Now that winter will soon be over, it is a good time to start thinking about getting your pond fish ready for spring.  Whether you have closed up your pondor have kept a pond de-icer in the water during the winter, you will want to inspect your pond equipment, including the pond liner, pump, filter, tubing and fittings, before you reopen your pond for the spring.  Maintaining and updating your pond equipment is important for healthy pond fish all spring and summer long, so repair or replace any parts that have been damaged or have worn out. 

If you have let your pond fish go dormant for the winter, it is a good time to check on your pond de-icer and water temperature to see if it is still needed.  If you live in a warmer climate, now may be the time to remove the pond de-icer.  You may be able to remove the pond de-icer if the temperature in the pond is staying in the 40′s and there is no chance that it will freeze over in the spring.  If your pond is deep, the fish will be living at the bottom and may not require the use of a pond de-icer because the soil will insulate the water temperature in the pond.  If your pond is shallow, you may want to consider leaving your pond de-icer in the pond longer for the fish to make sure that the pond water is warm enough. Many pond de-icers are thermostatically controlled and will shut off when the water maintains a certain temperature.  Typically this occurs when the water temperature is in the mid 40′s.

When the temperature reaches the 50′s, start thinking about feeding your pond fish.  Pond fish will require fish food, such as the Tetra Spring and Fall Diet, when the water temperature is in the 50′s.  This diet is made for colder temperature and perfectly balanced to keep your pond fish healthy.   After the temperature gets above 60 degrees, you can switch your pond fish to a regular diet.