Right after we unplugged the filter our pond turned brownish black. I know it is due to the leaves falling in the pond. I scooped out what I could but I'm sure there are some on the bottom. The fish have been at the top of the water a lot. They appear to be getting air.
My question is, do you think they'll survive the winter with the water looking as it does? We do have a heater in the pond to keep a hole open. Do I have to pull the hose back out and try to flush the water a bit before it freezes?
the pump provides 2 things, one, it stirs up the water to oxengenate it. and second helps you filter it.
the water color is due to leaves and stuff settling and decaying in the water. i'm more concerned about the fish at the top. usually fish will head to the middle of a pond when it gets cold as that is where the water is most consistantly a good temp for them. can you run the pump even when it is cold? to give the fish air?
The pump goes through an outside filter and then down a waterfall. It would freeze for sure. They were staying in the lower middle part but lately have been at the top. It was raining today so I didn't get to see where they were. As the leaves decompose will the top of the water return to a more normal state? Or will that take all winter?
you might want to get a small pump to go in the middle of the pond to make a small fountain (i got one for $15 at walmart, end of season) to keep it aireated (sp). and i'd scoop as many of the leaves out as you can, the color won't go back to "normal" because of the tannin in the leaves.
I agree with Jiffy it would be best for you to put a small pump in and try to pull out as many leaves as you can. If the fish are surfacing alot they are needing more oxygen added to the water. I wouldn't add or change any of the water till spring.
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