Making the right fall preparations will ensure better odds of fish survival and an easier healthier start up for your pond next spring. Here are a few easy steps to follow in order to get ready this fall.
Protect your pond with a Cover Net before the autumn leaves fall and remove the net before the pond freezes
Scoop any leaf debris and organic waste from the bottom of the pond with a Leaf/Debris Net.
When the water temperature drops below 65 degrees, begin feeding a Cold Weather Fish Food.
While the water temperature is still above 50 degrees, treat with beneficial bacteria Microbe-Lift Autumn Winter Prep to reduce muck and organic waste buildup.
For ponds with fish, add 1 pound of Pond Salt for every 100 gallons of water before the water temperature lowers to the 50’s. This will add electrolytes to the water and help rid your fish of any parasites before their immune systems weaken.
Prior to the pond freezing, unplug and remove pumps. Store your pumps in a bucket of water in the basement.
Disconnect and drain UV Clarifiers. These are very fragile and should be stored indoors throughout the winter.
Clean skimmers and filters prior to freezing. Pressure filters should be brought indoors.
For ponds with fish, prior to freezing install a Pond Aerator with the air stones placed on an approximately 2ft deep shelf near the deep section of the pond.
Position a winter Pond Heater over the bubbles from your air stones.
Stop feeding fish when the water drops below 50 degrees.