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Free next day delivery on orders over £100*

Free next day delivery*

01253 20 9999

Should I turn my UV clarifier off in winter?

If you have fish, don’t turn off your UV clarifiers in winter.

UV clarifiers don’t just kill algae that cause ‘green water’. They also kill bacteria and viruses that can cause disease in your fish.

The immune systems of fish become very weak during winter. It is therefore important to keep your UV clarifiers running throughout.

UV light kills bacteria and viruses. So by leaving your UV clarifiers on you reduce the risk of disease and infection. This helps ensure the well-being of your fish and promotes a stress free dormancy period.

Be sure to change your UV clarifier bulbs annually. UV bulbs only work for about 12 months, but continue to use electicity. If you want to save electricity during winter and you have multiple UV units you can opt to turn some of these off.

Explore our range of UV clarifiers

Alternatively you can use more advanced ‘intelligent’ UV models such as the Oase Bitron Eco range. Although more expensive initially, they save you money over time by only powering up for shorter periods of the day as required. They do this automatically according to the temperature of the water.

More winter pond tips and advice...

What is the best shape for my garden pond?

What’s the best shape for a garden pond?

There are a number of key things to consider including: the views and enjoyment, shade vrs sunlight, overhanging trees, wildlife, drainage, and safety.

Should I use a pond net cover in autumn and winter?

Should I use a pond net cover in autumn and winter?

Pond covers are square or rectangular nets that you secure about the edges of your pond. Used during the year they are a good way to protect small to medium sized fish from herons.

Should I turn off my waterfall or water feature in winter?

Should I turn my water feature off in winter?

Provided your waterfall or feature is not part of your filtration recirculation system you can turn your water fall or water feature off in winter.

What should I do with my pond pumps during the winter?

Should I turn my pond pumps off in winter?

All pond pumps except those feeding pond filters can be turned off in winter to save electricity. Pond filters should be online all year including winter.

Should I take my pond filters offline during winter?

Should I turn my pond filters off in winter?

If you have fish you should keep your filters online all day, all night – every day of the year!

Should I lower the water level of my pond during winter?

Should I lower the water level of my pond in winter?

Reducing water levels in winter is sometimes suggested to stop ponds overflowing, but this may put fish and wildlife at risk.

Should I feed my fish during winter?

Should I feed my fish during winter?

You should not feed your fish during winter when the water is cold. Unlike us, fish are generally just fine going without food.

What do I do with my water lilies in winter?

Should I cut back my water lilies in winter?

Water lilies and other submerged plants die back in winter. If you have fish, it is a good idea to cut them right back to just above the rhizomes. This reduces the amount of decaying matter in your pond and improves water quality.

Should I cut back my marginal pond plants in winter?

Should I cut back my marginal pond plants in winter?

Dead and dying pond plants provide vital habitat for the survival of wildlife during winter. But if your focus is on the well-being of your fish you may want to cut them back.

Should I clean my pond before winter?

Should I clean my pond before winter?

Late winter or early spring is the best time to completely drain down your pond for a thorough clean.

However before winter arrives it is handy to have a pond skimmer to harvest falling leaves, and a pond vac to remove excess waste from the bottom of your pond.

How do I prevent my pond freezing over?

How to prevent my pond freezing over?

It is important for fish and wildlife that you prevent a complete sheet of ice from forming over your pond during winter.

How do I prevent my pond freezing over?

How to prepare your pond for winter

How you prepare your pond for winter depends on the type of pond you have; a natural pond with a focus on wildlife, or fish ponds.