When severe weather strikes, power outages can leave your family and pets vulnerable. This is especially true for koi and goldfish after summertime storms. A backup generator is a wise investment no matter where you live, but there are other ways to protect your pond during a power outage as well.
Aeration
The biggest threat to your finned friends during an outage is low oxygen levels in your pond. Maintaining aeration in the absence of electricity is crucial to the survival of pond fish. During the winter, an aerator keeps a gas exchange hole open in the ice to allow toxic gases to escape from pond water. Aeration is even more crucial during the summertime, as warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water.
The best protection for your pond is installing a backup power supply that continues running when the power cuts out. Backup generators are available that run on solar, gasoline, or propane so your pond equipment will operate until electricity is restored.
If you are caught off-guard without one of these backup systems, you can provide limited aeration by either submerging a trickling garden hose in your pond or scooping water out with a bucket and splashing it back into the pond every hour.
Filtration
Filtration is another vital aspect of your aquatic ecosystem that shouldn’t be overlooked. Fish release toxic ammonia into the water through their excrement. Combined with nitrogen and phosphates from decomposing plants, these pollutants build up and make the pond inhospitable for aquatic life.
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine advises against feeding koi or goldfish during a power outage to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Additionally, it is best to perform a 10-30 percent water change each day the power is out to remove toxins.
Ensure you add a pond water conditioner like Stress Reducer Plus to neutralize heavy metals and chlorine in tap water.
Preventing excessive debris and waste buildup will protect your koi pond from the worst effects of losing filtration during a power outage. Avoid overstocking your pond, regularly remove debris with a skimmer net, and supplement beneficial bacteria to keep water clean and clear year-round.
More Tips for Keeping a Balanced Pond Ecosystem
For expert advice on keeping your koi happy and healthy during any weather event, contact us online or call 866-POND-HELP to speak with our team of pond techs.
To read more about how aeration and filtration maintain a balanced pond, check out these related articles:
The Importance of Aerating Your Water Garden Pond
Running a Pond Pump: Full-Time or Part-Time?
Last Updated: April 17, 2025