Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Dissolved Oxygen under ice, longer days

Trout staying higher in the water column indicates lower DO than 5ppm deeper. Tannin stained water does reduce sunlight penetration and less natural DO production. The thick layer of cloudy ice inhibits sunlight penetration and DO production. Small area of open water with diffuser action should help add some DO but not a lot. Apparently the fish have found the diffuser boil area with water having some higher DO. If you did not have the diffuser operating I think there would be a noticeable fish winter kill. IMO if you can keep an aeration diffuser area ice free the trout should survive this winter.