What to do In Your Pond This Winter
Winter, regardless of whether you live in northern or southern climates, brings a general slowing down of the pond. The fish aren't as active, the plants go dormant, and in freezing climates - the water stops moving as well. Both climate regions bring their own special challenges when it comes to over-wintering water gardens. Listed below are some general steps you can take to make sure your pond emerges in spring looking great!
In the South
Aquatic Plants
Although you may continue to see some hardy water lily blooms through the winter, you should have stopped fertilizing your water lilies and cleaned out any dead vegetation and spent leaves. Depending on the specific southern locality, any tropicals should be taken out and placed in a container of water (a 5-gal bucket works great) and stored in the garage. Cutting back the marginals will help the plants get through the couple of months dormancy winter brings.
Fish
The most common question asked is, "What do I do with my fish in the winter?" Well now, the usual answer is, "Nothing, " though, while the temperatures are around freezing, you might want to consider these tips to help protect your beautiful koi and goldfish from these cold snaps. Stop feeding them when the water temperature reaches the mid-50’s (F°) and they are no longer active. This is the time of year when the fish may actually look forward to winter – just in time for a nice long nap.
Pump and Filter System
Winter does not shut us down here in the south – our pumps run 24/7/365. It is important to keep your skimmer free of any debris and inspect your pump to ensure that it’s operating properly. Leaving the pump on throughout the winter allows the release of gases, and maintains sufficient oxygen levels. Also remove any netting that your pond may have required during the large leaf accumulation in fall.
In the North
When the surface of your water garden turns to ice, there are two things to think of concerning safety of your fish. First, it’s important to keep a hole open in the ice. This prevents the buildup of gasses that could harm your fish. These gasses develop as the fish waste and any plant debris decomposes. The important factor is water oxygenation. Although your fish are sleeping their way through winter, oxygenated water is still vital to their survival through the winter.
Both of these goals can be achieved a couple of different ways. The required preparations do not consume a lot of time, and certainly don’t threaten to take over your weekend. If you prefer to leave the project to someone else, most pond installers can usually be hired to do it for you. But if you’re up for getting your hands dirty, here are a few things that you’ll want to take into consideration when preparing for winter.
Running Your Waterfall
If you chose to keep your waterfall running through the winter, you’ll be rewarded with some extraordinary, natural ice sculptures and winter scenes. Winter also brings some unique considerations that you’ll need to keep your eye on.
A pump and waterfall that circulates at least 2000 gallons of water per hour is sufficient to keep a hole open in the ice, as well as oxygenation of the water. Keep an eye on long or slow-moving streams and areas around the waterfall. In these areas, it’s easy for ice dams to form, diverting water over the liner. It’s important to watch for this, especially on extremely cold days. If you find an ice dam that’s diverting out over the edge of the liner, it’s best to turn off the pump. If you chisel the ice buildup away, chances are it will form again in the same spot and be the source of continuous frustration.
Surprisingly, even during the winter, the water continues to evaporate and therefore needs to be topped off so that your pump continues to function properly. If you make the extra effort to keep your falls running throughout the winter, you’ll see the most beautiful ice formations and patterns around the falls and streambeds.
Shutting It Down
The Considerations Many people choose to shut down their pond for the winter because they don’t want to worry about ice dams or pay for the cost to run a larger pump. If you chose to shut down your waterfall for the winter, you’ll need to replicate the effects of the waterfall in order keep the water oxygenated and a hole open in the ice.
A pump that circulates at least 150 gallons per hour can be placed in your pond below, but close to, the water’s surface. By allowing it to bubble about one inch above the surface, the agitation will keep a hole in the ice and oxygenate the water until the air temperature drops below 10° F.
If the air temperature stays below 10° F for extended periods, you’ll need to add a floating heater in order to maintain the opening in the ice. Most heaters are equipped with a thermostat that, when set at the proper temperature, switches the heater on only when needed. Note, a floating heater alone will not oxygenate the water, and therefore can be deadly to your fish.
Winter, wherever you live, is a time for Mother Nature and her "family" to change the scenery a bit. Whether it’s a frozen, white, wintry scene, or just a rest from the heat of the southern sun, adapting to these changes will ensure that your water garden and its fish are healthy all year long.
Winter Shutdown
Owners of ponds in climates that reach and stay below the freezing mark for extended periods of time have a decision to make each winter - keep the pond running or shut it down. Either option will work, but both require steps to be taken in order to insure your pond comes out of its winter slumber healthy and happy.
Winter Shut Down
If you decide to shut your pond down for the winter, you’ll need to remove the pump from the skimmer box, place it in a bucket of water, and store it somewhere that is protected from freezing.
You’ll also need to remove the filter mats from the skimmer and the BIOFALLSTM filter and clean them off. Saving this task for spring could delay your spring cleanout. The water in the skimmer and BIOFALLSTM filter takes longer to thaw and the filter mats could be frozen inside. Place a small re-circulating pump (at least 150 gallons per hour) on the top shelf of the pond. This will agitate the water’s surface, oxygenating the water and helping keep a hole in the ice, which will allow gasses to escape while the pond is iced over. This keeps the fish safe during their hibernation phase.
In extremely cold temperatures, a pump may not be enough to keep a hole open in the ice. Under these conditions, it may be necessary to supplement the pump with a floating heater. A low voltage heater runs only enough to heat the water that surrounds it to 32°F, ensuring that a hole will remain open during most frigid part of the winter. Floating heaters should never be used alone, as they do not oxygenate the water.
Keeping It Running
If you choose to keep the pond running all winter, you’re in for a treat when the ice formations begin to take shape in and around the falls. This scene is tailor-made for an ambitious winter photographer. You’ll also need to keep an eye on any slow-moving streams where ice dams can form, diverting water out of your pond and creating potential problems you’ll want to avoid.
You’ll still need to employ a re-circulating pump or floating heater in order to keep a hole in the pond’s surface for the sake of fish safety.
My Pond Store contact info
bruce@mypondstore.com
336-616-1788 office
336-616-1827 fax
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