Winter and active bog.

[Angel]

I currently have 100g active bog filter installed this year that feeds my stream/waterfall and is also my main source of filtering. Was wondering on winter time here in NJ. Can i just shut off the flow and let it go as it will stay filled or keep it running and risk ice dams. I do have a floating heater and a small pump to keep the water broke for air.

 

[Lisak1]

This is such a tough question to answer, as there are so many factors to consider. For example, is your bog above ground or below? What about your plumbing? Does it waterfall into the pond or flow through a pipe? How deep is the bog?... I could go on. Pictures or a description of your set up would help immensely.

 

[Angel]

Bog is above ground and it feeds my stream/ waterfall. Bog is that 100g tank above stream. I only currently have on bog and IN a OUT and a OVERflow. gotta clean it out and install a backwash system as I can see it is clogged vie waterfall level. Asking as I rather only clean this thing out maybe 1-2 times a year of course less is better.

 

[Tula]

I don't have a bog, so will let other with bog experience weigh in; however looking at your set up, I think you'll have to shut it down during the winter. The bog container is above ground, subject to freezing and the pipes are also above ground, subject to freezing.

 

[addy1]

If shut down the problem will be the plants will all die, as it will dry out. I wonder if the container could handle being frozen. Just make sure the pipes are drained.

Mine stays full of water, but it is liner and in the ground. It does freeze up.

 

[Lisak1]

Yup - as others have already said, freezing of an above ground bog is a concern. You may be able to insulate it - have you considered building a berm around it? That would help it withstand the cold temps a bit better, but being only 100 gallons, it may still freeze. Same for the plumbing, unless you can wrap it or something.

 

[Faebinder]

My bog froze several times in PA and it's mostly above ground. I shut it down for 1 month when the temperature was approaching 28 F. You may wanna do the same... keep it going till you hit those super low temperatures.

I did cheat at one point and place my trough heater in the pond so the water got warmer after that one month.

 

[Gordo33]

i have a 100 gal stock tank set up as a veggie filter above ground. no rocks or gravel.. it is planted with yellow flag iris year round and water hyacinth spring thru the fall. The water flows out of 5 short pvc pipes, located at the top of the tank, over rocks to create a waterfall and flows via a stream to the pond. I keep it running year round. The inlet to the stock tank, located back lower corner, has a 18 inch long 3 inch diameter pvc pipe with 1/4 inche holes drilled along the length ( inside the tank) This keeps the water from freezing in this area of the tank. The stream freezes but never completely and the water entering the pond creates an ice dome . The first two years the ponds surface froze but because the stock tank and stream had openings there was gas exchange and the fish did fine. I have never used a heating device
There are members here that advised against me keeping the pumps and waterfall running through the winter . The first two winters the pond was open were the coldest with long stretches of freezing temps and a lot of snow. Last couple of winters have been mild . I am located around Philly suburbs so our seasons are similiar.

 

[Tula]

@Gordo33 , do you think your 3 inch diameters PVC pipes make a difference? I would think they would.

 

[Gordo33]

@Gordo33 , do you think your 3 inch diameters PVC pipes make a difference? I would think they would.

i would guess yes but that size pipe is only inside the stock tank . the pipe from the pump to stock stank and the 5 pvc pipes to waterfall are 1.5 inches.

 

[Angel]

Thanks all. I think what I am gonna do as i am gonna empty the gravel out due to a clog and install a bubbler type set up for back washing and a grate just above he water in manifold to reduce clogging. While i am in there gonna install a valve to shut off the water to the stream and use the overflow pipe modified to run a pipe straight to the pond for winter purpose only to bypass the stream and waterfall also using the same modifications to use the overflow as a clean out when I agitate the gravel with air.

 

[Angel]

Yup - as others have already said, freezing of an above ground bog is a concern. You may be able to insulate it - have you considered building a berm around it? That would help it withstand the cold temps a bit better, but being only 100 gallons, it may still freeze. Same for the plumbing, unless you can wrap it or something.

Berm is not cost effective atm as the dirt from the pond is now used elsewhere . BUT I do like the ideal for maybe next time or sinking the tank in ground but both options are for the "next pond"

 

[Lisak1]

There are members here that advised against me keeping the pumps and waterfall running through the winter .

So much of that decision is based on pond construction. There's definitely not a "one-size-fits-all" response to the question.

 

[addy1]

I won't run mine, external pump, big bog with lots of surface area that when cold cools the pond real quick. I enjoy the everything is sleeping time of the year.

 

[Angel]

Thanks all for the input. Almost done with the mod's. Backwash outlet and a bubbler to agitate along with a just in case shop vac acess to completely empty bog done if needed. Just need to finish adding the rocks back in and rest of plants.