When the clocks turn back and the temperatures start to plummet, you will need to start preparing your pond for the colder winter months. Here at Aquatix-u, we have put together this handy guide to help you plan ahead and to aid in taking care of your pond this winter.
Cleaning Your Pond from Debris
During the Autumn months, plants and trees begin to "die back", losing their leaves and dropping leaf litter all over your garden. Some of these can land in your pond and if left will start to decompose.
While leaves and debris decompose they release a variety of undesirable chemicals which can have a negative impact on your ponds ecosystem.
You can easily prevent this from happening by getting yourself a cover or net which will help stop the debris from getting into your pond in the first place. You can also use a standard pond net to collect the debris as well when and if required.
To view our range of Pond Netting, Click Here
Water Temperatures:
Getting an accurate reading of your ponds water temperature is important during the colder winter months. When you know the temperature, you can then make decisions regarding changing things such as the type of food your fish are offered, or when to turn on your pond heater.
Here at Aquatix-2u, we stock a variety of thermometers to best suit your needs here: https://www.aquatix-2u.co.uk/collections/pond-heaters-thermometers
Ice Prevention:
It is common in Winter to encounter some form of freezing in your pond. If it is completely frozen over for extended periods of time it can cause harmful gases such as ammonia to be trapped in the water, which can be very dangerous to your fish and live plants.
Luckily there are some good options available to prevent this from happening.
Aerators:
One way to prevent freezing over is by using a pond aerator. These produce bubbles in the water which adds movement, slowing down the process of ice formation. Aerators are a good alternative to using a pond heater (providing the temperatures don't fall low enough to completely freeze over your pond) and they also add essential oxygen into your water too.
Pond Heaters:
If your pond does freeze over, it is important to keep a hole in the ice. This is to allow the harmful gases to escape and let fresh oxygen in. Pond heaters are the best choice in this situation and are a quick, hassle-free solution that causes no stress to your fish.
For more information on preventing ice from forming in your pond, click here to go to our helpful guide page.
Winter Diet for your Fish
Because fish are Poikilothermic it means that their body temperatures fluctuate with their environment, much like cold-blooded animals. When your pond gets cooler so do your fish, and this results in slow and lazy behavior as they prepare for semi-dormancy.
During this time, your fish won't be eating regularly as they are unable to digest their food properly due to their metabolisms slowing down. This is why giving your fish the correct diet is important during the winter months, and this is where Wheatgerm food comes in.
Wheatgerm fish food is a low protein, highly nutritional diet that aids in speedy digestion and is the best choice of food during the winter / early springtime.
If you want further information, you can view our information page on Wheatgerm fish food here:
https://aquatix-2u.co.uk/blogs/advice/kickstart-your-winter-with-wheatgerm-fish-food
To view our range of Wheatgerm fish foods, click here