How do you winterize a garden pond and how do my fish survive the winter? Just follow our 3 golden rules!
Anyone who enjoys a pond in their garden often asks themselves what will happen to their fish when the pond freezes over. Are my fish still getting enough oxygen?
Small ponds need an overall cover of clear material so snow doesn't limit underwater lighting. The pond must remain open on two sides so that oxygen can penetrate below the ice surface. These pages mustn't get cold, which means you'll have to keep tapping them open if necessary.
But before you winterize your garden pond, there are still a few rules to be observed.
Rule 1 - Purify water
Old plant stalks and dead parts of plants, as well as fallen leaves must always be removed. Otherwise putrefactive gases are formed in the water, which can "upset" the biological balance. Leaves and mud on the bottom of the pond must also be removed.
Rule 2 - add fresh water
Next, part of the water has to be exchanged for fresh water, because only clean water allows the fish to survive the winter in good he alth.
Rule 3 - Leave the fish alone
Frequent ice breaking disturbs the rest of the fish, so breaking a slightly larger hole is more beneficial.
Extra styrofoam rings that float on the water, which are sold in specialist shops, also keep part of the pond free of ice.