DIY Pond Heater?

[unfiltered]

Has anyone made a DIY "pass through" pond heater? I saw a You Tube video of a guy who created one using a length of piping, an electric heating element, automatic thermostat and low GPH pump. He was living in the midwest somewhere and was able to keep his temps just over 50° or under 40°. The concept seems relatively easy.

The reason I am contemplating this idea is because my pond is rather small (17' boat), poorly insulated on exposed sides. I have a 4 aerators running and the pond has frozen over during a recent cold snap (I am in PA).

Thoughts?

 

[Patfish]

Love the boat idea
It looks so cool. My diy device for winter just keeps a hole in the ice it doesn't heat the water at all

 

[sissy]

To me a pond heater you buy is easier .I just wish I did not have such bad luck this year

 

[Lisak1]

Did you decide to try your idea @unfiltered ?

 

[gwbasley]

Yup...I made this one out of a salvaged heat unit from a hot tub / spa. I used it in my 400 gal.pond when I had Plecos. I ran it continuous from a 'side arm' connection from my pump manifold and just checked the temp daily when we fed them in the AM shutting it off manually when the cold spell passed.

Pics:

Hope this is helpful...

George