Hi Friend,

In today's 'Pond Q&A,' we have two equally important questions (smile), and at least one really good answer...

Question>

I enjoy reading your articles.

I have two 6500 gallon ponds with a large waterfall and a bog that empties into a stream that flows to the lower pond. My problem is FIRE ANTS! Those pesky little *&^%$*&)(&^ have taken up residence in the bog and along the stream. I live in central Texas and I have been able to control the fire ants in my yard with various chemicals, unfortunately, I cannot use them in the bog.

Is there anything I can do to eliminate them in the bog without harming my fish and plants?? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Harv Peterson

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Answer>

Yes Harv,

NAPALM !!

That's how I feel about those suckers. Just nuke them out of your yard once and for all. Other than that - I really don't have a good alternative. (Let me know if you find one, so I can rid my self of them also...) Or maybe one of our readers has some good advice...

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Question>

Hi,

I have a small pond and I live in Pennsylvania (southeast) so we get cold weather.
The pond is 16" deep in most of the area with a slightly deeper center (not 2').
I purchased a submersible pond heater for small ponds and also have an air pump.
Between the two I am hoping that the water will not freeze solid (as it did last year).

Do you think my fish and frogs will be safe with through the winter this set up? The pond is about 6' x 3'.

Thanks,
Joe

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Answer>

Hi Joe,

Well the normal minimum for keeping ponds from freezing solid, and wintering over fish and koi is around 18" - 24", depending on how far North you live. So, either way - your pond is a bit shallow.. But as long as you have a winter de-icer, that should do the trick. Just make sure you bought one with a metal 'guard' that keeps the hot heating element away from the plastic or liner edge, unless it's a concrete pond - then you're all set.

For the aerator, I'd recommend lowering it to just below the surface of the pond, so as not to necessarily circulate the pond water. In winter, the pond will have 'thermal layers' of different water temperatures, with the slightly warmer water at the bottom, and the colder water near the top.

By having your airstone all the way at the bottom of the pond, the rising air bubbles will create water circulation, and will actually cool the warmer pond water at the bottom of the pond. This is also why we don't recommend running your pump in winter.

Hope this helps...

Brett Fogle

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