Winter Fish Care.

About a week ago while shopping at a local store a regular customer of Finch Family Water Garden stopped me to ask if it was time to stop feeding their fish. "YES" I exclaimed "Let me tell you why." I continued to tell them that as the temperatures drop their fishes metabolism slowed and their ability to digest food decreases. As the food rots in their stomach it can create infections and death.

A good rule of thumb is to stop feeding your fish when the water temperature reaches 60 degrees. A warm day may come along, and your fish may act like they want to eat, but if the temperatures are dropping down at night don't be fooled into thinking they need fed. Your fish won't starve, they can pick at the algae in the pond and the bugs that land on the surface, both of which will be easier to digest if they chose to do so.

You may not be out enjoying your pond, but it is still important to keep your pump running. The flow of water adds oxygen to your pond which helps with the exchange of gases such as methane (from rotting debris) and ammonia (Secreted by your fish).

Should your waterfall or stream be prone to freezing you might consider unhooking your pump and allowing it to just bubble in the pond. The water movement will help to keep the water from freezing solid.

Should it be necessary to unplug your pump for a short period leave it in the water, this will help to keep the rubber seals in it from drying out and cracking. If you have more than one pump and choose to disconnect one for the winter again leave it in the water and plug it in from time to time to keep it lubricated.

Should your pond freeze over don't break the ice as the sound and pressure can stress and shock your fish. A few simple tricks to keep an opening in your pond are to float a kids ball on it that can then be easily removed should the pond freeze over. you can also set a pan of hot water on the ice and allow it to melt through the ice.

If you haven't already, now would be a good time to remove leaves that have accumulated in the bottom of the pond and cut back any dead plant material so it won't be deteriorating in your pond.