Frigid temperatures often prompt a flurry of calls from new pond keepers. One of the top concerns is how to best overwinter fish. In most areas, the pond itself provides the best defense against the ravages of winter.
As water temperatures fall, ponds develop varying temperature zones. The top layer at the pond’s surface fluctuates depending on air temperature and weather conditions. At the bottom of the pond, thermal zones are warmer and more stable.
To maintain a dense bottom layer of warm water, water gardeners should reduce pond circulation rates by decreasing flow rates, switching off air pumps, retrieving pumps from the pond bottom and bypassing bottom drains, if possible.
It’s also important to keep ice at bay. Remind customers to keep an opening in the ice to allow for gas exchange. Without this hole, toxic ammonia can build up, making it hard -- or impossible -- for fish to breathe. Many types of de-icers are available to help keep fish breathing freely, including simple floating heaters, islands and insulating domes.
Also, remind water gardeners that they should never break the ice to create an opening. Striking the ice causes harmful shockwaves that can injure or kill fish.
For more: TetraPond, (800) 526-0650; www.tetrapond.com.
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