Hello

Its seems to be getting colder by the minute, I'm sure your fish are thinking the same way too, so.... lets get them all tucked in for the cold months ahead.
In our last newsletter we suggested a few steps to clean up your pond and prepare for the winter months ahead, well, I think the winter months are upon us. We have seen some snow already here in Ontario. Frank as usual is out puttering around the pond every minute he can. ( I believe he would hibernate with the fish if he could ) So here are the final steps to keep your fish and pond in a safe healthy state for the winter.

• The final steps
  
• De-Icing
  
• Aeration
  
• Tinting your pond water
  
• Special offer for our newsletter readers
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The Final steps.....

By now we have all done our water changes right? If the water is not frozen yet you can still do a 25%-50% change. We recommend that you trickle the new water in slowly over the period of a few hours so as not to shock the fish. At this time of year however, the tap water is about the same temperature as the pond water so you can fill the pond faster. You must add a product that eliminates harmful chlorine like Tetra AquaSafe or Laguna Water Prep.
One of our favorite products to use at this time of year is Microbe Lift Fall and Winter, it will accelerate the decomposition of leaves, scum, sediment, and other organic matter during the fall and winter months and also jump start your pond to a healthier environment in the spring. Don't forget the Pond salt , it is highly recommended this time of year. Salt will minimize water borne parasites that may attach to you fish next spring. Salt also cleanses the fish’s external body and sends them into dormancy in a healthy state.

more info on all these water treatments

 

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De-Icing

Winter pond temperatures can remain very cold for months in our climate. Pond life needs oxygen even during hibernation. If ice covers the surface of the pond oxygen can't get in and toxic gasses can't get out.

If you live in an area where the pond will be covered over by ice, then it may be necessary to install a De Icer.

Click below for more info and tips on De-Icers.

click for De-icer info

 

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Aeration

I am sure by now you know Frank's middle name is Aeration.
Your pond needs Aeration ALL YEAR LONG!. More oxygen is needed in the warmer months. A one size pump is all you need just turn the air flow on full in the summer and half way in the fall and winter when not as much aeration is needed. Click the link below to see the Pumps, Stones and a new Air Flow Control Kit.

Air Pump info

 

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Tinting your pond water

For the last 10 years we have added Black Tint Pond Shade to our ponds. When all your water plants have been removed your fish have nowhere to hide. This tinting will help to protect your fish from predators and if added to the water before the ice forms will help prevent algae growth in the early spring by stopping the light from passing into the water.

more info on Tinting 

So thanks again for taking the time to read our latest newsletter! We hope you enjoyed it and maybe learned a little more about your pond. Please send us any ideas on what you would like to see in future articles and please pass this on to your pond friends.