bacteria and winter filtering preps

[Steve Nguyen]

from what I read, good bacteria die off during cold months and new bacteria emerge again after water temperature warm up. my question is, at what temp will bacteria start to die and at what temp will new bacteria grows again in warmer months?

for Ultima II filter, at what temp should I switch to "bypass filtering" and drain the water inside? what happen if I keep it operates in filter mode as I do now? there is no benefit in keep it running during the winter months?

Steve

[KoiCop]

Steve . . .

Don't know where you read that but that's not the case in the Bay Area.

Your bacteria won't die off. They'll cut back as the water cools but so will your feeding and your fish, so run that Ultima all winter long.

[dick benbow]

there have been studies that suggest the filter is active even in the 40's. Certainly not as much as in the 80's but then the fish are not as active either. The bacteria always benefit to have filters run 24/7 as opposed to start and stop which will always put a hitch in efficiency.
Certainly as Don points out, the temps shouldn't interfere with your pond's normal operation in cali......even in winter.

Whether bacteria die or just slow would be a good question to ask JR as he seems among all those who comment here to be best versed on this subject.

[koiczar]

Hi Steve

I don't turn my filters off at all during the winter. I still feed during the winter as well, just not as much. I also don't switch to wheat germ as so many do. To me, it's a waste of time. The fish don't really get much out of it. I feed Saki Hikari growth during the summer and then gradually switch to OSI for the winter.

Mike

[koikichitoo]

Mike, what part of the country are you in?

Lori Jo

[koiczar]

Lori Jo

I'm practically next store to Steve, in San Jose, Ca. Water temps rarely drop below 50F.

Mike

[aquitori]

Cut back on feeding and the pond should be fine goin into winter Steve.

[Steve Nguyen]

Guys,

I normally feed them little wheat germ during winter months and stop feeding completely when temp drops below 50 degrees. this is my first year using ultima and want to know how others are using them. I just keep it running as normal then. thx

Steve

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Steve Nguyen Guys, I normally feed them little wheat germ during winter months and stop feeding completely when temp drops below 50 degrees. this is my first year using ultima and want to know how others are using them. I just keep it running as normal then. thx Steve

I would just run the Ultima as usual.

[Steve Nguyen]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori I would just run the Ultima as usual.

Yup! that's the plan now. less work for me.

Steve