Pond aeration in cold weather

If you have a pond on your acreage and want to keep fish alive over the winter, it's important to make sure oxygen is able to circulate in the water. When a pond freezes, the oxygen is cut off, causing high ammonia levels and potentially killing fish. You'll need to keep about 10 percent of the water's surface free of ice to allow a good oxygen exchange. Another option is to install a pond aerator. It's like the aerator in a fish tank, but on a much larger scale. Because it's important to calibrate the size of the pump to the water, contact the manufacturer before making a purchase so they can prescribe the right size equipment.

Radio interview source: Mark Mongin, business manager of aquatic products, Sepro Corporation

For more information on pond aeration, we recommend the following Web sites:

Pond aerators: This Living the Country Life product guide explains the difference between fountain and diffused aerators, and offers specific information on a number of systems.

The role of aeration in pond management: Learn about the equipment, application techniques and results associated with emergency and maintenance aeration, from the University of Florida.

Pond aeration: This report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explains the importance of oxygen to a pond's health, and how mechanical aeration can help.