Originally Posted by
PattyT
I live in northern wyoming, zone 4- ish, and hope to over winter the fish without additional heat. I am planing our first dedicated koi pond with the help of Mike from Koi Acres. The pond is 5.5' deep, all below ground, gravity filtration in an insulated filtration 'bunker' that is bordered by the house on two sides. One bottom drain, one surface skimmer, return via a water fall. Volume is about 2000 gallons. Construction is insulated concrete forms. We plan on a small fish load for this small pond. The pond will have solar gain in the winter until noon. The ground water is at 7'. We can cover the pond with a frame and solar cover if necessary.
I am confused about what my options are:
1)continuing to run the filter throughout the winter, thus continuing circulation and increasing heat loss
2)running the filter and changing the water return to a lower level in the pond
3)draining filter system completely and just keeping ice from freezing over.
Suggestions??
Thanks,
Patty