Another Cold Winter

Last winter was one of the coldest and snowiest winters for many areas around the U.S. Many ponds lost fish as a result of the excessive snow cover.  Forecasters are saying we should be prepared for another long snowy winter. Here are some tips to help prevent fish kill in your pond.

Fish kill is often a result of a combination of natural events, which cause the oxygen levels in a pond to go below levels that can support life. Oxygen levels can be affected by rapid changes in water temperature, weed and algae die off, or a buildup of muck and sludge on the pond floor.

Winter fish kills are a result of excess snow cover on the surface of the pond for an extended period of time. During winter months the only way a pond has the ability to generate oxygen is through photosynthesis. If your pond is covered with snow the plants have no way of producing oxygen. The more muck and sludge you have on the pond floor the more quickly your pond will lose oxygen.

Solutions to this problem include keeping snow removed from the surface of your pond. Be sure the ice is thick enough to support your weight before attempting clean off. Installing an aerator will ensure your pond is getting a steady flow of oxygen the entire winter. Keep in mind when aerators are running ice is not safe for any activities. Use beneficial pond bacteria throughout the warm months to keep muck and sludge levels at a minimum.

If a winter fish kill occurs most often you will not notice until the ice melts and once a fish kill begins there isn’t anything you can do to stop it. Depending on the severity of fish kill you may need to consider restocking.

For more information on fish kill prevention contact Sanco Industries.