Maintenance February
Advice on maintenance
During the winter months, the pond is at rest (most of the time) and there are fewer maintenance tasks. The fish are less active and the plants go into ‘hibernation’. Still, there is some pond maintenance in February. The main focus in the winter is to prevent the water surface from freezing over during frost. Your fish are at risk in a frozen pond, because of lack of oxygen. Therefore, keep a close eye on the weather forecast, especially the night temperatures.
You are never too late when you choose for permanent aeration of the pond. The air bubbles keep the water moving, preventing it from freezing. In addition, harmful gases that have accumulated in the pond are discharged. Choose a strong Silenta Outdoor air pump that can withstand the winter weather well. This air pump is located next to the pond and carries oxygen, via the air hose, to the air stone that hangs in the pond. This prevents the fish from suffocating and the aquatic biotope remains healthy.
Pond fish in the winter
Did your pond freeze over due to unexpectedly heavy frost? You should never cut a hole in the ice, because the vibrations can cause internal injury to your fish. Make a hole by placing a pan of hot water on the ice. Then immediately place an ice-free container to keep the hole open. In addition to aeration, you can also choose a Velda Pond Heater. This ice-free container consists of a heating element with a floating body: user-friendly and effective!
Even when it stops freezing and the icing is over, the water temperature remains low. Pond fish are cold-blooded animals that take on the ambient temperature. Their movements and bodily functions are slower in cold water. The same goes for food intake. Feeding your fish twice a week is sufficient if the water temperature is below 6°C. Give them special winter food with a reduced energy value. In addition, this food sinks to the bottom of the pond where the fish are.
Protection against herons
Hungry herons can be a threat to your fish in the winter. The food supply is limited and pond fish are an easy prey for the herons. Protecting your fish against this danger can be done in several ways. A fence with electric fence around the pond is very effective. When the wire is touched, an unpleasant shock is felt, causing herons, cormorants and cats to flee and stay away from the pond. With the Ultra Protector, a fence of 100 meters can be fitted with 2 electric fences.
Plants
Also in this month plants in the pond do not need much attention. However, in February it can be very cold and there may be a sharp frost.
Water
Now you can start removing bottom sludge by supplying Bio-Oxyidator. This will prevent any algal growth throughout the season. It is important that you remove algae, such as fibred algae, which develop along the pond side. Brush the algae loose and remove them from the water.
Fish
Especially in shallow ponds, where fish can not hide very well, you should be on the alert for this. The Laser Guard from Velda will effectively scare away herons and cats.