We have compiled some advice for pond care in autumn.
Autumn tip No. 1: Remove leaves
As is known, the leaves change their color in autumn and fall from the trees. Unfortunately, leaves also often end up in the pond and can threaten the water quality if they sink to the bottom of the pond and decompose there. The leaves should be collected regularly by means of a pond leaf net for preventing this. A leave protection can also be placed above the pond for prevention.
This way to the sera pond leaf net, the convenient helper in autumn:
https://www.sera.de/en/product/pond/sera-pond-leaf-net/
Autumn tip No. 2: Remove pond sludge
After a some time, pond sludge consisting of, for instance, dead plant matter, leaves and fish waste, gathers in every pond. Too much sludge compiling at the pond bottom may lead to the formation of rot zones that may affect water quality. Especially in autumn, when many leaves fall, the pond bottom should be checked regularly and the sludge layer should be removed, also considering preparation for winter. Special sludge removers are available from the specialized trade for this purpose.
Autumn tip No. 3: Cut back plants
The plants in and around the pond should be cut back or thinned out in autumn for preventing dying plant parts from falling into the water and rotting at the bottom of the pond. You can leave 20 cm (8 in.) in case of marsh plants such as reed – this will keep the pond ice free for a longer time and provides better aeration. For frost sensitive plants, a place for hibernating should be found when the temperatures become considerably colder.
Autumn tip No. 4: Clean technical pond equipment and store it frost free
Technical equipment such as pumps and filters, which usually are not frost proof, should be cleaned and checked for possible damages in late autumn, but at the latest before the first frost. Afterwards, they should be stored in a place that remains frost free also in winter. The pump should be stored in a container with pond water for preventing the seals from getting porous.
Autumn tip No. 5: Condition the pond fish
For the pond fish, autumn is the last opportunity to create depots for hibernation. With falling and often varying water temperatures in autumn the activity and the digestion rate of the fish becomes lower. As a transition to winter, an easily digestible food rich in protein and vitamins and a high percentage of essential fatty acids is therefore advisable. This allows the animals to create sufficient depots for getting through winter safely, and start into spring healthy and strong. Carbohydrates are now utilized considerably less at lower water temperatures – their amount in the food should accordingly be lower. sera Koi Professional Spring/Autumn Food, for instance, is a suitable food.