As water temperatures begin to dip, your pond fish will have to adjust to their surroundings.

It is important to start changing fish diets to accommodate the changes these cold-blooded creatures will undergo. We recommend following a Seasonal Feeding Cycle.

• When temperatures are between 39°F and 50°F, a wheat-germ-based diet is best for your pond fish.

High-quality wheat-germ foods are formed from easily digestible plant ingredients, which enhance digestion and reduce the time it takes for the nutrients to be absorbed. Compared with an animal-protein-based food, a wheat-germ-based food will spend 25% less time in the intestine.

This is beneficial since in low temperatures, metabolism in fish is greatly diminished.

Since Koi and goldfish do not have true stomachs, a food with wheat-germ is the optimal diet to transition fish in and out of the season safely and healthily.

The following are the basic issues that need to be addressed:

•  As with all fish a hole needs to be maintained in the ice to allow unwanted/dangerous gasses to escape.
• Koi are sensitive to fast changes in temperature. The key to is keep the water temperature stable as opposed maintaining warmer temperatures.
• Feed Koi easily digestible food down from about
• Stop feeding the fish in the 45 to 50 degree range

Keeping a hole in the pond ice:

You can use a pond heater to keep a hole in the ice at the water surface. Koi will tolerate being left outside if the pond is deep enough and you keep a hole in the surface of the ice to allow gases to vent. We recommend using  a floating de-icer that will keep an opening in the ice and not disturb the layer of warmer water that is required on the bottom of the pond.

We have seen suggestions that to make any deicer more efficient, you can use something to insulate it. If the deicer can be set in the corner of the pond, you can consider using a shelter over the unit (plastic dome or plywood shelter), so that it that traps lost heat. This may help the heater to work more efficiently and be especially applicable in colder climates/temperatures. If the pond does completely freeze over never open a hole by pounding or hitting the ice. This will cause shock waves that injure the fish. Instead, pour hot water (de-chlorinated ) over a section until the ice is melted.

More to come tomorrow!

In most cases, fish can be left in the pond during the winter, providing the depth of the pond is adequate (18 inches minimum or deeper in harsher climate zones) with little or no water circulation. Fish will gather in this deepest area of the pond where the water temperature remains more stable and go into a state of hibernation during the winter months. Note that some types of fish, such as fancy goldfish, bubble eyes and lion heads, are sensitive to cold weather and should be brought indoors.

As winter approaches, you should monitor pond water temperatures daily. When the pond’s water temperature is between 39°F and 50°F, a wheat-germ based pond fish diet is best for your pond fish.  Pictured to the right is Tetra Pond’s excellent quality wheatgerm pond fish diet for fall and spring. And don’t forget, when the water temperature falls below 39°F, you should stop feeding the fish altogether. Some may worry about not feeding their fish, but you can rest assured that your fish will naturally rely on stored energy reserves built up during the summer to sustain them throughout the winter months.

Don’t forget your plants!

Many aquatic plants (with the exception of tropical lilies and water hyacinths) can be left in the pond through the winter. Trim back all dead foliage, and then submerge the plants in the bottom or deeper section of the pond to prevent the plants from freezing. Hardy water garden plants will come back year after year. Consider bringing tropical lilies and water hyacinths indoors for the colder months.

1. Pond Fish:  The climate that you live in will have an impact on how to handle your pond fish in the winter.  If you live in a climate with mild winters, then it is a good idea to install a pond heater in your pond to keep the temperature of the water comfortable for your pond fish.  A pond heater, such as the Laguna Pond Heater – 315 watt, is perfect for winter where the water freezes over.  This pond heater is designed to provide your fish with a breathing hole for air throughout the winter.  Your pond fish will be dormant in the winter, so they will only require feedings in the fall.  Use a pond fish food, such as the Spring-Autum Pond Food, in the fall and spring only.  If you live in an area with severe winters and can’t use a pond heater, then it is best to store your fish indoors in a tank for the winter. 
2. Plant Life:  Maintaining plant life during the winter is tricky, but possible.  If you have any tropical pond plants, it is best to get rid of them because they are hard to keep alive unless stored indoors in a tank.  Non-tropical plants have a good chance for survival outside when taking care of properly.  In milder climates, hardier plants may be kept in the pond.  To keep them in the pond for the winter, remove them from the pond, trim them to the stub of foliage, and return them to the deepest area of the pond with no supports.  If you decide to remove them permanently for the winter, place them in a warm indoor spot and use mulch to cover them up.
3. Drain and keep debris out of the water:  Your pond water should be drained a few inches during the fall to prepare for the winter.  It is also a great idea to make sure the water is free of leaves and other debris to prevent them from rotting in your pond during the winter.  Use a pond netting, such as the Dewitt Pond Netting, to keep leaves and branches out of the pond.  Check it on a regular basis and your clean-up will be much easier.

• Use a net to catch leaves and other types of debris. A net covering makes your pond clean-up easier and quicker. You need to choose a net that will cover the entire area of your pond with extra for securing to the sides of your pond. Once you have installed a net over your pond, it is important to empty it on a regular basis or when needed to prevent the leaves from weighing it down and the air from circulating. A great net to use is the Laguna Black Protective Pond Netting because it easily catches leaves and allows the air to easily circulate in your pond.
• Give your pond fish food that will help them to survive through the winter. Fish need to build up enough calories to help them last through the winter. In the fall, you should feed your fish food that is made from wheat germ. Wheat germ food, such as Tetra’s Spring and Fall Diet for Pond Fish, provides your fish with the calorie packed food they need to help them survive through the winter.
• Add bacteria to your pond to help break down food and waste. Clear Pond Fall & Winter Formula Dry Packets are easy to use and contain healthy bacteria that breaks down waste and other organic debris during the fall and winter that is built up in your pond from the spring and summer. This simple treatment is great for keeping the pond water cleaner and healthy for the pond fish. Just put a packet in your pond water when the water temperature is below 55 degrees.

As fall quickly approaches, it is important to think about how the cold weather will affect your pond. With the proper pond care in the fall, your pond should remain healthy throughout the winter and your spring clean up will be easier. For all of your pond needs, check out Backyard Style.

1. Skim your pond weekly to remove leaves and plant matter
2. Switch to a spring/fall formulated fish food
3. Dose pond water regularly with Laguna Bio Booster while the leaves are falling*
4. Remove, clean and store pond equipment
5. Disconnect waterfall
6. Install a Pond Heater, De-icer or Aeration Kit
7. Prepare your pond plants for the winter
8. Prepare your pond fish for the winter

Tip of the month: A patch of leaves left in the deepest part of the pond can help to provide shelter when fish are being kept in the pond for the winter.

The Laguna Floating Thermometer is ideal for monitoring the water temperature in your pond. The thermometer includes an easy viewing window with large temperature indications for quick readings. It comes with a handy anchoring cord and is designed to float on the water surface for easy access.

*It is important to continue dosing your pond water regularly with Laguna Bio Booster to ensure that there are ample beneficial bacteria to handle the increase in organic pollution due to decomposing leaves.

Add a full dose of Laguna Water Prep when performing water changes or adding water. It eliminates harmful chlorine or chloramines from newly added tapor well water, immediately making pond water safe.

Depending on the climate zone you live in, November is when you will start to see the water temperature of your pond drop below 43 °F (6 °C). When the water reaches this temperature submersible pumps should be removed, cleaned and stored for the winter. Completely take apart and clean your pump. Storing your equipment without cleaning it could result in damaged equipment or a broken impeller shaft when you restart in the spring.

If you use your primary pump in the winter, completely clean your pump and impeller. If you are using a secondary smaller water pump ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned before use. Ensure that your pump is close to the surface of your pond or on bricks to prevent cooling of the lower water levels. This should be done even in climates where the pond freezing over is not an issue. It is important not to leave the pump in the deep area of the pond where fish will be hibernating for the winter. Doing this disrupts the water’s natural thermo cline* and will result in fish loss.

You will also need to disconnect, clean and store pond equipment such as UV sterilizers and external filters. If you have a waterfall you will also have to disconnect it for the winter months. In colder climate zones an air hole needs to be kept open to allow for gases to escape from your pond. If your pond completely freezes, fish may suffocate and die.

The Laguna Heated Pond De-icer helps keep ice from forming and helps de-gas the pond, making it safe for fish. The unit comes with a highly visible LED pilot light that indicates when it’s on.

I love Labor day, but when Labor day arrives, I realize that the “closing of my pond” is just around the corner.

Or more accurately .. just around the Indian Summer. (We normally get an Indian summer here in Michigan)

Labor Day has come and gone.

Special autumn pond care is necessary when the plants and fish begin going dormant in cooler weather. When temperatures start dropping ponds require that we slow down or stop many things we did daily or weekly during the hot summer months.

• When the average water temperature is below 50°F, or before the first freeze, place hardy pond plants deeper in your pond and bring subtropical and tropical plants indoors. These subtropical and tropical plants will need heated water (at least 70°F) to get through the winter successfully. Do not fertilize these plants during the winter.
• Falling leaves from nearby trees and bushes, as well as leaves from your pond plants, can quickly build up on the bottom of your pond. Decaying vegetation can increase levels of dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) and rob water of oxygen. Lower levels of oxygen can stress your fish. Remember, your fish are already struggling to deal with fall temperature swings. During late summer and early fall it is important to remove as much material from the bottom of your pond as possible.
• First, prune your marginal pond plants, and remove floating plants before they decay. Next, Skim, Vacuum and use a pond net to remove the rest.
• Drape a pond net over your pond to prevent the majority of leaves and twigs from getting into the water in the first place. Your pruning, skimming, and dip net or vacuuming efforts will take care of the rest.

Happy Ponding and we’ll be back with more fall maintenance tips this weekend!

• It is natural, nontoxic and non-caustic. (The definition of caustic is: Capable of destroying the texture of anything or eating away its substance by chemical action; burning; corrosive; searing.) By definition, non-caustic is good for your pond.
• It is harmless to humans, animals, fish, and plants.
• It helps to jump-start your pond to a healthier environment in the spring.
• It reduces the buildup of dead leaves and residual organic sediment.
• It is easy-to-handle and we offer pre-measured packets.

Basic Application Rates
Size of pond in gallons

81 – 200 Gallon Ponds
1st Week 1 bag
2nd Week 1 bag
3rd Week 1 bag
4th Week 1 bag

501 – 1,000 Gallon Ponds
1st Week 2 bags
2nd Week 1 bag
3rd Week 2 bags
4th Week 1 bag

1,001 – 5,000 Gallon Ponds
1st Week 2 bags
2nd Week 2 bags
3rd Week 2 bags
4th Week 2 bags

*To calculate number of gallons in the pond, multiply Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Depth x 7.5.

Microbe-Lift Spring/Summer Cleaner is a Natural Pond & Lagoon Cleaner specifically designed as a seasonal approach to the proper organic balance in ponds.

Bioaugmentation is the process of using calculated amounts of correct bacteria to biodegrade the various elements in pond water that create poor water quality problems. All bio-augmentation products work best in well aerated ponds – so make sure that before you treat your pond, that it is well aerated. Topic for our next article!!

Happy Easter!