Pond Heaters

Pond heaters are necessary for ponds situated in areas that have cold winters, particularly for the pond’s plants or fish that must be sustained during winter seasons. The temperature of the pond water must not go lower than 50ºF, so pond heaters are needed. Additionally, they are also required for melting at least a little hole on the surface of the ice, which allows water oxygenation during winters.

The maintenance of Koi or other types of fish in the pond needs to have a stable temperature year round to ensure their proper health, and pond heaters are the best sources for this requirement. If the pond is deep enough, fish can survive in the pond even during winters. However, for shallow ponds, either a pond “de-icer” or heater must be used, or the fish can be brought inside the house if enough room is available.

Basics of Pond Heaters

A pond heater lies on the pond’s bottom and should be totally submerged when being used. Pond heaters are made with rubber bumper that surround them, so that they don’t touch the side or bottom of the pond. Controllers for pond heaters should not get wet, and must be secured from water at all times.

A number of heaters for ponds are provided with air pumps and filters that are attached to the heaters, so that one can do work of producing oxygen, pond heating, and filtering waste all in one time. Keep in mind that pond heaters will be used 24/7 during winters, so one must look for brands that’s energy efficient. Using pond heaters that are solar-powered aren’t recommended, as the sun doesn’t shine that much during winters.

An important thing to be aware about is if bubbles are seen forming underneath the ice, as it might be methane that’s toxic for fishes if not released. Small ponds can solve this through placing hot water over the surface of the ice till it melts through, permitting the methane to leak out. The use of pond heaters can prevent this occurrence as pond water gas/air exchange is kept at a balance.

Pond Heaters And Pond De-Icers

A lot of people sometimes mistake pond heaters for pond de-icers. Pond de-icers are essentially important if the pond has living creatures like fish; however, they’re not heaters. Pond de-icers that are submersible keep a tiny opening melted on the surface of the pond to allow toxic gases to escape, as well as permit oxygen to enter concurrently.

Floating pond de-icers have the ability to almost keep the whole pond surface melted, depending on the pond’s volume, as these types of de-icers float on the surface. Pond de-icers have automatic thermo-regulators, which automatically turns on if pond water temperature drops to below 40°F.

Choosing Pond Heater Sizes

In determining the right size for the pond heater that you’ll need, keep in mind that it’ll take about 1000-watt pond heater to heat two hundred fifty gallons of water to 10°F. It’s always good to do the calculations before choosing the size of the pond heater suitable for the volume of the pond.

Pond heater prices will usually depend on the capacity of the heater. Prices typically range from approximately $440 to $800.

Pond heaters are essential for ponds that sustain plants and fish. Ice on backyard ponds can form harmful gasses from algae, decaying plants, and fish waste that can’t dissipate. Pond heaters can create the opening needed for allowing the balance of gas and air exchange, which prevents the build up of toxins –fish remain healthy all throughout the winter months. It is important to choose a pond heater that’s appropriate for the pond size and the volume of living creatures in it.