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Wintering over
Question 1: What do I need to be aware of in the winter as far as pump and filtration technology are concerned?
Usually pumps and other equipment that is sensitive to frost must be switched off, removed, and stored in a frost-free location. In smaller bodies of water it is important that the warmer survival zones for the fish are not recirculated. In larger bodies of water a small water exchange in the bank area helps prevent freezing over.
For winter care: The pump should be carefully cleaned inside and out and stored in a water-filled container – in a frost-free location. This keeps gaskets moist and possible sludge residue cannot harden.
Question 2: How does IceFree work?
The pond is kept free of ice in a small area with a small pump combined with a float (recirculation app. 5 l per minute). Thus accumulating fermentation gases can escape.
Question 3: Should the goldfish spend the winter in the pond or in the cellar?
If the pond is less than 1 meter deep, then we recommend that the goldfish spend the winter in a container that is as large as possible. In this regard the water temperature should be between 4 and 8° C.
Question 4: Do you recommend breaking the ice for purposes of aeration?
Not under any circumstances! The fish could be injured by the sound waves. In addition the sudden “stress” will increase the oxygen consumption of the fish.
Question 5: How do I get my underwater plants through the winter safely?
Domestic “frog bit” must stay in the water to multiply.
Most of the other floating plants (water hyacinth, water lettuce or tropical types of water fern) should be skimmed so that they do not introduce any biomass into the pond.
The stems of bank plants and marsh plants should only be trimmed in spring. In winter they have a type of chimney function and ensure that fermentation gases escape.
Question 6: When should the pond filter be started up after winter?
Biology also plays an important role for the pond filtration system. Because the significant micro-organisms only start to work at app. 10 °, we recommend starting up again when this temperature can be ensured for the long-term.
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