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As someone mentioned, the fish and the entire system slow in metabolic production as water cools. And the bacteria is no exception. It is in sync with the environment. As food source declines, growth declines. And death rates, of course, are a constant regardless of temperature. So the population atrophies as much as dies back. No new ones, survival of the young cells and death in the old cells. But a typical winter sees an adapted core population and things called 'resting cells' surviving to next spring with minimal ammonia and minimal activity.
So don't shut off the filters! This will produce a highly refined and adaptable population to your specific conditions.[/quote]
This is so important for the winter months but in order to be able to keep the filters going through the winter in Northern areas it is necessary to put some form of cover over the pond and a little heat during the really cold spells .Next to bottom drains in importance I would build a trellice over the pond with a permament top cover this would eliminate the need for uv lights for the summer and for the winter simply wrap the sides . You could then decrease the winter by 2 months .
Regards
Eugene
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