I have a 218 gallon garden pond with a pump/bio waterfall. When winter arrives, can I turn off my pump?

Question

Any danger to the kois in the pond?

Answer 1

keeping the pump running will keep an open spot on your pond
instead of allowing it to freeze over the whole top, they have to have an open breathing hole for oxygen
what you should be concerned about is the depth of your pond
is it going to freeze solid? the koi cannot survive if you pond is not deep enough
you might want to consider bringing your koi in for the winter

Answer 2

Once the water reaches below 60F, you should start feeding your Koi a low protein food every other day. Once the temp of the water gets below 50F you shouldn't feed the Koi anything. If the temperature is going to consistently stay below 50F your Koi will become inactive and the bio-filter and pump aren't necessary.
A

Answer 3

I always leave my pump on over winter, it helps to stop the water freezing. its unlikely that it will freeze in the filter or pipes as its moving water, that is unless it get exceptionally cold.if this happens you will have to turn it off for a while. I have known of people that float a ball in the pond to keep an area from freezing over and allow oxygen in, they turn the ball daily.its worth a try but never done it myself.

Answer 4

How far south are you, the Kois may survive, but in a freeze, the water in your pump won't and it will crack.

If you do that make sure there is no water in there.

Answer 5

you can turn off your filter make sure you drain it so it dont freeze and crack your pump but you will need to keep air pump on to keep water from freezing in that small of a pond.other than that they will do fine for winter.