How to Prevent Winter Fish Kill in a Pond

HIBLOW’s Adjustable Height Diffuser (AHD) Offers a Simple, Effective Solution

Without proper water circulation, a pond can ice over, trapping harmful gases and depleting oxygen levels, which can lead to winter fish kill. The HIBLOW Adjustable Height Diffuser (AHD) offers a simple, effective solution to keep your fish alive throughout the winter.

Oxygen Depletion Under the Ice

When leaves, algae, and other organic matter die off and settle to the bottom, oxygen-fed aerobic bacteria break down the matter. The byproduct is a combination of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which are released into the atmosphere. If a pond completely ices over, the gases can no longer escape, displacing oxygen.  Sunlight also can’t reach aquatic plants to produce oxygen. This combination can reduce oxygen levels, which can result in winter fish kill.

HIBLOW’s Adjustable Height Diffuser Helps Prevent Winter Fish Kill

Traditional diffusers placed at the deepest part of the pond can circulate cold surface water throughout, disturbing the warmer water layer at the bottom where fish rest during winter. This circulation can stress or even kill fish.

The HIBLOW Adjustable Height Diffuser solves this problem by allowing you to raise the diffuser

up to 3 feet from the bottom. This positioning maintains the warm refuge at the bottom while still creating an opening in the ice. The result:

• A hole in the ice for gas exchange
• Stable oxygen levels for fish survival
• Continued organic breakdown without lowering temperatures at the bottom of the pond

Learn more here: HIBLOW AHD Diffuser

2025 winter discount — $50 off.  Enter code at checkout:

Discount Code: Nofishkill

Buy AHD Here

HIBLOW Complete Aeration Solutions

HIBLOW, the inventor of the linear diaphragm air pump, has been manufacturing reliable, energy-efficient, and quiet linear air pumps for over 50 years. Our Adjustable Height Diffuser paired with a HIBLOW HP or WG Series air pump delivers the perfect winter aeration system—keeping your pond clean, your fish healthy, and your ecosystem thriving.

HIBLOW to Exhibit at the Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference

 

HIBLOW to Exhibit at the Onsite

Wastewater Mega-Conference

Sandusky, OH, Oct. 19-22, 2025

The 2025 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference will be held October 19 – 22, 2025 in Sandusky, OH.

The 2025 Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference is a national, collaborative effort between the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT), and the State Onsite Regulators Association (SORA).  The Mega-Conference is the largest event of its kind and offers onsite/decentralized professionals the highest quality education and training available.

Stop by our booth to discuss HIBLOW’s complete aeration solutions!

Learn more about the conference: NOWRA Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference

Learn more about HIBLOW’s linear air pumps for wastewater!

 

HIBLOW is Exhibiting at the VOWRA Annual Conference Oct. 12-14

Stop by our booth to learn more about HIBLOW’s reliable linear air pumps.

HIBLOW USA is excited to exhibit at the VOWRA Annual Conference, taking place October 12-14, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Williamsburg, VA.

Stop by our booth to learn more about HIBLOW’s reliable linear air pumps for aerobic treatment units and other onsite wastewater applications. Our team will be available to answer questions, share product insights, and connect with industry professionals.

Learn more here: VOWRA Conference Website

October 07, 2025

Posted in:

Service Provider/OEM Wastewater

(734) 944-5032info@HIBLOW-USA.comContact Us!

HIBLOW USA is excited to exhibit at the Oklahoma Onsite Wastewater Association Conference, taking place September 24–25, 2025 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center.

Stop by our booth to learn more about HIBLOW’s reliable linear air pumps for aerobic treatment units and other onsite wastewater applications. Our team will be available to answer questions, share product insights, and connect with industry professionals.

Learn more about the OOWA 2025 conference: OOWA 2025 Website

We look forward to seeing you in Tulsa!

 

SepticSmart Week: September 15-19, 2025

Simple Tips to Help your Wallet and the Environment

Each September, SepticSmart Week reminds us to give our septic systems a little extra care. A healthy system keeps your home running smoothly, protects your yard, and helps keep nearby water clean.

Easy ways to stay SepticSmart:
• Watch what goes down the drain
• Use water wisely and spread out laundry
• Keep cars and heavy plants off the drain field
• Have your septic tank or aerobic treatment unit pumped and inspected on a regular schedule.  Don’t forget about that diffuser in the tank — it will clog over time which will reduce the life of your HIBLOW air pump and decrease the amount of oxygen entering the system.

Check out our Facebook page for daily video posts! Facebook

Learn more from the EPA here: SepticSmart Educational Materials

September 15, 2025

Posted in:

Residential Wastewater

(734) 944-5032info@HIBLOW-USA

 

Should I Run My Pond Aerator Continuously?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend running your aerator 24/7, 365 days a year.

One of the most common questions we receive at HIBLOW USA is whether pond aerators should run continuously. Generally, we recommend running your aerator 24/7, 365 days a year.

Why Continuous Pond Aeration is Beneficial

Continuous pond aeration promotes the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter in the pond. This reduces muck buildup and improves overall pond water quality.

Bottom-diffused aeration circulates the entire water column, bringing oxygen-poor water from the bottom to the surface where it releases toxic gasses and absorbs oxygen. HIBLOW believes that water circulation is the most important benefit of bottom diffused aeration.

Additionally, tiny bubbles released from a pond diffuser introduce dissolved oxygen into the water, which is essential for aquatic life.

Continuous pond aeration also helps prevent biological buildup and clogging in the diffuser, maintaining airflow efficiency and extending the life of your pond air pump.

Why Wouldn’t You Want to Aerate All the Time?

Some believe that aeration isn’t needed when water temperatures drop below 55°F since cold water holds more dissolved oxygen. While this is true, HIBLOW believes that aeration still plays a critical role year-round.

During autumn, falling leaves and other organic debris increase oxygen demand, just as plants reduce their natural oxygen production. Additionally, pond water layers can stratify, forming oxygen-depleted zones. Sudden turnover can release toxic gases, risking a fish kill.

In northern climates, ice-covered ponds trap toxic gases. As organic matter decomposes, oxygen is displaced, possibly leading to winter fish kill if levels drop too low.  However, if you plan to use your pond for recreation such as ice skating or hockey, subsurface aeration is not advised for obvious safety reasons.

What About Aerating Continuously in Hot Climates?

In extremely hot climates, continuous pond aeration can raise water temperature throughout the entire water column. Once water exceeds 83–85°F, fish may experience heat stress.

To address this, some pond owners opt for night-time only aeration. This lets cooler water settle during the day and circulates at night, when oxygen levels naturally drop.

If you’re not running your aeration system continuously, be sure to monitor aeration system pressure. Inactive systems can allow biological growth to clog diffusers, which reduces air flow and stresses the aerator.

The Verdict: Year-round Continuous Pond Aeration Is Best for Most Ponds

Unless you live in an extremely hot climate or use your pond for winter recreation, running your aerator 24/7/365 will deliver the best results. HIBLOW aerators are very energy-efficient and built for continuous use.  You have invested time and money in your system, why not get the most out of it?

More Pond Aeration Content

• Do I Need a Pond Aerator Cover?
• Introducing the HIBLOW Portable Pressure Gauge
• Introducing the HIBLOW Adjustable Height Pond Diffuser 
• What Size Air Pump Should I Buy?
• DIY Pond Aeration
• How to Calculate Backpressure
• What Type of Diffuser Should I Buy for My Pond?
• How Water Depth, Pipe Size and Diffuser Type Affect Longevity
• DIY Solar Pond
• For all HIBLOW pond aeration content click here
• Koi Pond Air Pump: Quality Matters

Follow us on Facebook: HIBLOW Facebook Page

Visit HIBLOW USA at the 2025 FOWA Convention (Booth #817)

HIBLOW USA is happy to announce that it's exhibiting at the 2025 Florida Onsite Wastewater Association’s (FOWA) Convention and Trade Show to be held from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

FOWA is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is education. The organization provides knowledge about wastewater technologies and maintenance standards to ensure a safe and beautiful Florida for future generations.

For more information about the FOWA and the 2025 Convention and Trade Show visit the FOWA Website.

WHY CHOOSE HIBLOW LINEAR AIR PUMPS FOR WASTEWATER?

Four Main Reasons: HIBLOW Quality, Reliability, Performance, and Availability.

In many onsite installations, the linear air pump is the septic system’s only moving part, so it must be dependable. HIBLOW pumps work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our pumps set the industry standard for reliability and service life. Come see us at this year’s Convention and Trade Show at Booth #817 to learn more. We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about HIBLOW linear diaphragm air pumps at HIBLOW Linear Air Pumps - Service Providers and OEM's.

HIBLOW USA
(734) 944-5032