Time to start up the pond?

[Meyer Jordan]

Since the pond is its own primary biofilter, the sooner that circulation of the water column can be initiated the better, even if only within the confines of the pond itself. The Nitrifying bacteria in the pond's biofilm have survived the Winter and, with temperatures rising, are looking for Ammonia to 'munch on'. And since the fish are not at full metabolic speed, these bacteria within the pond should be able to keep up with the Ammonia production until the supplemental biofiltration can be fully brought on-line.
Work with Nature!

 

[EricV]

Since the pond is its own primary biofilter, the sooner that circulation of the water column can be initiated the better, even if only within the confines of the pond itself. The Nitrifying bacteria in the pond's biofilm have survived the Winter and, with temperatures rising, are looking for Ammonia to 'munch on'. And since the fish are not at full metabolic speed, these bacteria within the pond should be able to keep up with the Ammonia production until the supplemental biofiltration can be fully brought on-line.
Work with Nature!

That's my thought as well. I only shut things down because I was worried about forming an ice dam, pumping water out of the pond, and burning up the pump.

 

[cas]

I only shut things down because I was worried about forming an ice dam, pumping water out of the pond, and burning up the pump.

That, and I don't want to be cleaning the filter when it is freezing cold out!
Pond temps in high 40's and air temps in 60's so I started my pump up a couple of days ago.

 

[adavisus]

You will be having a hefty cold blast middle of March, keep an eye on Accuweather

 

[cas]

You will be having a hefty cold blast middle of March,

Always. Last year in April we had 6 inches of snow. But on the bright side - it wont last long!

 

[addy1]

Since the pond is its own primary biofilter, the sooner that circulation of the water column can be initiated the better, even if only within the confines of the pond itself. The Nitrifying bacteria in the pond's biofilm have survived the Winter and, with temperatures rising, are looking for Ammonia to 'munch on'. And since the fish are not at full metabolic speed, these bacteria within the pond should be able to keep up with the Ammonia production until the supplemental biofiltration can be fully brought on-line.
Work with Nature!

I have had a small pump running all winter, 250 gph, mainly to keep a hole in the non existent ice. Both ponds with fish have a small amount of circulation going. Also the pond breathers, which I just turned off.