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Part 4 of 4 Newsletters: Equipment
The Equipment:
There are differing opinions on what to do with the equipment that filters, pumps and sterilizes your pond. One thing we know for sure, you do not need UVC filtration during cold weather. There are those who advise to turn off your waterfall and cease circulating the pond water as the fish do not require the added oxygenation and contend circulation by waterfall causes the water to get colder than it would otherwise. We have had success running ours year round here in Central PA, but you may want to just shut them down till Spring.
If you turn your pump off, - store it properly. You should remove it from the check valve and place the pump in a container of water in a frost free area to stop the seals from drying out and cracking.
Disconnect and clean all of the equipment in your pond. The pump, filter systems and UV sterilizers should be checked, cleaned and air dried prior to storing them. Basements or attached garages that don't freeze are prime choices for storage. Follow the instructions that came with your UV or use the following general procedure. To properly clean a UV, mix a solution of 50/50 water and Clorox 2, NOT REGULAR CLOROX. Place masking tape over one of the holes. Pour solution into the UV until it is about half full. Place tape over the other end and shake vigorously for 2 minutes. Pour out and repeat. Next remove the tape and lay the UV on the ground. Place the end of your garden hose in one end and turn on at about 50%. Let the water run through it for at least 5 minutes. Now turn the UV 180 degrees and repeat the procedure. This way the UV will be properly rinsed and will not harm fish or plants in the spring.
Pumps and Filters:
Depending on your climate and other factors you may or may not want to run your pump and filter system through the winter. If you live in a climate with temperatures mostly well above freezing then it will be to your advantage to keep your pump and filter running through the winter. The bacteria in your biological filter will not be active at low temperatures but it will remain alive as long as you keep it supplied with oxygen-laden water. When spring arrives and the water temperature is rising the bacteria can start to work immediately keeping the water quality good for your fish and helping to control the algae. Should you choose to run your filter through the winter it is a good idea to minimize the water circulation in order to take advantage of the layering effect of the water. (Water temperature is densest at 39 degrees and the water on the bottom of the pond will remain at this temperature even with freezing temperatures on the surface.) Some ways to minimize circulation is to turn off bottom drains if possible, place intakes to pumps/filters at mid-water, turn off surface skimmers, (you do not want to circulate top or bottom water in the winter), place your intakes closer to the outlets in the pond (waterfall or fountain), and or turn the pump down. These actions will allow the biological filters to stay alive without interfering with the layering of the water. Massive circulation of water in the winter can super chill the water by exposing warmer pond water to below freezing temperatures leading to the death of the fish. One problem with running a pump and filter in the winter is the potential of major damage to your filter and plumbing system if the power goes off for extended periods and you are not at home to make sure that no water is present in the filter and plumbing. If water is allowed to freeze in plumbing, UV's and filters this can lead to breakage requiring replacement of these units. If your system is designed to allow the water to flow back into the pond in the event of a power outage then these problems can be averted. If you have a check valve installed in your system you can use a long piece of small tubing or wire to hold the valve open to allow the water to drain out.
You can turn off the pumps and filters for the winter. Cold water holds much more oxygen than warm water and the fish's respiration is slow therefore you should not need the circulation and aeration. The bacteria in your biological filter does not work in cold temperatures so the only reason to run the filter is to keep the bacteria alive. If you turn off the pump and filter for the winter be sure to drain all plumbing. External filters, UV's, and external pumps will need to be drained. Submersible pumps should be left in the pond or in a bucket of water in a warm place to keep the seals from drying out. If you choose this method be sure to clean the filter before starting up in the spring. With the absence of biological filtration you may want to add Microbe-Lift's new Autumn Prep which contains bacteria that will work in near freezing temperatures and it also contains enzymes that consume cellulose in the form of leaves.
- Also when the water temperature has dropped into the forties, reduce the circulation of the pond water by either turning off the pump for the winter and draining of all the plumbing or preferably by placing the pump or the intake to the pump closer to the water outlet (waterfall etc.) and pick up water from mid-level of the pond. Also turn down the water flow.
- If you keep your filter running through the winter, you must take precautions against the freezing of water in your plumbing should there be a power outage.
Final Thoughts:
We hope this information has been helpful. Preparing for winter is a very important part of the necessary maintenance to preserve the eco-system of your pond. Your fish will be happy and safe and you will find that your spring maintenance will be significantly reduced giving you more time to enjoy the awakening pond life.
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