and mildew. UV treated for longer life. *1 year manufacturers warranty with 16 year life expectancy. Tight weave prevents even small debris from polluting the pond.
ULTRA COVER - 6' X 10' - $26.95
ULTRA COVER - 10' X 10' - $ 49.95
ULTRA COVER - 10' X 20' - $ 65.95
ULTRA COVER - 20' X 30' - $ 209.95
Freeze Guard
Code: Pol77038
Price: $19.95
Floating Styrofoam insulator that maintains an open, ice-free area on the pond surface. Measures 17" x 17" x 11".
OASE Pond-Vent Ice Reducer
Code: Oas88320
Price: $79.95
In winter, if ponds freeze up, toxic gases build up at the bottom of the pond cannot escape this creates a lack of oxygen, causing poisoning of living organisms. Pond-Vent is the solution. The pump pulls the lower layer of water from the bottom of the pond through the hose, and let out at the surface. 220 gallons per hour using extremely little energy, sufficient to keep a hole with a radius of 11 to 11.5 inches ice free to help ensure the survival of fish. This product functions in temperatures as low as -4 F. Comes with a 15' power cord.
Fish Guard
Code: Usa10316
Price: $13.95
Replaces the natural slime coating to protect fish against parasite. Completely biodegradable. Also neutralizes chlorine and heavy metals. 16 oz. treats 2000 gallons.
Pond Salt
Code: SALT
Price: $10.95
Formulated to improve gill function and reduce stress in koi and other pond fish. Finely ground salt ensures maximum solubility for restoring electrolytic balance.
Water Gardening Products--a great holiday gift...really! Be honest, you haven't given a thought about starting your holiday shopping.
Another week has gone by… Here's some ideas for the water gardener or bird lover on your gift list:
Décor and Acessories: Stepping Stones, Solar Products, Underwater Lighting, Books and Video’s, UVC’s, Moonstones, and just about everything you need to create Your perfect backyard paradise.
A GIFT CERTIFICATE: TAKE THE GUESSING OUT OF YOUR GIFT AND GIVE A REALLY WANTED AND NEEDED GIFT INSTEAD. E-mail for special amount orders.
Be sure to check out our Hot Deals and Clearance
Also See:, Koi; Bridges; Fountains and Aerators; Pond Kits; Garden Accents; Decor; Books; Accessories; Plants; Waterfalls; and Container Ponds.
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BJ@PONDARAMA.com
