Start the pump and filter now. We should be beyond the really heavy
freezes, and the water in the pond will keep the pipes and pump from
freezing. The bacteria will start to grow, though ever so slowly.

Quit feeding the fish. They should not be fed until the water temperature
is consistently over 50, and can wait until the pond temperature hits 55.
The bacteria need an opportunity to grow to keep the ammonia and nitrItes
from getting out of hand. The fish don't digest the food at the lower
temperatures, and it can sit in their gut and rot. A sure way to kill the
fish.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"jimmymac" wrote in message
om...
It is March 14th in Northern Illinois, supposed to be 60 deg. this
weekend. The ice is almost off my pond, the water is about 42 deg.
+-. The water looks dirty, my four 8" Koi are still alive and looking
up at me. I have snuck them a little food the last few days.

IT IS MY FIRST SPRING....

I am dying to start up pumps and filter ... when should I?