To maintain your koi pond in winter, follow these essential steps:
- Reduce Feeding: As temperatures drop, koi’s metabolism slows down. Feed them less frequently, and switch to a wheat-germ-based food which is easier to digest in cold water. Stop feeding when the water temperature consistently stays below 50°F (10°C).
- Maintain Water Quality: Continue to monitor and maintain the water quality. Check pH levels, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Clean filters as needed but avoid major cleaning that can disturb the ecosystem.
- Prevent Freezing: Use a pond heater or de-icer to keep a portion of the pond surface ice-free. This is crucial for gas exchange, allowing harmful gases to escape and oxygen to enter.
- Aerate the Pond: Continue to aerate the pond, but adjust the position of the aerator to prevent cooling the water too much. Aeration is important for oxygen levels and preventing the water from completely freezing.
- Monitor Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level. Winter can bring more precipitation or evaporation, which may require you to add or remove water.
- Protect from Predators: With less plant cover, koi can become easy targets for predators. Use netting or other methods to protect them.
- Avoid Disturbing the Pond: Try to minimize disturbances. Koi are less active and need a peaceful environment to conserve energy.
