Pond update

It is looking great and lovely, can't beat a good pond!!

I still have my pond pumps in operation. I purchased a new outdoor aerator to keep an open area in the ponds for ice over ......it's still in the box. Looks like I'll be taking it out of the box and using it for supplemental aeration this summer and no sooner. My fish are still trying to do their winter thing and stay quiet on the bottom for how much longer, I don't know. The frogs are up and with little food supply some might succumb. Sounds like I live right next door to you doesn't it?

Sure does and you are miles and miles away :o)
the frogs are out of the pond in the garden somewhere along with the toads.

we always leave a circulating pump on to try to prevent total freezing. but it is so mild at the moment its not a problem.

I aerate the largest of my 3 ponds all year round, to keep a space open if the water freezes in winter (no need so far this year) and the fish gulp air from the surface in the summer if it is hot.

My fish aren't ready for winter yet either! They are very active and still eating!! Even though it's winter everything has started to come new already!

Siris if you see your fish gulping air from the surface....well it's something that you really don't want to see. That activity means that they are very stressed due to low oxygen and that they are on the brink of going belly up. That's not a good existence for them and some relief should be given if possible.

It must be nice not to have herons in the dinner queue...

My pond is rather full....of water, not fish!

I'm pleased you rescued the fish. I hope they're enjoying more room in the pond :)

Crazy weather, isn't it. pond fish still eating at this time of year!

we often see heron flying over but as it is a walled pond they don't land on it. their preferred way to fish is to stand in the shallows and spear them as they swim past.

yes fish gulping air is not a good sign, warm water holds less oxygen than cold. A hose pipe splashing in to move the surface is a quick way to aid aeration.

I meant in the past, about 30 years ago, before having an aerating system. Now, no problems although the pump needs the rubber diaphragm changing about every fifth year as the the rubber perishes and does not pump effeciantly.
When I top up the pond with tap water I try to let it spray in the pond to help remove the chlorine, which is not beneficial to fish. I don't think there will be a hose pipe ban this year!