Especially when a fish farm is operated, it is necessary to keep the garden pond free of ice over the winter and to prevent it from completely freezing over. With the appropriate equipment, the oxygen supply is maintained during permafrost and the formation of rot is counteracted.

Fish need air even in winter

Although we have almost gotten used to mild winters in Central Europe, a shallow garden pond can freeze over relatively quickly, even in light frost. Once it is covered with ice, the leaves and sludge on the pond floor lead to undesirable fermentation processes and the formation of digester gas. Both have a negative effect on the plants, animals and microorganisms in the ornamental pond, since oxygen is now becoming scarce.

Ice preventer for the light frost

With the commercially available ice preventers, it is possible, at least in moderate frosts, to ensure that the pond does not freeze over completely. The floats, made of thick styrofoam, are anchored to the bottom at the lowest point and ensure an ice-free zone, which, however, is only as large as the inner diameter of such devices, which should be at least 60 cm.

In larger pond systems, several ice preventers can be used in different places, in the case of severe permafrost in combination with air vents, which ensure slight water movement at a depth of approx. 30 cm.

Freedom from ice with pond heaters

The electrically operated devices, which work according to the principle of an immersion heater, prevent complete freezing. The size of the ice-free section of the pond depends on the current water temperature and the electrical output of the stainless steel heating rods, which protrude approx. 25 cm deep into the pond water and are fixed to a polystyrene floating body. Some technical device features:

  • power range between 100 and 3000 watts;
  • integrated frost monitor function;
  • many different types (flow heaters, pond balls, heating strips) possible;
  • remote control via smartphone app;

Important for keeping the pond free of ice

Start using ice preventers as early as late autumn if possible, but at the latest when the ground frost sets in and before the bank area freezes over. Even a simple bubble wrap can prevent a garden pond from freezing if it is laid out on the water surface with the air-filled nubs facing down.

tips

It is essential to avoid clearing a frozen pond of ice by drilling, sawing or even using a pickaxe. The noise and extreme sound waves cause the fish to panic, causing them to flee towards the bottom of the pond, where they eventually freeze and die.

Category:

Garden design