On 28 Sep 2006 09:13:18 -0700, wrote:

You shouldn't keep the pump running. If you are keeping your fish in
the pond you should have a small pump that rests on the bottom of the
pond and has a solid extension reaching to just below the surface of
the water, leave this pump running. This will help keep a hole in the
pond and will allow the toxic gasses that build up escape.

NOTE: your pond should be at least 6 feet.... 2 meters deep to keep the
fish in the pond otherwise you need to bring your fish inside.
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Definitive Aquarium, Inc
Golden Valley, MN 55427

That's probably good advice in MN, but the OP is from SE England, doubt
they see temps much below freezing. Even in MN I would think covering and
using a stock tank heater will keep most fish safe.

Like Ingrid mentioned, running the filter without water splashing into the
air (fountains/waterfalls) is highly recommended. Every pond design is
different so one has to take that into account. I personally have found
putting my filter on a slower flow, bypassing the waterfall and covering
with screen netting, works. I also have a stock tank heater right next to
the skimmer, when temps drop below freezing I switch it on and it keeps my
pond water temp well above and close to 40F. But best of all? Come spring
my filter is far more ready to roll then back in the old days when I
cleaned & shut it down completely. ~ jan

----------------
See my ponds thru the seasons and/or my filter design:
http://users.owt.com/jjspond/

~Keep 'em Defrosted~
Tri-Cities, WA Zone 7a
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