Hi everyone. Looking through all the winterizing threads and got some info, but haven't found a pond exactly like mine, so posting another winterizing thread (sorry).
So I have approx 100-150 gallon pond and is only 18" deep in center, with (2) 9" shelves on both sides. I currently have some tall grass plants (not sure of name) on the shelves, some water hyacinth (will toss in trash), and the bottom is covered fully with anacharis. There are (9) ~5" goldfish in the pond as well. The pond has a 550gph pump attached to UV clarifier and runs 24/7. I also have a 750gph for the dual waterfalls which runs periodically.
So I am trying to figure out the best way to winterize the pond, but without going absolutely nuts for $5 goldfish and such a small pond.
I see alot of info on removing pumps, keeping pumps in, airstones/air pumps (new to me), keeping pond from freezing or not, etc.
I live in zone 7 (NY), so it will get pretty cold at some point here and with such a small pond, I imagine won't take much to freeze - but not sure if freeze solid or what (first winter with pond).
So I am asking all you experts here, what should I do.
- do I keep the anacharis in the pond to help with oxygen, do I cut them back, or get rid of?
- plan to remove the tall grass plants, cut back, and plant in garden
- thought about removing my two pumps and placing an old 325gph pump in bottom of pond with nothing attached to send air flow up to surface (will that disturb the fish, that is if they don't freeze solid for the winter).
Any suggest is greatly appreciated! If I can away without purchasing additional equipment, that would be great!
Thanks.
So I have approx 100-150 gallon pond and is only 18" deep in center, with (2) 9" shelves on both sides. I currently have some tall grass plants (not sure of name) on the shelves, some water hyacinth (will toss in trash), and the bottom is covered fully with anacharis. There are (9) ~5" goldfish in the pond as well. The pond has a 550gph pump attached to UV clarifier and runs 24/7. I also have a 750gph for the dual waterfalls which runs periodically.
So I am trying to figure out the best way to winterize the pond, but without going absolutely nuts for $5 goldfish and such a small pond.
I see alot of info on removing pumps, keeping pumps in, airstones/air pumps (new to me), keeping pond from freezing or not, etc.
I live in zone 7 (NY), so it will get pretty cold at some point here and with such a small pond, I imagine won't take much to freeze - but not sure if freeze solid or what (first winter with pond).
So I am asking all you experts here, what should I do.
- do I keep the anacharis in the pond to help with oxygen, do I cut them back, or get rid of?
- plan to remove the tall grass plants, cut back, and plant in garden
- thought about removing my two pumps and placing an old 325gph pump in bottom of pond with nothing attached to send air flow up to surface (will that disturb the fish, that is if they don't freeze solid for the winter).
Any suggest is greatly appreciated! If I can away without purchasing additional equipment, that would be great!
Thanks.