Hi folks, new here.
My name is Russ and I'm a pond owner!
Sounds like I'm admitting a problem...

We have a 2 y/o pond things were doing well until I started reading here about not aerating the middle in the winter.

My question is: With the open water in the center (will change that next year) the wife and I are concerned the deer will fall in and not be able to get out. Has anyone ever had that happen to them?

"Yep" Thin ice is a problem and so is open water. Usually hear of a few that fall in every year NW Ohio.I have deer tracks on my snow covered ponds all winter. Another reason to have a winter diffuser set up in very shallow water so if aeration is needed it reduces the odds of this happening.Not sure why they have a need to cross the snow covered ice as you would think the difference from frozen ground to ice would be noticeable. I have another pond with an open out flow all year long that many deer drink out of but still have tracks all over both ponds so its not like they are serching for water. PS Welcome to PondBoss.Ted

thanks Ted. for the welcome and answering.
one more question
Should I shut the air diffuser off for the balance of the winter?

RD what size is your pond and what are you aerating with and at what depth is your deepest diffuser?

Ted,
ours is 100X200 and at the deepest it is 15-18ft. We have a windmill with the (1)diffuser at the deepest spot.

I would shut it off in a pond that size, Your water has to be very cold in Michigan in March, You probably stand a better chance of over circulating (too cold on the bottom) than having low DO. I installed a simple bypass valve on my windmill right at one of the tower legs (about $4.00)If you go a month of snow cover open it back up until you thaw a hole, let it refreeze clear and your pond will be fine. Open water in a Michigan pond all winter will propably cause more fish stress then it is worth taking the chance on. Do not be concerned about having to have it open all winter to let gasses out. Use the monthly schedule above, If it freezes clear and stays that way leave it frozen for even two months at a time would not hurt in a 2 year old pond as yours. Then open it up for a short time if it is frozen clear (doubtful in Michigan)for perhaps a day providing the air temp is not 20 F or less. Sunlight can penetrate very thick cloudy ice and a little sunlight goes a long way in cold water. Also your demand for DO in cold water is low and in a pond this age is still low compared to what you will need when it heats up and your plant life and fish have matured.Good LuckTed

Ted,
we cut the line to the windmill... where can I buy the bypass valve?
thanks

RD Check your PM

Ted, check you PM'S