Pond questions

Question
We are planning an~ 12' x 18 ' x 3" D pond with waterfall. Since we will have about five Koi in it, plus a few other guys.... Do you recommend a bottom "pressure filter" system as well as a skimmer filter w/ bio filter return?
I'm getting mixed suggestions from local installers.

Our small ponds were always shut down during our winters, here in NJ,using only a float heater to prevent full freeze over... I have one installer trying to set me up with a year-round pond and water fall (with the waterfall turned off only with extreme cold continus weather).. any thoughts on that? Shouldn't our fish go into hibernation during the Dec - April months?

Len

Answer
I assume you meant 3' deep and not 3"?  A bottom "pressure filter" is what, a bottom drain?  The common thing for filtration systems for koi ponds now is to have a skimmer and bottom drain go to a vortex and then other filters.  If your pond is mostly for koi, then a skimmer and bottom drain makes sense.  If you want other animals, it may not be the best choice.

I run my waterfall every day of the year but it's a little colder in NJ than MD.  See my winterizing page at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm for my views on hibernation, keeping the falls going, etc.  It depends on what you want and what kinds of risks you want to take.  There are pros and cons to leaving the falls going.

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com