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