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|  WINTER ITEMS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON WINTERIZING THE POND
Why is it important to keep an area of the pond free of ice?
Having an ice free area where the pond does not freeze over is is crucial for koi ponds or ponds with fish to allow proper gas exchange. A pond is essentially dormant during cold winter months when biological activity is at a minimum. However, this does not mean there is no biological activity. Fish respiration and metabolic processes still occur, steadily releasing waste products while using up oxygen. Without an opening in the ice, not only do harmful gasses such as carbon dioxide remain trapped under the ice but also the supply of dissolved oxygen is depleted. If this condition is allowed to progress and oxygen is not replenished, the fish are unable to survive the toxic environment.
How large an area do I need to keep open?
Even a small hole will support oxygen and gas exchange. You do not need, nor should you expect, to keep large areas of your pond open in frigid northern zones.
Will my de-icer and or heater raise the temperature of the water?
De-icers and pond heaters are not designed to raise water temperature; they are designed only to allow a small opening in the ice. With constant heat loss due to frigid temperatures, they would not be able to keep up heating the entire volume of the pond.
Can I use an aerator to keep my ice open?
An aeration system is an effective way to keep water open in the winter. It agitates the surface to keep a small opening in the ice. It is important, however, to house the air pump in an insulated box outside the pond, so that it uses dryer, somewhat warmer air than the outside air. You'll want to avoid moisture condensation in the airline tubing - this could cause the airline to freeze, which would plug the bubbler. It's also important to avoid placing the bubbler on the bottom of the pond surface, so it won't stir up any sediment.
Why is it important to measure water temperature instead of air temperature?
Measuring water temperature is the most accurate way to determine when to change diet, stop feeding, and start feeding your koi again. After a long winter, many pond owners are anxious to feed their koi again. On the first warm day of spring, the air temperature may read above 50°F but the water temperature will still be much cooler. Be sure to measure water temperatures several times a day to get an accurate reading. If the average water temperature is above 50°F for several consecutive days, then you can start feeding easy-to-digest wheat germ pellets.
Won't the freezing temperature kill all the beneficial bacteria in my pond?
Though the colder winter water temperatures may slightly reduce the population of beneficial bacteria and slow their biological activity, the majority survives the winter. In fact, nitrifying bacteria continue to process organic material throughout the winter and seasonal or coldwater bacterial formulations remain active in cold water. By adding bacterial additives during autumn, the population of beneficial bacteria is fortified and conditions the pond for the coming spring.
PLEASE VISIT OUR DE-ICERS & HEATERS SECTION FOR ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE TO KEEP AN ICE FREE AREA IN YOUR POND.
IN ADDITION, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR POND NETTING AND WINTER WATER CONDITIONERS SECTIONS WHICH WILL ALSO AID IN KEEPING YOUR POND WINTERED OVER FOR AN EASIER SPRING CLEAN UP.
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