Air Pump

The Pond in the backyard is ready for winter.
The Air Pump and the De-Icer are in and I'm relieved.

The Air Pump actually gets used all year round.
It is helpful in the summer time as well as in the winter.
In the summer when the temperature rises having an Air Pump in the Pond makes life easier on your Pond Fish.
If your Pond Pump ever goes out in the summer time the Air Pump will be able to provide your Pond Fish with much needed oxygen.

Ice over the Fish Pond

Looking out into my backyard today I saw the ice over the fish pond.
Luckily the Air Pump was already in the Pond because I've been so busy with the holidays that I forgot to put the De-Icer in.

That Air Pump provides oxygen for my fish and keeps a hole in the ice to allow all the gases from fish waste and organic matter to escape.
It's a comforting feeling knowing that my Fish are breathing easy under the ice because of that Air Pump.

When I get a chance I plan on putting the De-Icer in the Pond just to be on the safe side. It's very important to keep a hole in the ice so the gases from the fish waste and decomposing organic matter don't build up.
Those gases can kill your Pond Fish!

Pond Fish are just like people. I know that if I was trapped in a room with waste, decomposing organic matter, and no ventilation that I wouldn't last too long either.


Once I have the De-Icer in the Fish Pond along with the Air Pump I know that my Pond Fish will be comfortable this winter.

The Importance of Oxygen

Having oxygen in your Fish Pond is the difference between life and death when it comes down to your Pond Fish.

Without oxygen in the water your Pond Fish will suffocate.

Winter can be a stressful time on Pond Fish.
When Fish Ponds freeze over completely, harmful gases get trapped under the ice and there is not enough oxygen for your Pond Fish to breathe.

If there is snow over the ice, then plants in the pond that would normally provide oxygen will then take oxygen away. The snow blocks sunlight from getting through to the plants in the Fish Pond that use it for photosynthesis.
Sweep snow off the ice over your Fish Pond to let sunlight in.
Be careful not to step on the ice, it may not support you.

Beneficial Bacteria needs oxygen to digest fish waste and decaying organic matter in the Pond.
The build up of harmful gases comes from fish waste as well as decaying organic matter.

It is very important to provide your Pond Fish & Beneficial Bacteria with oxygen!
Using an Air Pump will help your Pond Fish (and Beneficial Bacteria) breathe.
A De-Icer will leave a hole in the ice over the winter to let those harmful gases escape.

Help your Pond Fish breathe easy this winter.

Ice Over the Pond

Having a hole in the ice of the Pond over the winter is very important. The need for a hole in the ice for toxic gases to escape during the winter can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to you Pond Fish.

Leaving a hole for noxious gases to escape will make it easier for your fish to breathe. Dangerous gases caused by plant decomposition, fish waste, etc. can do serious harm to or even kill your Pond Fish.

A Pond De-Icer will ensure a hole in the ice for these dangerous gases to escape.
Using an aerator will put oxygen back into the water so your fish can breathe.

Make sure that your Pond Fish are happy and can breathe easy.
That's what they would want from you.

Snow can kill your Pond Fish! Rescue them!

Fish Ponds need oxygen to provide a life sustaining environment. All sorts of living things in the Pond use oxygen: The Pond Fish need to breathe and beneficial bacteria need oxygen to digest fish waste and decaying organic matter. Oxygenating plants that normally provide some oxygen, will TAKE oxygen out of the water if suddenly deprived of light needed for photo synthesis. Lack of oxygen is the # 1 Pond Fish Killer in Winter!

What can you do?

Answer: Install an air pump to increase oxygen and sweep at least some areas of the pond free of snow so light can enter (never step on the frozen pond - the ice may not support you!)

Tip: Mark the snow covered Pond with a caution sign or flag to distinguish it from the surrounding landscape to prevent accidents!