My pond and all the fish managed to survive the winter ok. I kept the pumps and filter running throughout, but raised the pump itself 12 inches from the bottle.
I have some spring work to do though once the temperature comes up and remains steady and the fish start eating again. I have introduced wheatgerm pellets in the last week, but they are still not hungry. Water temperature is still around 7 degrees but coming up steadily. Blanket weed growth over the winter has been unbeleivable, but I have generally left it, so as not scare the fish.
Soon, I must drain the pond and take the fish out (largest of the 6 is only 8 inches). I have some tiles to secure around the top of the walls and since I will be using a cement, I consider the risk of getting lime in the pond to be too great so the fish will come out and into a kiddies paddle pool in the garage for a few days (I will move the filter and air pump over, and if I can, I will use mostly existing pond water ).
While I have an empty and dry pond, I will be scrubbing the walls clear of weed and giving another coat or two of G4 (I have a full tin left over from last year. I have noticed a small amount of water loss since the winter of about 2cm a week (which equates to about 50 litres). Possibly evaporation, or a slight crack somewhere, but I suspect an inspection and repaint will suffice.
A couple of niggles will be sorted out and the positioning of the in-pond pump and surface skimmer to be corrected. Some new planting in and around the pond to replace frost damaged ferns and we will soon be enjoying a nice long summer in our secret garden watching the koi grow.
Any tips from the pros here with regard to any medicines etc. worth adding to the pond at this time of year? I have not got into the testing routine, but as my fish grow larger in my small pond (3000 litres) I expect the water condition to change and some regular monitouring to be necessary. I am tempted though to let the pond stay a little "wild" rather than clinically clean.
Good luck to you all in 2006 !!
Posted on Apr 8, 2006, 11:48 PM from IP address 88.109.111.17
