Replacing the pump with an aerator is a way to keep the pond circulating for the fish without the danger of damaging your pump and filter system. Since the pond is less active this time of year the main function is to keep a hole in the ice to allow toxic gases to esacpe from the water and allow fresh oxygen in.

For pond expansion just remember to make sure your filter system is still properly sized for your growing habitat. You will also want to use your aerator in the holding tank for your fish while the new pond is being constructed. Saving some of the water from the old pond to use in the fish holding tank as well as transferring it to the new pond will make for a quicker and easier transition for your fish to their new home.

As long as the plant is considered “hardy” for your area all you need to do it cut off the dead foilage and leave the roots in the pond. There is no need to keep the pump running as the plant will be dormant and return the following year. If the plant is not considered “hardy” for your area you would need to bring the plant inside for the winter.

If your pump is located directly in the pond and not in a skimmer, make sure that it is located in at least 24″ of water. Do not place the pump on the very bottom of the pond (your fish go to the bottom to hibernate during the winter). You want to leave this water undisturbed and warmer for your fish.

You can remove your pump, immerse it in a 5 gallon bucket of water and store it a heated garage or basement. Take the filter mats out of your bio filter, clean and store them in your garage. Drain all water out of the waterfall / bio-filter box, plumbing and skimmer (if you have one) to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures.

An aeration unit will keep a hole on the surface of your water and add oxygen to your pond during the winter months. This is the most energy efficient way to winterize your pond. Pond de-icers will also keep a hole open on the surface of your pond to let the toxic gases escape during the winter months. They can be used with or without an aeration unit.

If using an aeration unit, place the air stones of the aeration kit in a shallower part of your pond, leaving the deeper part of your pond undisturbed.

Fish breathe through their gills by extracting oxygen from the water. As for the winter, usually fish are just fine. The only issue that can arise is when a toxic build-up of gases underneath the ice reach lethal levels. To combat this, we use a de-icer or pond heater to keep a hole open in the ice.