Hi Friend,

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

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Question>

"I have a pondmaster magnetic drive utility pump. Do I need to bring it inside in the winter or will it survive the winter in its skimmer box, approximately 14" deep. I live in central PA.

Thank you!

Jo Ann

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Answer

Hi Jo Ann,

14" is a little shallow, so I suggest a de-icer to prevent freezing. However, you don't need to necessarily bring it indoors if you don't want to.

Hope this helps,

Brett

Question>

"Good afternoon, everyone.

Last week we purchased the 1500 watt pond de-icer for rubber lined ponds, and floated it over the weekend (unlike some un-named persons living in warmth, the cold's bumped up a notch here in Baltimore, Maryland).

Since the pond water temp is still in the 40s, the unit probably has not even turned itself on yet…..but my fish are VERY interested in the unit. They are constantly milling around and bumping/"kissing" all areas of the unit.

It seems to me that my babies could easily fry themselves on the heater element. True? Is there any sort of guard I can make/buy?

Thanks a lot from a worried "mother"!"

Theresa Reifsnider

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Answer

Hi Theresa,

I wouldn't worry too much about that, fish are a little smarter then we give them credit for (at least sometimes). Once the heating element kicks in (below 35 degrees) the fish's instincts should kick in once the fish approaches the hot part..

But in the *worst* case, I can pretty much guarantee each fish will only kiss the heating element ONCE ;-)

Alternatively, we do sell an underwater sign that reads 'Danger - Dangerous When Hot' that you can hang over the side to alert your fish of any potential danger. Only joking of course, just a little fish humor..

Brett

Question>

"Hello,

I intend to build a backyard pond with waterfall in the spring. I know some of the joys of water gardening, but this effort will have a specific purpose: to mask the sound of my neighbor's noisy and long-running pool filter.

The Amazon Falls model looks right to me because part of my noise masking plan is to create a dirt berm about 5' high and 4' deep and have the water fall sitting on top of the berm with a straight drop into the pond. My concern with WF202 is that you recommend a 300 GPH pump, and I want to make as much water sound as possible.

What would happen if I used a much more powerful pump, say over 1000 GPH?

Your advice on this will be greatly appreciated."

Regards,

Chris Zauche

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Answer

Sure, you can always go larger with your pump - you just may lost some water due to splashing out of the pond but if that's ok, then go for it. 1000 GPH would be fine I think.

I prefer a Niagra Falls type waterfall on my pond also, but that's just me. It's really personal preference and every pond and pond owner is different. If you're so inclined, try it.

Hope this helps,

Brett

Question>

"I just had an otter visit my pond on Wednesday and ate up all my koi. Is there any solution to a problem like this?

Is there some type of receptacle or cage that the fish could retreat too when the animal attacks them?

I had a chimney flu covered with stone for a hiding place from the herons, but this animal slithered under my net and was chasing the fish in my 18 X 12 foot pond.

Frustrated, angry and sad,

Rodney B. Taylor

rbt27@verizon.net

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Answer

Hi Rodney,

Well, I've never heard of an Otter getting into a pond and eating fisn, but I guess that's understandable. Sorry to hear of your loss. As far as a solution, here are a couple of solutions:

a. Don't buy any more Koi
b. Get some Otter repellant
c. Brush up on your Otter recipes and have a cookout
d. Install an electric fence around the pond.

These are not very good options, but it's the best I could come up with.

Answer 'd' is actually a viable solution. There is a product called 'Fido Shock' that is used on ponds for keeping four-legged predators away from ponds. You should be able to find it on the internet.

Good luck.

Question>

Dear Brett.

"I don't know how much flak you're catching over the $37 ebook issue the other day, but it is UNdeserved!! If read completely, you message was completely clear. Some people do fly off the handle, yes?

Plus, THANKS FOR THE EBOOK! We just put a pond in this past spring and Watergarden Secrets looks to be a wealth of FREE info!!!!! That and your other email notes have been so enjoyable and information.

We're (my family and my goldfish) are so glad we found you,

Theresa Reifsnider

P.S., loved the dragonfly story and pictures.

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Answer

Thanks for your comments and compliments. Yes, a few people didn't see that, and were somewhat confused...

Happy Holidays,

Brett Fogle