Hey there. In zone 6a you shouldn't have a problem with running the pump/bio filter all winter. I'm in zone 5 and mine runs all winter since I got up the courage to try it. But, and it is a big but, a lot depends on the size and depth of the pond, the size of the pump and how cold it gets. One of the smaller ponds I built that was shallow (18 inches) and only held 150 gallons froze so badly that the tubing froze closed and almost wrecked the pump and since the water was pumped onto the top of the ice and couldn't get back under it, there was no water left under the ice to pump which wasn't good for the pump either. At the same time a larger pond, 1000 gallons, 3 ft deep with water running through a large Skippy filter made lots of ice but the falling water created a tube where the water was moving too quickly to freeze. Rather pretty. The surface area there is about 10x10. I also run a bubbler 24/7. No other deicer has been necessary. The pump volume is about 1570 gallons per hour. If you have 25 fish your pond is probably at least 1000 gallons so if it is not extremely shallow and your pump is adequate, you probably won't have a problem. If you have to choose between a pump and a bubbler take out the pump. So long as the water continues to be aerated the fishes will be fine. Algae does not grow in really cold water so you could take out the UV. Don't leave it in if it isn't running or the tube could shatter from the cold. The muddy water on the bottom is probably mulm (poop and organic debris settling to the lowest level. If there isn't a lot and your water is otherwise clear and healthy (test the water)you can leave if for now. Vacuum it up when the weather is warmer or move the input tube closer to it now. Is there some reason you can't allow the water to drain over the side or out an overflow tube? In most cases, unless you have a real gusher the water level should not get so high to cause a lot of overflow. It seems a lot of trouble to lower the water level before a rain. Usually there has been enough evaporation to drop the level and the rain just tops it off. The only reason I can imagine is if the pond is not above the surrounding ground level. Then you might have a problem with runoff going into the pond and that is something you need to avoid in the first place.

hey dennis- Glad you found us. You're just in time! Have you checked out the FAQs yet? There's a lot of good information there, so you'll want to start there, but for now, here are some starter suggestions: The official/unofficial starting date is December 21- Winter Solstice. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't start longer germination-time things earlier, but as a point-of-reference, let's use that date. Start collecting containers. Anything that will hold 3+ inches of soil will do: milk/water jugs in gallons or 1/2 gallons (just make sure they aren't the light-block kind), 2L bottles (doesn't matter if they are green or clear), ice cream tubs/boxes, (deeper) foil pans, cake containers from the bakery (turn upside down to use), deli containers...anything you can find. Collect seeds from your garden and/or swap with folks around these boards. Also keep an eye out for 'enabling' posts, as we are famous for interrupting your regularly scheduled programming with urgent bulletins about what seed-racks have shown up at local retailers, or when Valueseeds updates their inventory (that one will be SOON). There will be lots of threads throughout the WS season as to who is sowing what-when in their zone, as well as questions about which type of seed can be sown when. Feel free to ask about the seeds that you're holding in your hand, or try a search. We're a friendly bunch. Prep your containers by putting a few drain holes in the bottom of your containers, and (if using milk jugs) cut those the way you like (there are several ways to prep milk jugs with 'windows' or slicing around the middle horizontally). Toss out the milk caps. If using deli or other containers, you'll want some vent holes in the top, too. Maybe find some duct tape (for holding containers shut). Scope out your local nurseries, grain/feed stores, or other to find your soil- a lot of us use a 'professional' growers mix like Lambert's brand, Pro Mix brand, or other brands- usually can find those in big bales, or Miracle Grow if you like to use that. There are a lot of negative experiences with Hyponex, so you'll want to research that to make a decision on whether or not you want to try it. I think that should keep you busy for a while. Check out Trudi's website as mentioned above if you haven't yet; there are lots of PICTURES and more detailed instructions so you can get a good handle on the how-to of it all. Otherwise, enjoy the ride; it's a very easy & enjoyable process!

The heaters you are describing sounds more like ones that will just keep a hole in the ice. It would not really heat the water enough for the fish. At your temps I doubt the fish would make it. I'm assuming your temps stay low for quiet some time and would freeze the pond over. Bringing them indoors is an option. Lots of people in colder climates do this. You'll need a large enough tub, pool, tank, etc...a filter, pump, and a heater if the place you intend to put them is not heated. Approx. size tank for 9 koi at 6 inches each....I'd give them at least 50-100 gallons of water per fish. So you're looking at between 450-900 gallons of water. Filtration is going to be your buddy here. Do you have a garage or basement? Heated preferably, but if not you could purchase an aquarium heater large enough. IF it were me going to bring them into a garage or basement.....I would build a tank. Think of how a wall in a home is built. Use 2x4s and make a box. Put plywood inside ; and outside would be great with some type of insulation between the wall. I'd use styro foam between the wall if possible. You will then have to purchase pond liner and use some kind of underlayment(a styro foam sheet would be good on the bottom too if it's going to sit on concrete), and cover the inside of the box. Not sure what type of filter you have but you might be able to bring it inside too. I'm assuming that you shut down the pond for winter...no pump running. If you can't bring it inside or don't want to then you can either buy another pump and filter or make a filter from a large bucket.....5 gallons or larger , depending on the size of tank you make. Just remember....if you start with a new filter then your tank will have to fully cycle or you are going to have problems with ammonia building and could lose fish. A new filter is going to take 6-8 weeks to cycle. And you do need a fish or two in there to get it cycled. Now IF you have a big enough place indoors , that is heated, you could buy an INTEX brand swimming pool and put them in it. That is the only brand I know will not harm your fish. Most pools have an algae inhibitor in them and you DON"T want that. No mater what you put them in make sure you put a tight net over it just in case they jump. Oh, as for your fish having babies....I don't see how if they are only 6 inches long now. From what I know koi can't breed at that age. Do you have other fish too? Goldfish? Ok, whew...sorry for the book. ;) Ask all the questions you want to. ~Karen

Hi again Well I did everything as suggested but it was hopeless. My DH has taken it to the farm where he hopes to revive it. He said it never developed a root system in its new spot and he was able to pull it out easily. Now I know what was wrong I feel better about it.(I mean giving up on the plant) So...vale Perfect Moment. I will get another one next year as a bare root and start again. cheers Michelle