Maintaining proper winter pond care leads to both healthy aquatic environments and smooth transitions into spring conditions. The right preparation helps prevent common issues like green water when temperatures rise.
With effective winter maintenance, your pond will stay balanced and clear. Using a reliable pond pump is crucial for water circulation—consult That Pond Guy in the UK for expert advice on the best options. Pond fish will have a very tough during the winter season and therefore, you need to take the following actions to keep them alive.
1. Lower the water level
Autumn and winter bring more rain, causing ponds to overfill since evaporation slows. Use a filter backwash facility to pump excess water out, keeping the water level about four inches from the top. Check weekly to prevent overflow.
2. Clean your filter
As fish feed less in colder months, waste production decreases, reducing cleaning frequency. However, leaves and debris can still accumulate in the filter, polluting the water. Clean the filter media regularly to remove mechanical waste and maintain water quality.
3. Remove leaves
A buildup of leaves not only looks unsightly but also sinks, fouling the water and clogging your pond pump cage. Use a fish net or pond skimmer net to remove leaves daily and maintain a clean, healthy pond.
4. Fit a cover net
A pond cover net prevents leaves, fruit, and branches from falling into the water. They will help defend your fish from predators, as Herons become hungry in cold weather and seek an easy meal.
5. Maintain your UV
In harsh cold conditions, most Ultra Violet Clarifiers become iced over. Check the quartz for frost damage, and if the temperature drops below zero for an extended period of time, remove the UV system, dry it off, and store it.
6. Move your pond pump
In freezing weather, a thermal layer forms at the pond’s bottom, where fish hibernate. A pond pump placed too deep can disrupt this, recirculating cold water. Move the pump to a shallow level to maintain filtration while keeping deep water undisturbed for fish.
7. Change fish diet
Pond fish struggle to metabolize high-protein food in cold temperatures, requiring a seasonal diet change. When water drops to 10°C, switch to a Wheat Germ-based diet. Below 4°C, stop feeding entirely to prevent digestion issues and maintain fish health.
8. Buy a pond thermometer
The condition of ponds heavily depends on temperature dynamics. A pond thermometer enables you to monitor water temperature even when it varies from air temperature. It indicates when to switch to a Wheat Germ diet and when it is too cold to add or move fish.
Avoid introducing new fish below 10°C, ensuring they come from outdoor water to prevent temperature shock.
9. Get a pond heater
To prevent ice, use an inline pond heater for consistent water temperature, benefiting fish health and growth—especially for Koi keepers. A floating pond heater is a cheaper alternative, ensuring gas exchange by keeping a small area ice-free.
10. Provide an area free of ice
A floating ice preventer keeps air flowing in a frozen pond, protecting fish health. It is affordable, requires no power, and prevents oxygen depletion.