Why Pond Aeration Is Important For Fish
In preparation for the cold winter months, ponds are being winterized, plants are being cut back and most pond pumps are placed into storage until the spring; meaning less oxygen will be available for your fish.
Fish health is directly influenced by your water quality and proper levels of oxygen in the water. Stressed fish are more prone to disease which is why aeration is important all year long, but especially important during the winter.
If you live in a cold winter area and you already have aeration in your pond, you will want to move your air stone/diffuser to about half the depth of your pond. This will provide the fish with the necessary oxygen they need to survive. If you do not have an aerator, we recommend getting one.
The reason for moving your air stone/diffuser to about half-depth is because when they're located in the deepest part of your pond during the cold winter months, they will "super cool" your pond water.
We also recommend taking it one step further by installing a pond de-icer. This will help ensure that a hole is kept in the ice, allowing the harmful gases to escape. When looking for a de-ice, find one that is thermo-regulated with the least amount of wattage.
The combination of both aerator and de-icer will make for very happy and healthy fish!