Looking after your pond in winter

Generally, pond fish do not need feeding in the winter, unless there is a long mild period where water temperature rises consistently above 10 °C.

During winter fish enter a state of dormancy and their metabolism slows down, making them less active and therefore need less food. In the UK, you generally want to stop feeding your fish around the end of October till around the end of February.

Ensure there is sufficient oxygen in the pond by ensuring the pond is never fully frozen over. Use an energy efficient heater like an Affinity Ice Vent. This is much more successful and convenient than the old trick of using a tennis ball or hot water to retain an ice-free area, which are in reality only short term solutions.

NEVER break the ice on your pond with something like a hammer as the shock waves may kill the fish.

If you want to keep your water heating during winter, you may want to consider installing a pond heater. This can help maintain a stable temperature for your fish. Not only will it keep them comfortable but can also reduce the risk of stress or disease.

Maintenance

Continue to remove dead plant matter from the water to prevent pollution.

When the surface of the pond is frozen, leave the pump running for circulation but turn off fountains and waterfalls to prevent the pond emptying.

In the lead-up to winter, you should perform a thorough cleaning of your pond to remove any debris, algae, or dead plants that could decompose and pollute the water as temperatures drop. Trim back any overgrown plants and consider netting the pond to catch falling leaves before they sink.

If you have plants, make sure they are hardy for winter conditions. You may need to bring tender plants indoors or place them in a more protected area of the pond.

For added protection, we recommend using a pond cover net to keep your fish, plants, and water safe from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Water Quality

Even in the winter months, it can be worth checking your pond’s water quality. Use a test kit to monitor pH levels, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. If any of these levels are out of balance, you can add the appropriate treatments to correct them.

Make sure your filter is working before you leave your pond for an extended period during winter. Some filters may slow down or stop working in colder temperatures which could leave your pond vulnerable to water quality issues. Also, check for any blockages that may be preventing your filter from performing at its best.

Regular Checks

Make it a habit to check your pond throughout the winter months. Keep an eye on the ice cover and ensure that there is always some open water for gas exchange. If you notice any issues, such as fish surfacing or gasping for air, take action to keep them safe.

If you observe fish behaving unusually or struggling near the surface, it may indicate low oxygen levels, and you should consider installing an aerator if you haven’t already. Regularly monitor the water temperature as well; drastic fluctuations can stress your fish.

To get your pond ready for winter, take a look at – How to prepare your pond for winter.