Hello All,
I'm looking for some help with what type of valves and where placed in order to shut down my filters for the winter. I'm in the process of building so I would like to do this now if possible rather than retro-fit something later on. I live in an area that can have freezing temperatures that could last more than 24 hours. I'm afraid the s/g barrels, being exposed to the elements, will ice up or a least cool the water more so than if the water remained in the pond. My pond is 16x12x5 (oval). My set-up is as follows: aerated bottom drains to sieve to ext pump to 3 separate s/g barrels that are above ground which return to the pond via TPR's, a GPR and a small bog/fall.
1. I'm guessing I could install valves in the lines so that the s/g barrel could be drained for the winter. I'm just not quite sure where. If I could have some suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
2. I was possibly thinking of trying to shut down only the fall and leaving the TPR's & GPR running through the winter but again, if the water runs thru the 2 S/G's, I would be worried the water would be cooled then sent back into the pond 4 feet down where it should warm for the Koi.
I hate to have to shut down my filtration over the winter (shut down in Nov)because I hate to have to start it back up in April and have to start the bio all over again.
Thanks for any thoughts/opinions. I greatly appreciate it.
Jo