Return to the Ponds & Aquatic Plants Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
filter in winter?
| | |
Posted by bigbisquit CT (My Page) on Sun, Sep 21, 08 at 9:31
| we have a 135 gallon pond with a 35 gallon spillway, i now use a filter on my pump, we will install a thermo deicer for the first time when it gets cold, do we need to keep the filter on the pump? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: filter in winter?
| | |
Some people leave their pump running all year, but for most it is more problem than benefit. At that size are you going to leave fish in? In CT I would guess that may become an issue over the winter.
Depending on setup, I would definitely take the pump out and store it in a bucket of water inside. Keeps the seals and what not wet. Prefilter, skimmer, or what type of filter will decide what to do with it. 135 gallons I'm guessing its not too deep. I'd suggest taking the fish out and returning the deicer. Could be wrong depending on depth. Wouldn't risk it if the fish are expensive at all. |
RE: filter in winter?
| | |
| If you are going to run your pump during the winter, you definitely need the filter in place. Winter winds frequently blow fallen leaves and plant debris into a pond and they will get into your pump and clog it without a prefilter. If you are not going to run your pump during winter, why worry about the filter? I have a thermo heater and they only keep an opening in surface ice. I'm not sure if it would keep a 135 gallon pond from freezing solid during a cold winter. A bubbler or pump might offer a better solution. Moving water is more resistant to freezing. |
RE: filter in winter?
| | |
| I think a lot depends on how cold your winters are. Here in Tulsa, we leave our pumps and filters running all year because we very rarely have issues with icing. I didn't see any ice at all in my pond last winter, even during out coldest month of January. In fact, my pond water never got below 40 all winter. I'm not sure how much ice and snow you get in CT, but 135 gallons is pretty small to leave fish in it in a very cold climate. As for leaving the pump and filter running, I would worry about issues with ice dams in your spillway that can divert the water and empty your pond. You might want to consider setting up some kind of stock tank in the garage or basement, or even a large aquarium in the den, and bring the fish (and the pump) inside for the winter. |
RE: filter in winter?
| | |
| I live in CT and had the same setup as you before enlarging my pond. I purchased a stock tank heater from Agway in Manchester. It worked great with my preform and I didn't notice a drastic increase in electric bill. The heater automatically turns on when the water temp goes below 44. Fish loved it and they would circle around the heater all winter. I still use my heater and highly recommend it in CT. I also left my pump in the water unplugged over the winter along with cutting back plants and sinking. No problem at all. Hope this helps. |
|
|
|
|
