There are choices when it comes to cold water bacteria for the winter
In Colorado’s Zone 5, adding cold water beneficial bacteria for ponds to your winter system, is an excellent way to maintain water quality during the colder months. Bacteria is occurs naturally in ponds found in nature. They are living organisms that are so small, we can’t see them with the naked eye. They are part of the process in breaking down nutrients in the water because the consume organic debris such as leaves, fish waste, and uneaten food.
In the summer months, we add beneficial bacteria weekly. This same bacteria will die when the water temperatures are too cold. Pond product companies found a way to grow specific bacteria that will live and remain active in even cold water. Hence: Cold Water Bacteria.
Right about the same time that we stop feeding the fish, we can start using cold water bacteria. We can continue to use it weekly until the pond is mostly frozen over. The reduced oxygen levels and lack of circulation limit the bacteria’s effectiveness. By using cold water bacteria, you create a healthier environment for your koi and it make spring maintenance easier.
Let's look at 4 specific cold water bacteria products
WinterKleen - Cold Water Treatment For Koi Ponds
WinterKleen cold water bacteria comes in dry powder form and is easy to add a scoop.
Fish breath, maybe not so good
Did you know that when fish breathe, ammonia is created? YES! They excrete ammonia through their gills. It’s a byproduct of their metabolism. While their metabolism slows to a crawl during the winter, they are sill breathing. Basically, since they are not eating, they are actually producing more ammonia by breathing during the winter! If that ammonia does not have a way to off gas (hole in the ice) and to be processed, it can kill the fish! Bacteria helps process the ammonia. Learn more about a pond deicer to keep a hole open in the ice.
Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria
The Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria contains 7 pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria. It comes in liquid form.
You may be tempted to purchase Pro Contractor Grade Cold Water Bacteria. Think twice before you do that! It comes in a gallon and treats 96,000 gallons! How many gallons does your system have? Find out with our Pond Gallons Calculator.
Even if you have a large pond with 5,000 or 10,000 gallons, it will take a very long time for you to use this product up. One scoop treats 6000 gallons, and there are 16 scoops in the bottle. To treat a pond of 1000 gallons you’d have to use a 6th of the scoop each time and would have enough for 96 treatments! Too much, too long to store if you don’t have a gigantic pond.
Stick to the normal Cold Water Bacteria for ponds.
Crystal Clean Spring & Fall Prep
Crystal Clear has slightly different formula as they added Barley straw enzymes. They recommend using this as a fall prep rather than every week.
Microbe-Lift Autumn/Winter Prep
Microbe-Lift Autumn/Winter Prep a two-part system of liquid bacteria and dry, water soluble packets containing a blend of cellulase enzymes, cellulase-producing bacteria and a cold weather bacteria. This seems like the combination of different bacteria and enzyme strains would really cover all the bases.
Bacteria Safety
Beneficial bacteria are a 100% natural and organic solution for maintaining healthy pond ecosystems, making them completely safe for fish, pets like dogs, and visiting wildlife. These living microorganisms occur naturally in aquatic environments and work by breaking down organic waste, excess nutrients, and harmful compounds like ammonia and nitrites. Unlike chemical treatments, beneficial bacteria do not introduce toxins or residues into the water, ensuring the safety of koi and other pond inhabitants. Even if pets drink from the pond or wild animals visit, there’s no risk associated with the use of beneficial bacteria, making it an eco-friendly and effective way to care for your pond.
Kristi's Tips
Store cold water bacteria inside. If the liquid bacteria freezes, it will kill the living enzymes and organisms that make it work!
When you are no longer comfortable going out to the pond, especially if the area you have to walk through is slick rocks and there is unsure footing, please do not think you have to put bacteria in. Better not to have the bacteria than to have someone get hurt!
Do not use algaecide during the winter.
4 Ways to Protect Your Pond from Extreme Winter Cold – By Splash supply.