Preparing a fish pond for the winter and supplying oxygen to the water pond

When the fish have stopped feeding at temperatures of 12`C, then you know that winter has started in the pond. You need to do a few things to the pond before it goes to sleep to ensure that the fish will survive the cold winter.

Autumn cleaning is necessary so that during the winter rest period nothing is left to decay s this results in oxygen deficiency, the manufacturing of unwelcome gases, excess nutrients and drastic deterioration of the quality of the water.

Work around the pond

  • Pull out the plugs of all electrical appliance filters and pumps

  • Drain 2/3 of the pond water

  • Remove all plant baskets

  • Carefully catch the fish and place them in a large tub filled with pond water. Watch that the fish do not jump out.

  • Amphibians that reside near the pond should be placed in a safe, sheltered place

  • Get rid of sludge at the bottom of the pond that is made up of decayed plant remains and debris

Plant care before the winter

Rotting plants will absorb too much oxygen from your ornamental pond so they should be cut down. This is perfectly safe as they will shoot again soon after winter

  • Flowering plants and submerged oxygenating plants should be vigorously thinned out

  • Rapid proliferating plants should be cut back well.

  • Dead and torn plant matter must be removed from the pond

  • Scrub algae off the edges of the pond using a hard brush

  • Water lilies can be transplanted at this stage. The leaves, flowers and stalk must be cut off but not the buds. The rhizomes should be shortened by about a 1/3. dead and decayed plants must be removed immediately

  • The hardy species should be placed in the deep parts of the pond while the non-hardy types are placed in a cool, frost free room and covered with dead leaves. Remove any rotting parts promptly

An oxygen supply in winter

Oxygen should be supplied to the pond at all times as its vital for all life in the pond. Oxygen needs to be supplied in winter because the low temperatures result in low oxygen reaching the water. More oxygen is required if a large stock of fish are to be over wintered in a covered pond.

An oxygenator can be used to supply additional oxygen. It does not make use of any cable or hose. When the device does not have any more oxygen, it will bob up to the surface and will need to be refilled. It takes about 3 months for the oxygenator to be finished. Alternatively an oxygen pump can be used and is very suitable for small ponds.

Covering up the pond

The pond should be covered up to prevent frost from getting to the water. The pond can be covered with a transparent material such as Perspex. It comes in corrugated sheets that can be spread across the pond over a latticed frame made of roof battens.

Visitors to the pond

A garden pond will definitely attract wild animals and insects. Amphibians such as frogs, pond newts and toads will be attracted by the water and food. Insects such as dragon flies and diving beetles also tend to settle in and provide food for the fish.