Tips for your Fish Ponds in January

Here at Garden Craft Ponds and Landscapes we love being out side all year round even in the cold winter months, there are a few tips on things you should or could do in and around your fish pond to keep it in tip top condition and in good running order to make your fish pond more comfortable for your fish.

-You could raise your pond pump up off the bottom of your fish pond, ie up onto a shelf or up onto a few bricks, this will leave a deeper level of your fish pond undisturbed, this is where your fish will hibernate during the winter months and can help deter fish problems, then can be moved back done the end of february.

-With the rising cost of living everyone is watching the pennies, running a UV clarifier doesn't cost a great deal, but during january they can be turned off as algae is unlikely to develop, and can be switched back on end of february, this will help save a little money running your water garden.

-One important thing to be looking for in january is to keep a portion of your fish pond ice free and prevent your fish pond from completely freezing over, as this will stop toxic gases from building up below the surface of the fish pond, this can be done a couple of ways disruption of the surface of the water in your pond and water feature, ie waterfall, fountain or bubble jet this constant movement of water can stop a section of your fish pond from freezing and can be built into your garden pond construction, or you could invest in a fish pond heater to switch on in the colder months.

-Try to avoid water changes or top ups on your fish pond during the winter period, extra water will likely be colder than your fish pond water and could disturb the fish.

-use a net to remove leaves and a pond vac to remove sludge from the bottom of the pond, a net over your fish pond can be used in your garden pond construction to help with falling leaves.

-If the weather turns mild your fish will continue to feed use a low temperature food to prevent fish problems when spring comes.

-if you have used pond plants in your garden pond construction and to be fair they add the finishing touch to most water features, try and keep any water above the plants free from ice to help with the health of your plants.

So just a quick recap, yes the winter months can be cold and miserable! but wrap up warm put your wellies on, brave the elements and look after your pond! #gcplandscapes #wildwoods

Click for a Free Home Consultation!