Preparing for Fall
Autumn is only a couple short weeks away. Below are some products and procedures you or your customers can use to help ponds and water gardens make the transition from warm summer days to the cold harsh winter.
- Switch koi and pond fish to cold weather diet when water temperatures drop to 65° F (18° C) and below. Fish digestive systems are controlled by the temperature of their environment and need a food formulated for easy digestion and absorption of nutrients. Also, decrease the frequency of feeding to a couple times a week gradually as the temperature drops.
- Stop feeding koi and pond fish when water temperatures drop to 50° F (10° C). The fish’s metabolism shuts down to a near hybernation state in the coldest temperatures. Feeding them will cause food to “stall” in their digestive tract, which can lead to high stress, infections and disease or possibly death. Do not feed them again, even if the water warms up, until spring has clearly sprung.
- Monitor the temperature of the pond using an in-pond floating thermometer. Pond owners that are serious about feeding their fish should keep a close eye on the water temperature. Using a thermometer is the only way to confidently monitor the water temperature because it can vary widely from the daily average air temperature and every pond changes temperature differently.
- Protect the pond from falling leaves and other debris. Leaves and other debris entering the pond over the fall and staying to decompose through the winter can cause major algae headaches come spring. Covering the pond with a net is the easiest way to keep autumnal debris from entering the pond and disrupting the ecosystem. If a net is not employed, even the pond skimmer will not remove all debris from the pond, so pond owners should diligently remove debris from the pond with a hand-held net on a nearly daily basis during the fall.
- Switch to a cold weather bacteria. Some brands of biological clarifiers are only effective in warm water temperatures. When the weather cools, pond owners should have a bacteria that tolerates cold water. Such blends include AquaOne™ from Alpha-Bio Systems, OneFix® from CrystalClear® and Microbe-Lift® Autumn/Winter Prep. A bacteria blend designed to help break down solid organic debris that builds up during the fall and winter is also a good additive to consider in the fall such as Sludge & Odor Remover by AquaOne™ and Microbe-Lift® Sludge Away Liquid.
Complete Aquatics is your source for fall-related water garden products. We carry a selection of Formulated Koi & Fish Foods, Pond-Cover Nets and Hand-Held Nets, Floating Pond Thermometers, Cold-Weather Biological Clarifiers and more. Don’t forget to stock up on de-icing products for your customers to have on-hand come frosty weather. These include pond aerators, recirculating pumps or floating deicers; each of which Complete Aquatics has ready to supply.
Have any other tips or suggestions to help pond owners through the fall coming into winter? Please comment on this blog article to share your information with everyone.
