As winter approaches, it’s time to think about how to take care of your koi pond and your fish. Even though some would think that fish would be harmed during the cold weather, they are not. However, there are a few things that need to be done to ensure the safety of your fish during the colder parts of winter. In the winter time, fish will sleep in a suspended state until the spring. Be sure to feed fish adequately before winter begins. Here are some pond supplies you might need to keep your pond and fish in good shape:
Aerator
An aerator or an air pump that provides oxygen to your fish. This is important since in the winter the fish do not move around as much, so the gases are not exchanged as much as they are during the winter time. If you use an aerator, you should make sure there is some ventilation. If you have a layer of ice over the koi pond, a hole needs to be made to keep an area open and free from icing over. You don’t have to get rid of all the ice. It will not kill your fish. The ice actually helps insulate your fish so they are not as cold. If you have a koi pond, the fish start to go into a state of dormancy during the winter months, so plan accordingly during this time.
De-icer or Pond Heater
Even though a layer of ice on the surface of the pond does help, if you have a shallow pond, the whole pond could potentially freeze and that will certainly kill your fish. You definitely do not want to keep an area in the ice open to allow for proper gas exchange. One pond supply that comes in handy is a de-icer or pond heater. This makes sure that your pond does not completely freeze over, but also does not disturb the fish.
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Universal Aquatics installs koi ponds, waterfalls and elegant water features in your backyard. Turn your yard into your own personal vacation spot. We have all the pond supplies and more. We service a variety of areas including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Suwannee and Dunwoody.