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| Food for Fall |
In most parts of North America, water temperatures start to dip in early fall (September/October). Prepare for this by understanding how 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.
Wheat-germ is ideal to transition fish in (and out) of winter because it is highly digestible at low temperatures. This is especially important because in the colder
months, fishes' metabolism and the pond's ammonia-reducing biological activity are greatly diminished. Since Koi and goldfish do not have true stomachs, this is the
optimal diet to transition fish in and out of the season safely and in good health. Additionally, a food that is highly digestible minimizes waste, which allows the
filtration system to work more effectively for a cleaner ecosystem. The next step in the Seasonal Feeding Cycle is to stop feeding fish when temperatures are 39°F or below.
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| Preparing Your Pond for Seasonal Changes |
Fall pond preparation and clean-up is as important as getting ready for the spring. Falling leaves and blowing debris can have ill-effects on fish and your pond.
To ensure your pond is protected, follow this Fall Prep Checklist:
- Reduce the number of leaves falling into the pond with netting or remove them with a net
- Clean the pond by removing all debris that has accumulated in the bottom
- Cut back dead or dying aquatic plant foliage during the fall
- Purchase a wheat-germ based pond food developed especially for a fall diet
- Disconnect the pump, filter and UV clarifier before water freezes (make sure that no water is left inside the device. Ice can damage the equipment.)
- Store UV clarifier indoors for protection
- Store filters indoors (if manufacturer's directions suggest)
- Sink a few clay pots or weighted-down, clean buckets into the pond to provide refuge (in place of the protective plant cover that will disappear). Frogs who have taken up residence in your garden will also benefit from a place to hibernate.
- Some breeds of fish are especially sensitive to the cold, like fancy goldfish. Bring them indoors.
- Purchase or have the pond de-icer ready for installation
The Importance of Water Testing
Wondering if your pond equipment is working properly? Not sure why your fish look listless? Did you just do a water change?
Test the water...
Use an easy-to-use test strip.
Some all-in-one strips test for general hardness (GH), nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), pH and alkalinity (KH). Testing your water makes it easier and faster to monitor the health of your pond and protect your fish. Additionally, testing your water once a month helps you to make necessary water adjustments before your fish are in danger.
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The "Greener" Side of Ponds
Seven Environmental Benefits of Owning a Pond, Part 6 of 7 |
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Our sixth environmental benefit of adding a pond or water garden to your yard is that it adds beauty to your yard while supporting the indigenous wildlife in your neighborhood.
Number 6: Ponds attract and create a haven for beautiful fish, dragonflies, frogs and birds, adding to wildlife propagation.
 For years, pond owners have been adding beautiful fish (such as Koi and goldfish) to their pond for the enjoyment and relaxation of observing. In addition to fish, ponds and water gardens attract other creatures, providing a sanctuary for breeding. Frogs, especially, gather at the pond as it provides a shelter as they reproduce in the spring and summer. Baby frogs and toads (known as tadpoles) are generally a desirable pond inhabitant for their algae-eating habits. Adult toads are also beneficial to the garden for their aid in controlling insects.
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Putting your Plants to Bed
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
As we start to enter fall here in the northern regions, pond plants are the first indicators that the pond season is coming to a close. I have to admit, my potted pond plants did very well this year. I think there were two reasons: one, we had lots of good weather, healthy rains, moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine; and second, I took the time in early spring to divide the root-bound plants and add new soil. I have several potted lizard's tails and elephant ears that went absolutely crazy.
Now is the time to cut away all dead growth and trim back the live to a few inches above the pot. Irises, lilies, umbrella plants, lotus, all marginals and deep water plants should be submerged to prevent freezing over winter. If you have a bog, trim back the plants and cover with mulch. As far as floating plants go, you can bring them indoors and keep them in a cool, dark, temperature-stable environment. I generally treat them as annuals and buy new plants in the spring. Last year, we brought the elephant ears and calla lilies inside to our sunroom, and they did quite well. It allowed us to enjoy the plants all year long.
A funny story: I lost most of the water hyacinth I had purchased earlier this spring, thanks to my over-active Koi batting them around and nibbling at the roots. However, my wife had an idea. She purchased a rubber, floating dart with a bright orange tail at the grocery store and tossed it into the pond. Sure enough, the Koi have spent hours batting that around and have left the one poor, disheveled hyacinth alone. We'll see next year if it really works.
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| Visit www.TetraPond.com Today: |
- LEARN: For more information and frequently asked questions about building your pond and pondkeeping.
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