Fall Clean Out Class

• Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010
• Time: 12:00 AM

We will be hosting a fall pond clean out class at our retail store (601 South US HWY 12, Fox Lake, IL 60020). The hands-on class will cover all you need to know to conduct a fall pond clean out. Please register for the class through Marcia and John via email, phone, or come and visit us at our retail store.

Can't make the class? Don't sweat it, here's a summary of what we'll be covering.

1) What are the negative side-effects of allowing leaves to decay in the pond environment?
As decaying leaves break down, they upset the biological balance of the pond and release harmful gasses into the water. These harmful gasses can be trapped in the water by surface ice and result in fish kill. Additionally, the decaying leaves will release tannins into the water, which will result in a tea-colored pond.
2) What products can be used to keep leaves out of the pond?
Skimmers will help capture any leaves that land on the pond surface. Debris netting can be used to prevent leaves from getting into the pond, and a long-handled net can be used to remove any leaves that sink to the bottom of the pond.
3) What maintenance is required for a skimmer at the end of fall?
Once the leaves have stopped falling, just remove, clean, and store the debris net and filter pads.
4) At what temperature should you switch to a low temperature fish food?
At temperatures below 60°F, you should switch to a highly digestible, low temperature fish food.
5) At what temperature should you stop feeding your fish any food?
At water temperatures below 55°F, you should discontinue feeding.
6) How deep does my pond need to be to keep fish?
Two feet of pond depth is sufficient to maintain healthy fish year-round.
7) What is required to keep my fish healthy throughout the winter?
The most important step in maintaining healthy fish in winter is gas exchange. Decaying organic materials release harmful gasses into the pond, and in the winter the ice traps the gas. Use an air pump, bubbler, or de-icer, or a combination to keep a hole in the ice and aid in gas exchange. In addition, an air pump or bubbler will ensure that there is enough oxygen for the fish over the winter.
8) What methods can be used to maintain a good gas exchange throughout the winter months?
Basically we are trying to disturb the surface to allow the gas to escape from the pond. This can be done with an air pump, a bubbler, and a de-icer. The best method is to use a combination of these techniques throughout the winter depending on weather conditions.
9) What should I do with my pump in the winter?
Pond pumps can′t withstand freezing solid in ice, so if you are going to shut down your pond for the winter, you need to remove the pump. We recommend that you store the pump in a bucket of water in a frost-free location to keep the seals wet and lubricated.
10) What special end of fall maintenance concerns relate to pressurized filters?
Because pressurized filters are sealed, they cannot be allowed to freeze while full of water. They should be emptied and stored in a dry location for the winter.
11) Can I run my pond all winter long?
In some pond systems, it is possible to run your waterfall all year long. However, you will have to be more aware of the water level in winter because ice will continually form, and may divert water outside of the liner.
12) What should I do with my plants in the winter?

• That depends on what type of plants you have
• Hardy marginal plants can be treated like perennials and cut back as frost kills off the green growth
• They will survive just fine in your winter pond
• Hardy water lilies should be trimmed back to 2-3″ above the crown
• Tropical marginal plants can be treated as annuals and discarded, or they can be brought indoors and treated as houseplants
• Tropical water lilies are difficult to overwinter and are usually treated like a hanging basket and replaced each year
• Floaters are tropical plants and will die off with the first frost. They should be removed and discarded in a compost pile

Please read our Fall/Winter F.A.Q. for special winter season preparation.

1) Prepare Fish Holding Containers – Make sure that you make provisions for covering each container with a net to keep the fish from jumping out.
2) Drain the Pond – Don′t forget to fill one or more separate containers with pond water where the fish can be kept while the pond is being cleaned.
3) Disconnect the Circulation System – This will allow the water in the plumbing to drain.
4) Catch the Fish – Drain the pond to roughly 6 inches of water in order to catch the fish easily and safely.
5) Remove Debris – All large debris, such as leaves, pine needles, and twigs, should be removed by hand. A high powered shop vacuum can be used to assist in removal of smaller debris.
6) Remove Your Plants From the Pond – This is especially important if you plan to use a high–pressure washer. Place them in either the same containers used for holding your fish, or provide a separate holding container.
7) Wash the Pond – A 1500psi pressure washer or high–pressure nozzle on a garden hose is recommended. Use extreme care to avoid damaging the liner. This step may not be necessary each year, or in all situations, but it's best to make that evaluation when the pond is drained and large debris has been removed.
8) Rinse the Pond – With the cleanout pump placed in the lowest point in the pond; take the time to rinse the pond after debris is removed, while continuing to pump out the dirty water.
9) Clean the Filter and Skimmer – Spray down all filtration media using a high–pressure nozzle on a garden hose and rinse down the filter and skimmer units as well.
10) Trim, Cull, and Replace Plant Material – Before adding plants to the pond, take the time to trim back and split them to ensure that they don′t overwhelm the pond or become root–bound in their containers.
11) Check Lights – Check to make sure light bulbs are operating properly, replace any faulty bulbs. Ensure any wires are hidden from plain sight.
12) Refill the Pond – Pull out the clean–out pump and begin refilling the pond.
13) Re–connect the Circulation System – Check and tighten all connections.
14) Turn the System back on – Once the pond is full, begin circulating the water again.
15) Dechlorinate the Water – Most city water contains either chlorine or chloramines, and should be treated. To be on the safe side, always add water prep when conducting water changes.
16) Add Beneficial Bacteria – Jumpstart your pond's biological system by adding bacteria. Make sure water temperatures are above 55° F.
17) Check the Fish for Disease or Infections – It is recommended that you treat the fish in their temporary holding containers before re–introducing them into the pond. If you can't do this, then use a medicated food once the fish are back in the pond.
18) Take Inventory of Your Fish – The recommended stocking rate is 10″ of fish for every 100 gallons of water. If you exceed that, you may want to consider offering some fish to your friends, neighbors, or other pond owners you may know.
19) Acclimate Your Fish to the New Pond Water – A spring cleanout can be stressful to fish, so proper acclimation is suggested to decrease stress and prevent possible health problems.
20) Turn on the pond and enjoy!