90 to 100 degree Temperatures Increase the Pond Water temperatures too!
Here in Colorado, we have been having days on end of 90 degree to just over 100 degrees everyday. It may not be easy to control the weather, but we do need to be aware of the pond water temperature and how it affects the fish.
Our pond water temperature have been holding in the low 80s. However, our pond is in the shade in the late afternoon.
A pond in full sun ALL DAY long (especially if it has no water lilies) will be closer to 90 degrees!
Warm Water? It Needs Aeration!
It is very important that there are aerators in the pond for your fish when the water temperatures are so high. The warmer the water is, the less dissolved oxygen it holds. As the temperatures remain above 90s and often hit in 100s, the fish need an ample supply of oxygen. Hot water can make it more difficult for them to breathe.
Really warm water an lead to suspended green algae too. Read more about that HERE.
Aerators of several brands are fine. This one is an Aquascape 2 stone aerator that we use often. I like it because it gives off nice bubbles, but not so much that the pond looks like a hot tub.
Feeding the fish in the heat
If the pond water temperature is up to 90 degrees, you will notice that the fish spend more time on the bottom of the pond. This is because it is cooler further from the direct sun. Cut back on feeding them if the pond is at 90 degrees. Watch them and if they seem a bit less interested in food.
This pond has trees on one side but could use some Waterlilies!
What can you do to help the pond temperature?
1. If you don’t already have Water Lilies – put some in! Water Lilies prefer to be about 24 inches below the surface. If you pond is 18 to 6 inches deep, put in Penny Wort instead. It will cover the pond much like lilies but with smaller pads. Penny Wort does spread like crazy, so it wont take long for the it to bring some shade.
2. Move a patio umbrella near the pond and bend it so that it provides shade to the pond. Make sure you put some kind of weight on the base, like a large rock to keep the wind from sending it into the water!
3. Would a sun shade work over your pond area? If so, it can really help keep the pond temps from getting so high.
Kristi's Tips
Did you know that fish enjoy a treat of watermelon? They do! Put in a triangle of watermelon with the rind on. At first they may not know what to do with it, but pretty soon, they will go crazy for it!
Fish can sunburn, so make sure that they have plants, a fish cave or something find shade under.
Don’t forget to top off the pond. A shallow pond will heat up more than a deeper pond. Keep it to the normal level to hep out the fish!
* This blog was NOT written by AI. This was written by me. I am not a professional writer, I am a pond person. Therefore, if you see a typo, please forgive me!
*No koi were harmed in the making of this content.