Good morning! It’s Pond Tip Tuesday again, and I want to try to get ahead of the weather a little bit and talk about the inevitable problem that comes with Winter… Ice 🧊
As a matter of fact, we got down to 28 degrees night before last, and it’s just now November.
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! Instead, melt a hole 🕳 in the Ice with hot tap water.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it!
My Pond Tip today is be ready for the ice! Have a floating heater on hand. Or a small pump to use in freezing weather to keep a hole open. And don’t forget that dry hose and 5 gallon bucket! They will be your best friend if and when the temperatures plummet!
10 degree windchill this morning 🥶 Brrr! Ice Ice Baby! But, don’t worry, it will be ok… Just don’t break the ice!
Don’t break the ice! It will harm your Koi! The powerful shock waves created by a blow to the ice can break their bones and rupture organs!
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER break the ice by banging on it! It can cause your fish great harm – it can even KILL them! To allow the escape/exchange of gasses in a frozen over pond, keep a hole open in the ice. This is IMPORTANT!!! It will keep the gases from building up under the ice and allow for oxygen exchange and keep your fish from suffocating. This will also allow the pump to get water if the surface is frozen. If you have a skimmer, this will be MUCH easier on you! The water movement will help keep the ice from forming. You may need to keep the hole open by adding water from a water hose, bucket or pan of water. (This is why I always say “keep a dry hose” or a 5 gallon bucket for this purpose! If & when you use your water hose be sure to drain it when finished-to keep it from freezing and bursting, or just keep it in your garage). You can also use a floating pond heater or a small pump in a shallow area to “flash up’ and break the water surface. Just do it! 😊
It’s cold for a few days, but it will warm soon. Lets take care of our finned friends ❤️
We have been experiencing Chicago weather in West Tn…. Below zero wind chills and even highs below freezing! Many are asking – Can I turn my Pond/Water Garden OFF during this weather and not harm my fish?
A floating pond de-icer can help you maintain an opening in the ice even in the coldest weather.
The answer is – Yes! IF you do it right. One of the best ways to manage this is by using a floating Pond De-Icer (available at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio). We have 3 different models all are under $100 and all have at least a 2 year warrantee – call 731-424-2206 with questions.
If you turn your pond off in a bad freeze, use a floating heater/de-icer to maintain a hole in the ice to exchange gases/oxygen for your fish’s health and well being. You can purchase a floating pond heater at Carters Nursery, Pond & Patio.
They are simple to install – just float it in your pond and plug it in. It will maintain an open hole in the surface of the pond to allow the exchange of gases and oxygen to keep your fish alive and healthy! I LOVE my Koi and want to make sure they are safe and healthy. I hope this helps.
What a difference a day makes! Just a few days ago I had ice on my Waterfalls & my Water Wall too… BUT, not today 😊 I hope this short video & the sound of the Water will bring a bit of Zen to your morning!
Carter's Water Garden 