Is ice a problem for koi ponds?

Ice sometimes appears in koi ponds in Upstate Greenville South Carolina SC.  Most that do see it are at higher elevations like Landrum, Tryon or Asheville North Carolina NC.  But this year it has been unseasonably cold for December and we have seen ice forming in koi ponds as far south as Anderson.

Is ice a problem for koi ponds in the Greenville area? 

The answer is no.  Ice should not stop anyone from having the backyard retreat of a rushing waterfall, stream or koi pond.  Myths swirl and imaginations run wild creating rumors that have stopped many from having this secret paradise in their backyard.

What is the best way to handel ice if I have a koi pond?

Stress is the number one killer of koi.  Temperature swings greater than 3-4 degrees can cause great stress.

1.  Do not add large amounts of tap water at any one time.  This can cause a temperture swing that may kill you fish.

2.  Running your waterfall, a bubbling pump, a strong aerator, or installing a pond heater can insure that a hole remains in your pond ice throughout the winter.  Keeping a hole in your ice with let toxic gases escape that may be trapped below the ice.

3.  Cracking or breaking ice is NOT recommended.  Koi are have sensitive hearing and this too can cause stress to your fish.  If you have to make a hole in the ice to insert your pump or heater use a hot water in a tea kettle to melt a hole in the ice.

We live ponds each day.  Got a question or need help here in the Upstate call Richard at (864)430-4700 or visit our website for more info about us http://www.platinumponds.com/.