I have about a 75 foot stream in my yard that is about 3 feet wide and 6-12
inches deep at the center. I am using a Sequence 5800gph pump in combination
with a Savio skimmer. I want to try to keep it running as long as possible
this winter. We have already had temps below 10 degrees (in Kentucky) and it
has skimmed over in ice with the water running well underneath. It starts in
a waterfall and I too has iced on the edges, but the flow is enough to keep
it open. I want to know if I should remove the filter pad from the skimmer
or leave it in and if it would be advantageous to add a stock tank heater in
the skimmer box near the pump intake? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tim