Winter Pond Care Tips

What of the most common we get asked is: "What do you do with the fish in the winter?" 
Koi & goldfish are native to Japan and China and can therefore easily survive our cold winters here in Michigan as long as the proper steps are taken to ensure optimal conditions in your pond. We'll explore essential tips and guidelines to help you successfully navigate winter with your koi pond.

Leaf Netting:
The first thing that should be done as soon as the leaves start changing in the fall is to install leaf netting over your pond. Check out our other blog post about pond netting to learn the best way to do this. If the majority of leaves are not kept out of your pond in the fall, their decomposition during the winter will quickly deplete oxygen levels and the fish will likely not survive. Too much leaf debris can also harbor harmful parasites and bacteria which take advantage of the fish's weakened immune systems in cold water.

Oxygen:
In a larger body of water there is usually a plethora of dissolved oxygen to supply fish populations over a winter. But in a small backyard koi pond this is not the case. It is essential to maintain a hole in the ice so that fresh oxygen can enter the pond and harmful gases that may form beneath the ice can be released. Keeping an open hole can be done in three ways:
1. Aerate
This can be accomplished with a small pump bubbling water near the surface, a low voltage pond powerhead, or an air pump. Air pumps are handy because they wont clog up and are very energy efficient. The only downside would be a possibility of the hole freezing over during periods of extended below zero temperatures. Therefore, the best practice would be to pair an air pump with a 
2. De-icer
​Floating de-icers get hot enough to melt ice around them and are a fairly foolproof method of keeping that hole open even in the coldest weather. Most models use between 100-300 watts so they do use quite a bit of electricity. Aquascape's De-Icer has a nice LED light on the top so you can tell immediately whether it's working or not and a temperature sensor to turn itself on and off.
3. Leave the waterfall running!
If your pond has a waterfall on it, another great option is to just leave your pump running all winter long. The water will be moving too quickly to freeze in the plumbing and will keep a hole open in the ice at the base of the waterfall. The pond will still benefit from the mechanical filtration (via the filter pads) even though biological filtration will be at a minimum. Awe inspiring ice sculpture may form in the waterfall too! 
The majority of our customers do decide to pull their pumps before winter just so there's less to worry about though. On the off chance that a power loss occurs, water left in the plumbing could freeze and cause damage. There will also be evaporation that occurs so you'll still need to hook up a garden hose occasionally to top off the water loss.

Adjust Feeding Habits:
As the water temperatures drop below 50F, the metabolic rate of koi decreases. Adjust your feeding habits accordingly, providing your fish with a winter-specific diet that is easily digestible. High-protein foods are generally not recommended during colder months, as they can be challenging for koi to process. During winter, koi enter a state of semi-hibernation called torpor. They will be very sluggish, hardly moving and won't be looking to eat.

Protect Against Predators:
Winter can bring out hungry predators looking for an easy meal. Consider installing protective measures, such as netting or covers, to prevent birds and other animals like mink from preying on your koi. This additional layer of defense can make a significant difference in keeping your fish safe. Having a cave for your fish to hide underneath will also alleviate stress.

Conclusion:
​Winter care for your koi pond is a critical aspect of responsible pond ownership. By implementing these tips, you can ensure the well-being of your koi and maintain a thriving pond environment even in the coldest months. Remember to be proactive, monitor conditions regularly, and make adjustments as needed to provide the best possible care for your cherished fish.