Stop feeding your fish when the water temp reaches and stays below 50°.

Yes. In climates similar to Georgia’s we recommend only wheat germ foods (such as our own M-Wheat) be fed after October 1st.

Sort of… They stop eating and go to the bottom where the water is warmest and hang around until spring.

That’s your decision to make.  It’s important that you do not subject the warmer water on the bottom of the pond to “super cooling” by exposing it to cold air.  If you have an external pump that pulls water from a bottom drain this may not be possible.  If you choose to turn off the external pump make sure you drain it by pulling the plug on the bottom of the pump’s leaf catcher.  If your pond is equipped with a skimmer you can easily keep the pond running without subjecting it to super cooling by closing off the bottom drain and only pulling water from the top through the skimmer.  If you have a submersible pump, take the pump off the bottom and put it on a shelf so that it only circulates top waters.

Cold water holds dissolved oxygen better than warm water and during the winter fish do not respire or need oxygen as much. It’s perfectly safe if your fish are healthy to turn off the pump when the water temp is below 45°.

No. It’s best to take the whole unit off the system and store until spring.

Again, that is your choice. If you have a fortune in koi it is certainly advisable to heat the pond as long as the heater is able to maintain your water at a minimum of 65°.

If the ice stays around for more than a few days gasses will need to escape.  If you live in an area with frequent and long lasting freezes you need to keep a hole in the ice. Use a de-icer that automatically comes on when the water temp falls below 42°. NEVER break the ice with a hammer!

Remove only tropical water lilies or floating water lettuce or water hyacinths.

Not really. They don’t fair well inside unless they are given plenty of sunshine in a greenhouse situation.

Trim off dying leaves and stalks on all hardy water plants including water lilies as they die back. When plants die back completely lower any delicate perennials such as taro and canna to the warmer waters on the bottom.

The leaves of most irises do not die back and underwater anacharis, if not allowed to float on top, will keep its green.

No. In Georgia it’s best not to fertilize after September.

I would wait until spring to divide water lilies and lotus. Most marginals can be divided now.

Some like to do a thorough cleaning in fall and in spring. Some prefer only once a year. The gauge should be if you have more than 1/2” of muck or leaves on the bottom of your pond. If not, it’s perfectly fine to wait until early spring.

No. Nitrifying bacteria goes dormant in cold water temps. If you have a bead filter and decide to turn your system off during the coldest part of the year you should drain it for the winter but you must then perform a thorough backwash and cleaning on the filter before using it in spring.

Net it if you don’t have a skimmer. 14’ wide netting can be cut to the length you need.

If you have a problem with blue herons in spring and summer it will be worse in winter when there are no plants to hide the fish. Net the pond and place out the decoy.

Mother Nature has already thought of that and they tend to fair out very well on their own. You can help by providing toads with a toad house. Bullfrogs will bury themselves under pots and in mud in the bottom of the pond.

Find more detailed information on how to winterize your pond by reading our article, Preparing for the Plunge. Find it online at http://www.ponddoc.com/WhatsUpDoc/Seasonal/PreparePlunge.htm