Overwintering 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, start feeding with 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. I stop feeding my pond fish when the water falls below 42° F.

There is no need to worry about "frozen fish" if a section of the pond is at least 18 inches deep. Pond fish will seek the deepest part of the pond and over-winter there until the water warms 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.

Some water gardeners with shallow ponds attempt to keep their koi and goldfish in kiddie pools or aquariums set up in a cool basement or garage. This is not recommended because of the extra stress involved in netting, transporting, and re-acclimating the fish to the new environment.

However, if you dont have a choice, and need to bring your fish inside for the winter, be sure to have an aquarium air pump or small fountain to provide oxygenation. The fish should be fed infrequently, if at all, depending on the water temperature. pH, ammonia and nitrite, which should be monitored weekly and especially if the fish are fed.

Small water changes (20%) each month will keep the water in good shape until spring. Koi are "jumpers"-so be sure to cover the pool with bird netting!

**************************************************
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
**************************************************

---

Vermicomposting - Worm Composters For Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal and Recycling

Worms are not only the gardener's best friend, they are... Read More

Using Annuals in Your Perrenial Garden

Annuals in your pernnial garden are something to think about!... Read More

Teak Furniture - How to Care for it Properly

Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More

Garden Fencing

I made my very first garden when I was six... Read More

Gardening Vertically: Fad, Emerging Frontier or Long-Overlooked Art Form

Sure, it makes sense that there's a buzz about vertical... Read More

Gardening for Kids

Children are continually bombarded with advertising for fast food and... Read More

With So Many Choices For Patio Furniture, Finding The Perfect Set To Complement Your Yard Is Easy

There is nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a... Read More

Flowering Cherries

Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More

Grow the BEST Tasting Tomatoes

Tired of tomatoes that are rock hard and taste like... Read More

Hummingbird Nesting Facts

Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More

Lawn Moles and Proper Lawn Care

Are your making mountains out of your molehills? Although lawn... Read More

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer is just around the corner, and your lawn could... Read More

A Compost Primer

Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the... Read More

Gardening - Natural Science NOT Rocket Science

Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in... Read More

Chives - Allium Schoenoprasum

Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown... Read More

Imagine Your Own Orchid Garden In A Pond

Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing... Read More

Fall is the Time to Get Your Garden Trees and Shrubs Ready for Winter: Heres What to Do

Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden... Read More

Organic Hydroponics - Simplified

These days, it's easy to get lost in the wealth... Read More

The Ivy League

Parthenocissus tricuspidata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Cottage Ivy,... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Make Amends...Your Plants Will Love It

A wild flower garden, just like any garden you wish... Read More

Cyclamen

Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More

Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained

Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the... Read More

How to Make Your Backyard a Wonderland Oasis

Home and garden accessories make the difference between house and... Read More

Composting - aka: The Circle of Life!

Composting is where the gardening thing comes full circle. You've... Read More

Perfume Your Garden and Home with Gardenias

One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery... Read More

Developing the Perfect Landscaping Idea

Using landscaping ideas can be an effective way to attract... Read More

Light Up Your Garden And Brighten Your Life

Extending Your Living SpaceThe garden is fast being considered to... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Plan to Plant

In the previous article I discussed design for your new... Read More

A Bit About Bare Root Roses...

Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More

For the Birds: Selecting and Placing a Bird House

Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct... Read More

Wildlife in Winter Ponds

This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a... Read More

Are There Really Black Roses?

Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured... Read More