Winterization tips
- Thread starter fIsHy13
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Depends on the winter! Here, ponds less than 6 foot deep will freeze solid, so winterizing means emptying and bringing the fish inside. In warmer climates, you'll want to make sure the surface doesn't completely freeze, either by adding some aeration or by manually breaking ice. Make sure water levels don't drop too much, reduce feeding, maybe put some black plastic over a portion of the surface to help warm the water. Goldies are pretty tough, and as long as there's oxygen, and food if temps won't be too drastic, they should be fine.
Depends--if you have enough plants, they are filtering for you. And, the bacteria will grow anywhere conditions favor them--rocks, decorations, etc, as long as there is food and oxygen. Filters help prevent wastes from settling into the substrate and becoming trapped, and oxygenate the water--but that can be accomplished in a number of other ways.
If you don't think it will freeze, I'd just keep a good tarp available that you can put over the surface on those particularly cold nights, as this will help trap the heat, and then make sure the water stays clear of debris (leaves and such). You'll want to make sure the plants are fully submerged, or brought indoors, as well. And, really reduce feeding--this will help cut down on waste production, and fish can go an amazingly long time without food in cold water with no problem.
If you don't think it will freeze, I'd just keep a good tarp available that you can put over the surface on those particularly cold nights, as this will help trap the heat, and then make sure the water stays clear of debris (leaves and such). You'll want to make sure the plants are fully submerged, or brought indoors, as well. And, really reduce feeding--this will help cut down on waste production, and fish can go an amazingly long time without food in cold water with no problem.
Ok, thanks. I was looking in my pond this night with a torch. My fish are lying completely still on the bottom of the pond, and barely flinch when I touch them. I was doing a bit of research on the internet, and now know this is just a dormant stage when their metabolism slows down. I was worried!
Is it normal for ponds to have a layer of mud/dirt/rotting debris at the bottom? In my pond, no matter what I do, it is always filthy in the bottom. The water is also cloudy, but I treat that with a special chemical for ponds that clears the water. I am worried that the dirt on the bottom will make my fish ill. What should I do? Or are all ponds dirty?
Is it normal for ponds to have a layer of mud/dirt/rotting debris at the bottom? In my pond, no matter what I do, it is always filthy in the bottom. The water is also cloudy, but I treat that with a special chemical for ponds that clears the water. I am worried that the dirt on the bottom will make my fish ill. What should I do? Or are all ponds dirty?
Do you do water changes? Water clarifiers don't work very well and can have adverse effects. Most outdoor ponds will have a layer of debris and organic matter. I periodically remove debris and have a layer of extra clay substrate that mixes with the "mud". My lily loves it because its roots stretch out of the pot and into the substrate. My pond is in northern MA. Winters are very cold. My pond is shallow, 20" at the deepest but because it is located right next to the house at southern exposure, it does not freeze solid. My fish live below the ice during the winter. Sometimes i will break the ice for gas exchange but keeping the surface ice free in northern MA is impossible. My plants go dormant and I remove all leaves and dead plants before the pond freezes. I don't use a filter either. When the pond is not froxzen, I use a pump with a fountain head and a sponge prefilter. I load my pond with plants and the water remains crystal clear all season, even though it is located in full sun. If your water is always cloudy, try making some water changes and add more plants in the spring and summer.
Thanks. I think my plants are dead because I left outside in no water for a couple of weeks (I can't remember why now, I think I was clearing the pond out and I just forgot about them). My ad, thinking he knows everything about ponds and gardens, though he does not, insisted on putting the plants back in to the pond. He thinks they are still alive, but wgat use is is to put them back in WINTER? I think I will chuck them out and buy some new ones for the spring. I am worried the dead plants will rot away and cause pollution in the water.