fall wrap up

[lstorns]

The leaves are brown and its time to get the pond ready for the winter.
Im going to start trimming my java fern ( in the 55 tank) its as spread as I'd like it , hopefully it will get a bit taller.

 

[aakaakaak]

I'm hoping, like I do every autumn, that the ground will dry enough when I close my crawl space vents that I'm not locking in water for the winter.

Where do you live with your pond and how deep is it?

 

[lstorns]

Im in Pa just outside of philly. Its about 18'' deep.

 

[misterking]

You've just reminded me to sort my own pond out.. I guess that'll be a job for the weekend, home from university so I'll cover and remove dead leaves and such.

 

[aakaakaak]

Will you be fine with just tossing java fern on the top or do you need to put a heater at the bottom, since it's 18" deep?

 

[lstorns]

I disconnect the waterfall and leave the tubing from the pump 3 to 4 in from the surface. it makes a kind of pillow of moving water which doesnt freeze in the winter providing plenty of gas exchange. the rest of the pond usually gets a layer of ice about 2-3 in thick. the fish make out just fine gold fish and kio. frogs and stuff too.
What does java fern do?
I usualy cover mine with a net to keep the leaves out but my try something else this year.

 

[lstorns]

I disconnect the waterfall and leave the tubing from the pump 3 to 4 in from the surface. it makes a kind of pillow of moving water which doesnt freeze in the winter providing plenty of gas exchange. the rest of the pond usually gets a layer of ice about 2-3 in thick. the fish make out just fine gold fish and kio. frogs and stuff too.
What does java fern do?

 

[lstorns]

sorry for the repeat . sometimes it goes in so slow and I think it s not going in. I m going to try that clear corragated fiberglass roofing. it comes in 12 and 8 ft lengths . hopfully it will act a bit like a green house and if it works this year Ill leave m box turtles in there next winter instead of bringing them in doors.