Pond in Zone 5 Wintering

catherinet

14 years ago

My pond is 5x5and1/2' and 24" deep. I use a pond deicer during the winter. It pretty much keeps most of the snow melted. Its not covered.
I don't have fish. Lots of people here have mentioned keeping a bubbler going during winter, so I would use both if I were you.
Last year I only used a deicer when it was really cold, and would turn it off and run the pump when it was above freezing. But last year I lost 3 frogs, and I think it was because of the fluctuating temperatures. So this year I'll just use the deicer and if I want to oxygenate the water, I'll run a different electrical line to the pump.
Good luck to you.

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sheepco

14 years ago

I have the same size pond as catherinet, but in zone 4. I use a tank heater (turns on under 40F) and cover 2/3 of my pond with a sheet of styrofoam insulation across old 2" x 4"s (weighed down with a few rocks) to keep the windchill factor to a minimum. I turn my pump off but do use a small air stone - not sure if it really helps, but it makes me feel better! Haven't lost any fish since I started doing this.

Good luck.

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and if you are thinking about the garage ... all it is.. is a wind reduction structure ... if you have a window... thats probably enough light ... once a month or so.. IF THEY NEED IT ... put a small snowball.. or a couple ice cubes in each pot ... dormant plants dont need water ... but you dont want the peat based media getting so dry.. it wicks moisture out of the roots ... plus.. they will melt on warmer days ... instead of flooding them on too cold days.. and making a giant ice cube out of the pots ... and consider that the garage.. might be a z7 by late march ... retained heat on sunny days with or without windows... it might be an idea.. to drag them out of such around 3/1 and put them against the house on the north side .. so they stay dormant until may or so ... rather than coming out of dormancy in mid march .... and you probably having the same last frost date i do.. around mid may ... get them dormant... keep them dormant.. and try not to kill them with too much love ... ken

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inside all winter?? they will need to be hardened off.. so i would have them spend a week or so in the garage .. near the door.. so the door can be opened to light ... for a week... the car can sit outside for a week or two ... and by them.. you ought to be rather all set.. weather-wise for out z5 ... but you know as well as we do.. that there is no perfect answer ... the whims of mother nature and all ... ken

goodkarma_

14 years ago

I think with the pond that shallow you may need a little more then just the de-icer. The styrofoam that sheepco meantions is a good option. A pool solar cover can be used too. It floats on the water to help keep some warmth in and reduce evaporation. You need to keep about 1/3 of the pond uncovered for gas exchange if you use this.

Good luck,
Lisa

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pondlinerguy

14 years ago

There's a pretty good write up on a blog about how to use pond heaters. It has a zone map and guide at the bottom.

Here is a link that might be useful: PondLiner Blog

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johnkr

14 years ago

I don't think a pond that is 22 inches into the ground will freeze solid. My pond is about a foot deeper, but I never had over 8 inches of ice in a decade of winters.

A heater should work fine, but the bubbles of an air pump will help bring toxic gas to the surface and provide a healthy environment for fish.

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Pond in Zone 5 Wintering

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catherinet

sheepco

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goodkarma_

pondlinerguy

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