Pond Planner - Section 3 Part 3
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Over-wintering pond fish
The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by water temperature. As the water cools, pond fish require less protein in their diet. When koi and goldfish are fed high-protein food in cool water, the excess protein is excreted as ammonia from the gills. The microscopic organisms that make up the biological filter (and consume ammonia) also slow down in cooler water. Improper seasonal feeding can lead to a build-up of toxic ammonia, which stresses fish and reduces their winter survivability. When the water temperature drops to approximately 65°F (18ºC), start feeding with PondCare® Spring & Autumn Pond Food. This type of fish food is better suited for the dietary requirements of pond fish in cool water and won't pollute the water with excess ammonia. Some water gardeners continue to feed their fish until they no longer come to the surface, but make sure you stop feeding pond fish when the water falls below 42° F (6ºC).
There is no need to worry about "frozen fish" if your pond has a section that is at least 18 inches deep. Pond fish will seek the deepest part of the pond and over-winter there until the water warms up in the spring. If your pond is less than 18 inches deep, the fish may freeze during a harsh winter. Check with your local pond supplier if you live in an area with harsh winters. Water gardeners with shallow ponds can keep their koi and goldfish in kiddie pools or aquariums set up in a cool basement or a garage. All that is required is a Rena Aquarium Air Pump or small fountain to provide oxygenation. The fish are fed infrequently, if at all, depending on the water temperature. pH, ammonia and nitrite should be monitored weekly, especially if the fish are fed. Small water changes (20%) each month will keep the water clean until spring. Koi are "jumpers" - be sure to cover the pool with bird netting!
Caring for aquatic plants
Long after the impatiens have been pulled out, water gardeners are still hoping for that last lily bloom. For some reason, we want to squeeze every leaf, bud and blossom out of our aquatic plants before winter. Unfortunately, cold weather often comes before we've trimmed the cattails or pruned the lilies. Wait too long and all those beautiful leaves will fall off and rot in the water. Trim bog and marsh plants such as papyrus, taro and cattails, before frost hits. Pull out the hardy water lilies and trim off all the leaves. Yes, even that last bud! Put all the potted plants into the deepest area of the pond to prevent freeze damage. Tropical lilies won't survive the winter and are often treated as annuals, discarded in autumn.
Some water gardeners have saved tropical lilies by storing them in peat moss. Trim off the leaves and roots and cover the rhizomes in a tray of damp (not wet) peat moss. The peat moss has antiseptic properties and helps inhibit rotting of the rhizome. The tray of peat moss should be kept in a cool basement or a garage and sprayed with water periodically to prevent drying out. Inexpensive submerged plants, such as Elodea and Cabomba should be discarded.
A problem that may be encountered by moving plants and fish indoors to a warmer climate is an introducing of unwanted parasites. Some harmful parasites that were kept in check in the pond but can be problematic indoors are Chilodonella, ich (Ichthyophthirius), gill flukes (Dactylogyrus), Trichina, costia (Ichthiobodo), and body flukes (Gyrodactylus). Most parasites will be too small to be seen without a microscope. However, your fish will exhibit several signs indicating a parasitic infestation. Parasites often attack the gills, resulting in difficulty in breathing. Pond fish will either sit motionless on the bottom of the pond or hang near the surface at splash zones, such as waterfalls or fountains. Other symptoms will be flashing, scratching, hyperactivity, and darting. PondCare MelaFix® Antibacterial Remedy will heal bacterial infections.
Performing these simple maintenance procedures ensures you that you have done everything you can to prepare your pond and fish for another season. It is highly recommended that the above maintenance take place in the fall when fish are at their healthiest.