It’s getting colder,pond freezing up?

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With the temperatures plummeting and winter feeling like it’s arrived, spare a thought for your pond fish and ensure that they don’t freeze.

Prevention is far better than the cure, so here’s a few tips, tricks and products to make it all a little bit easier.

  1. First thing is, if you have a pump, keep it running. Ice is far less likely to form when the water is moving
  2. If you do, try to keep the deepest part of your pond free. So if your pump is there, move it to a shallower section. It’ll will be cycling slightly warmer water and free up the depths for your fish.
  3. While it’s still possible, try and clear away dead plants and fallen leaves so they don’t decompose in the water. These will create toxic gases, which will compound issues if your pond freezes over
  4. Floating large inflated balls in the water or plastic bottles partially filled with stones will help. However, if it’s a deep frost this may force them out.
  5. If it does freeze, most fish and pond critters are pretty resilient and will go into “hibernation” during the colder periods, but they still need oxygen. If your pond freezes over place a saucepan of just boiled water on the surface to melt a hole in the ice.

PLEASE DON’T POUR THE BOILED WATER STRAIGHT IN and DON’T TRY AND SMASH A HOLD IN THE ICE! THE SHOCKWAVES CAN HARM THE FISH.

There are some great products available to see you through…

  1. A good SKIMMER NET- telescopic handle and a fine mesh net for removing leaf litter and decomposing matter. Pretty much a pond essential1734-skimmer-net-621x462
  2. An ICE PREVENTER- specially designed to leave an airhole and not be forced out. Incredibly durable and  integrates with an air pump to add vital oxygen and water movement3540-pack-621x462
  3. A POND HEATER – floating design and the 100w heating element ensures an ice free area is maintained even in freezing conditions. Includes a 5m cable for added convenience.3539-heater