Prepare your pond for spring
| Published: 10th March 2008 14:39 |
Ponds tend to go quiet in winter - but we still have to take care of our treasured water features.
Despite all outward appearances, the pond is active even when the water is cold or frozen. Dead leaves, algae, insects and solid fish waste that have accumulated over the summer slowly break down during the winter months. This natural decomposition uses oxygen and produces hydrogen sulphide, a toxic gas. A build up of leaves and other debris can produce excessive hydrogen sulphide and at the same time, reduce oxygen to dangerously low levels. This can cause all of your plants and fish to die as well as leaving a very nasty looking pond for next spring.
So, what can we do to maintain a healthy pond throughout the winter?
Getting your pond ready for winter should really begin in the autumn. Water temperature, rather than air temperature, is the important indicator of when it's best to make changes to your pond. To prepare your fish and pond for a healthy spring, the first tool you will need is a thermometer. Tie a string to one end of the thermometer then tie the other end of the string to a rock on the side of the pond for easy retrieval.
Fish care
When the water temperature in the pond decreases to around 70°F, it's a good time to switch your fish food to a wheat germ-based one that is more easily digestible. As the temperatures cool, it is harder for fish to digest food properly. Even though your fish need to bulk up for winter, be careful not to overfeed. You can feed two to three times a day and remove any excess food. Once the water temperature falls to 50°F, the bacteria in a fish's digestive system are no longer able to process food. It is best to stop feeding when the temperature gets this low.
Plant care
It's always a good idea to trim and remove any dying plant material as it appears, so it does not add to debris build up. Autumn is a great time to divide and re-pot plants. The mild temperatures will give the plant time to heal its root system before cold temperatures arrive. Trim bog plants back and pull lilies out to trim them before frost. Then, if it is deep enough, place all plants on the bottom of the pond.
Water change
All this moving about may stir up things so it's a good time for a water change. You'll need to remove some of the excess debris or it will continue to decompose, using up oxygen and producing hydrogen sulphide. A fine weave aquarium net will work well to sift out excess sludge. There is no need to completely drain and remove every bit of mud and debris, as a small amount is very helpful to the inhabitants for burrowing. A water change can be done anytime in the autumn, but will create less discomfort to you if it's done before the water temperature goes below 60° F. If a 50 per cent water change still leaves the water murky the next day, try another.
Debris control
Cover the entire pond with mesh. It's just about impossible to keep netting every leaf out by hand, and it saves a lot of time. The net is barely visible and is stretched and anchored on the sides of the pond. It is very important to make sure the netting is above the surface of the water.
Do I need a heater?
In cooler climates leave the netting on until the pond surface starts to freeze over. Then when you remove the net, you can set in the heater. A pond heater does not actually heat the pond but keeps its immediate area from freezing. This allows for toxic gasses to be released and oxygen to enter the pond.
Pump care
When it gets below 40°F the main pump can be removed, and filters thoroughly cleaned. Do not leave the pump running on the bottom of the pond. It will lower the temperature of the entire pond too low for fish to survive and can force them to use up all of their stored fat by just trying to stay still.
All your efforts will pay off in the spring with a healthier pond and healthier fish.
Just because it seems the pond will be sleeping for a while doesn't mean it will look ugly. A frozen pond can be very beautiful, especially if you install underwater lighting.
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