Autumn is a transition period: days get shorter, temperatures drop, and trees begin shedding their leaves. Your pond feels this shift too — and a bit of attention now can save a lot of work later.
Something as simple as adding bird netting over the pond can make a big difference. It will catch falling leaves before they sink and rot, while also helping protect fish as plants die back and natural cover disappears.
Hardy plants like water hawthorn and rotala continue working through the cooler months, and Colorado water lilies can hold their pads year-round — worth considering if your pond starts to look bare.
For extra shelter, caves or sunken pipes can be added now and removed again in spring if need be.
As the water cools, fish activity slows — reduce feeding gradually and stop altogether once temperatures drop below about 10°C. If you’d like to be precise, a simple pond thermometer takes the guesswork out — just get in touch and we can bring one along or help with anything else you need.
Aquarium Makeovers: Small Tweaks - Stunning Tanks
Your aquarium doesn’t need to be torn down to feel brand new.
A simple re-scape — repositioning decor elements, adding a single statement piece of driftwood or feature rock or grouping stones into a new focal point — can completely shift the feel of the tank.
Tidying up plants or exchanging for healthier varieties, upgrading to a better suited light for your plants and/or fish lifts the whole display in a flash.
Even adjusting the fish population — rehoming some of the fish or adding a carefully selected species — can reset the balance and behaviour.
With winter approaching and more time spent indoors, now is the perfect time for a change like this.
To discuss your next aquarium makeover, contact RedFish BlueFish.
Water Features - Skip the Chlorine
If you have a water feature (no fish or plants), it can be tempting to use pool chlorine or bleach to keep the water looking clean. We strongly recommend avoiding this.
Chlorine may clear the water quickly, but it can be tough on your feature over time, wearing down pumps, seals, and surfaces, and upsetting the natural balance that helps keep things stable. It can also cause damage if it splashes or runs into surrounding plants.
There are safer ways to manage your water feature without causing harm. We use natural, harmless treatments suited to local conditions and can recommend the right approach for your setup — just get in touch, we are happy to help.
At RedFish BlueFish, we’re passionate about bringing the beauty and tranquillity of aquatic life to your doorstep. As Auckland’s trusted experts, we specialise in designing, building, and maintaining stunning aquariums and garden ponds for both commercial and residential clients across Greater Auckland.
Our mission is simple: to create and nurture thriving, stable aquatic ecosystems. Let us transform your space with the magic of water.
