Winterizing Fish Ponds
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
"What do you do with the fish in the winter?"
We explain that ponds take care of themselves by reducing their metabolism to a very low level and just "hanging out" near the bottom of the pond. As long as the pond is two feet deep, and a small hole is maintained in the ice, they will be fine.
Since the pump runs 24/7/365, the area under the falls will stay free of ice until it gets *real* cold - like below 0 deg. F. I added a small bubbler pump near the skimmer to keep that area open also. When we had several days below zero, I removed the pump from the skimmer and laid it on its side on the first shelf - the right angle output fittings directed a very strong flow of water to the surface, keeping an even larger hole open. I doubt that it will ever get so cold here that we would need to use an electric heating element to keep an open area.
One of the best features of the aquascape Pond Kits is their use of flexible PVC pipe...I had never seen it before but was told that it could withstand any amount of freezing without damage. Though I was skeptical, it held up fine after I removed the pump and water sat in the pipe, frozen solid, for a week or longer...amazing stuff!
All in all, wintering with the pond was easy...being the first winter, I was unsure of exact procedures, but I knew that as long as I kept a hole in the ice, our fish would be fine.
The early spring cleanout was a fairly easy chore. Using the aquascape pump with additional fittings and a long discharge pipe, we pumped the pond almost dry. I wrapped a filter of fine mesh screen around the pump inlet area so the small baby fish wouldn't be pumped out. When the water level had gone down to about six inches, the fish were netted and placed in buckets of the pond water.
I hosed down the rocks and gravel and pumped out the dirty water...only about one quart of semi-solid "pond scum" needed to be removed by hand. I removed all the filter media in the biofalls and skimmer, hosed it thoroughly, and replaced it. After refilling the pond, we floated the buckets of water and fish in the pond for about half an hour to equalize water temperature - then the fish were let free in the new water.
The entire clean out process took about five hours. This is the most time-consuming chore for the pond keeper, but only is required once a year, usually in early spring. In our opinion, it's a very small price to pay for many hours of enjoyment.
Popular Articles
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
65990 Views
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
65818 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
60125 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
41046 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
25709 Views
Latest Articles
Residential andCommercial HVAC Service: What’s the Difference
HVAC denotes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems assist in regulating the environmental temperatures and humidity while...
on Aug 3, 2022
Top 6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Professional Plumber
Whether you need to replace bathtub faucets or unclog drainage systems and kitchen sinks, a plumber does it all. However, look for a professional...
on Jul 21, 2022
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common causes of home damage and are one of the most expensive types of water damage to repair. If you are unsure...
on Jul 20, 2022
Controlling Moisture in Your House
Dampness and moisture are notorious for damaging properties indiscriminately. In a recent estimate, 14,000 people experience water damage at home...
on Jul 14, 2022
5 Tips for Refreshing Your Bathroom
The daily steam and moisture in your bathroom make it a breeding zone for mold and mildew, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses and...
on Jul 14, 2022
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Juan Plumbing - Learn about SCAMs
on Sep 17, 2021
Hire Contractors / Estimates

I can firmly say, I'm only trying to be an advocate for a neighbor that is a DISABLED SENIOR who was taken advantage of in this SCAM. I feel the...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 259
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 236
- Real Estate / Finance — 190
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 181
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 146
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 140
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 116
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 114
- Doors / Garages — 112
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
What are the Best Types of Shingles for Roof Replacement?
Quality shingles are the first line of defense for your property. Shingles also keep your home properly insulated and may increase your homes...
6 Tips to Save on Home Cooling Costs
With the increase in global warming all over the world, the consumption of electricity has gone way higher than it is healthy for the environment....
10 Innovative Ways to Make Extra Storage Room
Most people run out of storage space in their homes. If you’re a busy family with countless hobbies and interests, the need for extra storage...
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Lock for Your Home
With the alarming rate at which crime is increasing all over the world, homes and offices are no longer as safe as they used to be. A recent study...
The Unconventional Method to Getting Rid of The Nastiest of Stains
I do not have the fortune of having kids just yet, but I am lucky enough to have two wonderfully large dogs that continue to be my best friends...