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During the winter months we sometimes experience periods of weather where the temperature barely creeps above zero. These conditions create a situation where your pond isn’t getting the opportunity to thaw. So the layer of ice on the pond surface is just becoming thicker and more difficult to melt. You can imagine that these conditions are trying for all pond inhabitants. Here are a couple of suggestions to help support your pond in these freezing times.
1. Switch off your pump and associated appliances (UV etc). Ensure that an
area of the pond surface remains clear, this can be done with a small heater,
the installation and daily removal of a ball or similar, or a floating type
island.
Notes
- If you do switch off your pump, make sure that the pump is positioned
in an area that it cannot freeze in, ensure that the UV unit and plumbing
don’t
have standing water left in them. This can cause expensive damage to equipment!
- If your pond is frozen over completely, do not break the ice by force.
Use a saucepan of boiling water and sit it on the pond surface until a hole
is formed. You may need to reheat the water several times!
2. Move your main circulation pump into the top area of the pond, making sure
the water around the pump isn’t likely to freeze. This will encourage
an area of the pond surface not to freeze and will only circulate the top area
of the pond. Leaving the bottom of the pond marginally warmer enabling the
fish an area of refuge.
I hope this weather won’t persist too long and should you undertake
positive steps now. Your pond and its inhabitants should move comfortably into
spring. Following such a cold winter, the need for comprehensive
spring maintenance becomes greater, as everything at this point will be a little more distressed
than in recent years. I do realise that all ponds are different and should
you like more specific advice please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you tend your own pond make yourself known to us. |
