When Autumn is upon us it's time to start thinking about preparing the pond for the colder months. Use a pond thermometer to monitor the water temperature as it will be different from the air temperature because it warms and cools more slowly. Stop feeding high protein growth feeds when the water temperature hits 15℃ and below, and from 15 -10℃ switch back to a staple diet. 

When the water temperature cools down to 10℃ its time to start feeding Wheatgerm. Start with a fresh packet as any leftover from last winter may be out of date and lost its vitamin content. Feed Wheatgerm throughout autumn, winter, and early spring, feeding daily when the water temperature is between 10℃ and 4℃. When water temperatures drop below 4℃ for an extended period of time you can stop feeding altogether. 

Wheatgerm is suitable for all types of goldfish like Shubunkins, Sarasa Comets and Common Goldfish, Orfe, Tench, Koi and Ghost Koi. If you have Sturgeon or Sterlet in the pond they still need to be fed their sinking Sturgeon diets throughout the winter period.

Other jobs to do this Autumn

Fit a pond cover net to prevent leaves from falling into the pond, and it will also double up as protection from Herons. As natural food becomes more scarce, your pond fish will be a tempting meal for this year’s fledged Herons so a cover net is the most effective way to prevent that. 

Tie back or cut back tall marginal plants like Iris and Bullrushes so they don’t fall over in strong winds. Cut off and discard any browning pond plant leaves to prevent them from fouling the water, but still run and clean your pump and filter in the normal way to maintain good water quality. Test water to ensure that parameters are good as we enter the cooler period.