How to Save Your Fish From Perishing This Winter
Do you have a water feature on your property? A water feature such as a fountain in your pond or lake will increase the value of your property. They will also improve the aesthetics of your property and provide you with a private and calming oasis. Adding fish to the water feature will take it to a whole new level. There’s only one drawback in the winters; freezing temperatures.
When winter comes around, many of those with water features take out their fountains or otherwise and watch as the water freezes over and fish die. This is due to a lack of oxygen transfer, caused by the ice “caps” on top of the water. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. By investing in a lake de-icer, you can maintain open water, continue to provide circulation and oxygenation in wintertime, and ultimately save your fish! Spare yourself the heartache and expense of purchasing new fish and take a read on for some more tips.
Read More: Discover the Admiral Fountain: The Gold Standard in Pond Aeration and Beauty
Tips for Saving Your Fish
1. Do not break the ice.
Many people wonder why they should invest in a dock de-icer instead of simply breaking the ice on the surface of the water to let air transfer occur. Breaking the ice on the pond creates shockwaves that will cause stress to your fish. There is also the risk of injuring the fish. Manually breaking the ice is also only a temporary solution. The water will freeze over once again and you will have to continue breaking the ice constantly. De-icers also help to churn the water and thus maintain consistent temperatures that help to maintain an ideal temperature for hibernating fish.
2. Choose the location of the de-icer carefully.
The best location for a submersible deicer is in deeper water. This will allow the de-icer to send warmer water to the surface, as in the winter, contrary to summertime, warm water actually settles at the bottom of the pond. Deeper water mounting will also allow you to maintain a consistent temperature in the pond.
Maintain your de-icer
Fortunately, little effort is needed on your part to keep your de-icer in tip-top shape. Simply clean your de-icer from time to time, and make sure while it’s running that nothing is interfering in its operation. When removing your de-icer, make sure to store it in an above-freezing space and check its propeller for any damage.
In conclusion, if you want to simultaneously take care of your fish and keep your pond in great shape, you can do so with a de-icer. Winterizing your pond by installing a de-icer will give you peace of mind and your fish will thank you for it!
