Hi Friend,

Here is today's Pond Q&A, with more questions about winterizing ponds:

Question>

Brett,

We had an algae bloom that was pretty bad in our pond. I used a flocculant and an enzyme and right now the water is crystal clear.

However, when the water began to clear, and very much to our surprise we found in the neighborhood of 2 dozen babies (Koi) in the pond. Most of them are still there and growing, but I wonder if they will survive the winter being so small.

We are in southern New Hampshire. I pland on buying the winterizing kit you sell but will that be enough for the babies?

Sincerely,

Marty

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Answer>

Hi Marty,

FYI - UV sterilizers are best to prevent algae blooms in the future! If you had babies, you're doing something right, so congratulations!

Sure, they should survive if your pond is at least 18" - 24" deep in your region.

Either way, the de-icer will be important for creating a hole in the ice. It's important so that decaying organics in the pond (rotting leaves, fish waste, etc) can 'de-gas' from the pond water. The fish will go into hibernation mode, and will slow their metabolism so that they can survive just fine ... As long as they don't freeze solid...

Hope this helps,

Brett

*** PS>> We've also had some questions lately about feeding fish in winter. As a reminder, you SHOULD NOT feed your fish when the water temperature drops to below 55 degrees F. This is because fish don't have stomachs, and have much less digestive enzymes in colder temperatures, so feeding them food can by very dangerous for them.

Fish are little pigs, and will act hungry at times in winter - but you MUST RESIST the urge to feed them. The food in their intestinal tract will essentially rot, as it cannot digest properly. So be fish friendly, and DON'T FEED at temperatures below 55 degrees!

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