How do I keep my pond fish alive in the winter?
Use a pond de-icer to keep an area of the pond ice-free to allow toxic gases to escape. Some fish, such as fancy goldfish, should be brought indoors during the winter. Check with your local fish dealer for advice on your specific fish. Remember, do not feed your fish when water temperatures are below 39o F.
How deep should a pond be for fish to survive winter?
Your water garden should have a depth of at least 18″ to overwinter hardy fish. This is very important as water can easily freeze 18″ to 24″ deep depending on weather conditions. If your pond is not quite deep enough to beat out the ice then an indoor home for the winter is the better bet.
What happens to pond fish in the winter?
Most fish slow down and “rest” near the bottom during cold winter months. As cold-blooded creatures, their metabolism dips when temperatures take a dive. The layer of ice that forms on top of a lake, pond, river, or stream provides some insulation that helps the waterbody retain its heat.
How do pond fish survive winter?
Ectothermic Adaptation. Fish that live in a pond are able to survive the winter when the pond freezes because of how they are able to adapt to the drastic changes. When a pond freezes, it never freezes solid.
Should you feed pond fish in winter?
Feed your fish at least a little bit during the winter months, provided they are swimming around actively. Many pond and fish experts agree that no matter how active they are, you shouldn’t feed your fish the same amounts you do when the weather — and water temperatures — are warmer.
What should I do with my pond in the winter?
Keeping pond water circulating throughout winter can help prevent the water from standing still and freezing. If you have fish, turtles or other aquatic life in your pond, the pump may need to run all winter to help keep the water warm enough for them.
What happens to the pond fish in the winter time?
Pond fish virtually hibernate in the winter months because their metabolism is controlled by the temperature of the water. This means that you should start reducing the amount of food they are given as the weather gets colder. You can stop feeding them completely when the temperature drops below 4oC.
