FALL During the fall- cover your pond, wategarden with leaf net.
Clean pond with a partial water change.
Feed fish spring/fall food or wheat germ.
Stop feeding when water temp. falls below 50 degrees.
Water depth should be at least 18 inches or above to survive especially in Northern climates.
Check tender, tropical plants- dispose or bring in to overwinter. Trim hardy plants and lower them down on shelves. ( ex.iris )
Goldfish, Koi will start to hibernate and their bodies and digestion slows down.
Late fall- before the snow
Turn off waterfalls. You can leave on if keep a close watch for ice jams.
An aerater can be placed in pond for exchange of gases and to help keep an area open from ice.
A small heater 100 to 200 watts will help keep an area open but will not heat the hole pond.
I have even used reeds tied together to aid in air exchange. Also I use corragated plastic covers from building supply companies to place over 2x4s. ( see below ) Do Not place on water or cover completely.
Do not forget the frogs, tadpoles - They need somewhere to hibernate like mud, sludge or a large pot with dirt.
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