Combat the Cold: How to Maintain Your Pond in Winter

There are different elements to consider when deciding how you will care for your pond in winter.

While some pond enthusiasts choose to close down their pond all together during the colder months, others make a few adjustments to keep things running smoothly.

Should you cover your pond?

Deciding whether to cover your pond comes down to personal preference. If you choose not to cover or use heating, make sure to clear leaves and any debris from the bottom of the pond, and clean filters to make sure they aren’t blocked.

During winter, the lack of vegetation can make your pond more exposed, making it easier for predators to target your fish. Pond nets can act as a protective barrier to prevent this.

Reduce fish feeding

The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by water temperature. As the water cools, their metabolism slows down and they require less food with less protein, so you can reduce feeding to 2 or 3 times a week.

Maintaining temperatures

Installing a pond heater is one of the best ways to prevent your pond from freezing over and helps stop toxic gases from affecting the water. When water drops below 12 degrees, fishes’ immune systems stop working and bacteria in your filter system can stop working.

Prevent your pond from freezing over

It’s important to maintain proper aeration when temperatures drop, as fish need oxygen to tolerate the frostier months. You can supply oxygen with a pond aerator or a recirculating pump.

Create a small hole on the surface of the pond to allow for air circulation so your fish don’t freeze.

In the event your pond does freeze over, clear any snow off the ice to allow light to penetrate through. Don’t break the ice as the shock waves can kill the fish.