Winter truly has set in here in the New Year of 2014 in South Central Wisconsin. During the last couple of days we have had a little bit of snow fall (about 1 inch) with a lot of wind and quite a variety of temperatures. Yesterday we had a high of 31 degrees F, today was maybe 9 degrees F (at midnight, then down from there), and tomorrow the forecasted high is going to be around -12 degrees F (Wind-chill around -50 degrees F or lower).
With the wind and snow fall we have had there has been quite a bit of drifting of the snow. That drifting can have an impact on your pond and your Koi and/or Goldfish. How is that? The drifting can create a cover over the opening(s) in your pond that are supposed to be keeping your fish happy and healthy. The drifting snow can block the opening(s) in the ice responsible for allowing the gas exchange of oxygen into the pond water and ammonia out of the pond water thus decreasing the water quality for your fish and other aquatic inhabitants.
What should you do? Take a moment to really look at your pond and the “De-Icer” and the opening that should be created by your “winter” pump and de-icer. Make sure there is an opening that will allow for the necessary gas exchange. If there is no opening, carefully shovel off the snow above the de-icer and/or pump to create the opening that will allow for the exchange. Do Not “Bang” or “Pound” on the ice to create an opening. Doing so is not good for your fish. Your fish and other aquatic inhabitants will be happy for that oxygen.
Enjoy your winter. Be sure to contact me with any questions at Shawn@AquaticInnovators.com.
