Knowledgebase
Welcome to the BTL Knowledgebase. Ever since we started lining ponds, creating covers, and helping people with their projects, we've gotten asked a lot of questions. Many of these questions are repeatedly asked, so we put together the BTL knowledgebase to help answer any questions you had about a particular subject. We are adding new questions every month, so continue to check back often!
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Do I need to winterize if it doesn't get really cold here?
Even in warmer areas were temperatures get close to freezing, you should consider some preparation steps for cold weather.
How do you winterize an above ground pond?
There are several ways to prepare to winterize your pond -- it's best to start these in the fall, so that you have time to prepare before the first freeze.
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What should I do with pond equipment during winter?
Most equipment should be removed and stored somewhere safe during the winter months, so that they aren't damaged by snow or freezing water.
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Should I drain my garden pond for winter?
It's very rarely a good idea to completely drain your pond for the winter.
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If my pond freezes, should I quickly break a hole so they can breathe?
A hole in the ice is essential so that your fish can breathe and gasses have a chance to escape, but breaking the ice by hitting it is never the answer.
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If my pond doesn't have fish, do I need to winterize?
There will still be some steps needed to winterize your pond even if you don't have any fish in order to protect your equipment and keep your plants healthy.
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What are the imporatant steps for winterizing my pond?
There are several steps you should take in the fall and beginning of winter to prepare your pond for the cold months.
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What do I do with my pond pump during winter?
Freezing water is destructive to a pond pump, so be sure to remove your pump from the pond before the first freeze.
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When should I winterize my pond?
The first step to winterizing your pond actually occurs in fall, where you begin to clean and prepare your pond for the months of cold to come.
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should I remove ice and snow from my fish pond?
Leaving some ice and snow atop your pond helps insulate your pond and protect your fish from predators.
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If my winters are mild, do I still need to shut down the pond?
As long as water temperatures remain above 50 degrees, it's alright to keep your pond running for cold-hardy fish.
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What do pond fish do in winter?
In the winter, fish metabolisms slow significantly and they enter a semi-hibernation state called torpor.
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Which fish can survive winter in an outdoor pond?
There are lots of fish that are suited for surviving in cold temperatures, including goldfish, koi, carp, shubunkins, roach, and other kinds of fish.
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Are leaves in a winter pond a problem?
Fallen leaves can cause serious damage to a pond as they decay and add to amount of ammonia and other chemicals in the pond.
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Can fish survive freezing?
Surprisingly, there really are some species of fish in polar regions that can survive sub-freezing water temperatures.
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Do I need to run the de-icer all the time?
Using the de-icer constantly can use a lot of energy, so it's better to only use it when needed.
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What should I feed my fish in winter?
In deep winter, as fish enter torpor, you'll need to stop feeding them altogether.
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What do I do if my fish pond freezes over?
Fish need access to oxygen in order to survive, make sure there's a hole in the ice that allows the air to make contact with the water.
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What kind of de-icer should I use on my pond?
Invest in a high-qualty de-icer that utilizes at least 1200 watts to ensure there is an ice-free hole in your pond all winter.
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How deep does a pond need to be for winter?
Ponds deeper than 3 feet are less likely to freeze completely, but various conditions can affect this.
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What happens to pond life in winter?
Cold-blooded aquatic animals like fish typically enter a kind of hibernation in the winter in order to preserve their energy.
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Do I need to change pond water in the wintertime?
It's a good idea to replace a 50% water change in the fall, before the water temperature falls below 60 degrees.
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Can goldfish survive outdoors in winter?
Goldfish survive happily in lakes and ponds in the winter -- as long as the water doesn't completely freeze all the way through.
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