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| Caring for Your Fish throughout the Cooler Months |
In most parts of the United States, fish can be left in the pond during the winter, providing the depth of the pond is adequate (18 inches minimum or deeper in harsher climate zones) with little or no water circulation. Fish will gather in this deepest area of the pond where the water temperature remains more stable and go into a state of hibernation during the winter months. Note that some types of fish, such as fancy goldfish, bubble eyes and lion heads, are sensitive to cold weather and should be brought indoors.
As winter approaches, you should monitor pond water temperatures daily. When the water temperature falls below 39°F, you should stop feeding the fish altogether. Some may worry about not feeding their fish, but you can rest assured that your fish will naturally rely on stored energy reserves built up during the summer to sustain them throughout the winter months.
Don't forget your plants!
Most aquatic plants (with the exception of tropical lilies and water hyacinths) can be left in the pond through the winter. Trim back all dead foliage, and then submerge the plants in the bottom or deeper section of the pond to prevent the plants from freezing. Hardy water garden plants will come back year after year. Consider bringing tropical lilies and water hyacinths indoors for the colder months.
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| Make your Winter Dreams a Reality Next Spring |
Winter is the perfect time to plan your pond enhancements for next year. While the pond does not require much care or attention, you can daydream
about what you'd like to add next year. The best place to start is our Pond Gallery.
There you'll find many ideas from your peers and all of the winners from our monthly Beauty and the Best contest.
Whether you are looking to add a stream, waterfall, header pond or increase the size
of your pond, winter is the best time to plan. Determine what equipment you will need (maybe a bigger pump or an additional pump depending on the project) and then
do some research at www.tetrapond.com.
Be sure to check with your local pond retailer to get their input and suggestions. They are experts as to what works best in your region, from fish to plants.
And don't forget, ask your other pondkeeper friends for advice, too. Take pictures and notes of how your pond looks now, so you can remember what it looks like in a
few months (especially if it will soon be covered in snow!). Take pictures all winter long to remember what the pond looked like as the seasons changed.
Take time to plan ahead, so when spring comes, you can enter pond season with all of the tools you need for success!
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The "Greener" Side of Ponds
Seven Environmental Benefits of Owning a Pond, Part 7 of 7 |
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Our seventh environmental benefit of adding a pond or water garden to your yard affects many generations to come!
Number 7: Water gardens influence young people to help create a better future for the planet.
Including children in the building of a water garden or pond helps them gain an interest in science and environmental issues. Water gardens are complete ecosystems, which educate children on how natural systems work and can influence them to help create a better planet. Getting kids involved and thinking about nature early in life encourages them to continue their interest in the environment throughout adulthood.
Planning, building and maintaining a pond or water garden also helps children understand the responsibility we all have for caring for our environment.
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Splendor in the Fall
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The bright oranges, reds and yellows make a great backdrop to my pond and complement
the many colors of my Koi. It's a great time to get out my camera and take some shots of the colors reflecting off the water's surface.
It's also a good time to do a little winter prep. Before I switch over to
wheat germ (below 50°F), I like to
use Koi Growth to fatten them
up a bit since their fat is what they will be living off of while they hibernate. If you have frogs, sink a pot of clay or a
good pond soil mix in the bottom of the pond so they will have a place to bury into during the long winter months. Also, if your pond
is near trees, purchase a pond net. It will make fall maintenance a whole lot easier.
I've really enjoyed answering your questions this pond season, so keep them coming. My pond will be closed for winter, but my door is always open.
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| See You in the Spring! |
Whether you run your pond all year long or not, make sure you take time to enjoy its beauty throughout the year,
even if there is a northern nip in the air. Watch the landscape change before your eyes...from a summer hot spot for family
relaxation to a crisp, beautiful winter wonderland. Capture each season on camera for your submission to
TetraPond's Beauty and the Best Pond and Koi Contest.
Then, check out your photo in our Pond and Koi Gallery.
Remember, you may be our next Beauty and the Best winner in our March 2010 issue of Into the Pond!
Remember, if you have pond questions over the winter, visit our website: www.TetraPond.com.
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| Visit www.TetraPond.com Today: |
- LEARN: For more information and frequently asked questions about building your pond and pondkeeping.
- DREAM: Become inspired by our Pond Gallery of photos submitted by pondkeepers (like you!) across the country.
- CREATE: For a step-by-step video guide on how to design, build and care for the perfect water garden, visit www.TetraPond.com.
- WIN: Enter your pond photos in our monthly contest to win free TetraPond products.
Are you planning to change your email address?
Be sure to visit www.TetraPond.com to register your new email account to receive Into the Pond. You won't want to miss an issue!
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