Maintaining a Healthy Pond - Seasonal Tasks Winter

This article explains the yearly tasks required to maintain a healthy water garden or fish pond. Continuing with :-

Winter

Once you have completed your task for autumn then there is no major work due in this period. If possible remove pond pumps, heaters and pond lighting, service these components. The biggest worry for a pond keeper is the danger of pro-long spells of ice. Follow the same method of preventing

ice covering the whole surface of the pond, preventing oxygen from reaching the unfrozen water. This stops the toxic gasses escaping, this is not critical over short periods as the temperature has already caused the fish to slow down and require less oxygen. The ice can cause damage when it expands. If the pond has sloping sides the ice will be forced upwards. If autumn is particularly cold then you can use a pond heater that will heat a tiny fraction of the surface area, enough to allow oxygen to reach the surface. Never break the ice with a heavy blow as this sends shockwaves through the water that can stun or kill the fish. The best method is hot water placed in a metal can that will gradually melt a small part of the surface. During exceptional cold spell its worth draining some water under the ice as this will act as a form of insulation and still keep some oxygen in touch with the water.

The next seasonal tasks due are in Spring

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