Heater needed?

[DK910]

Looking ahead to the inevitable, should I invest in a 50watt less or more heater or just run my pump 3-5 hours as I’m currently doing through the winter and Of course don’t let it freeze over. I’m more concerned about the oxygen levels and possible freeze..thanks in advance

 

[Mmathis]

Are you wanting to HEAT the pond, or just keep a hole open? How deep is your pond?

 

[j.w]

Some here use something called "pond breathers" that keep a hole open if it freezes. Oh and think you need to change your Hardiness zone on your account cuz Pa is no way in zone12! You can also run an aerator.

 

[JBViper4]

I just put a horse trough heater in mine (900G) every October thru May. It keeps things aerated and doesn't freeze thru even in tough winters for koi, comets and shubunkins. $30 or so from Tractor Supply.

 

[DK910]

Some here use something called "pond breathers" that keep a hole open if it freezes. Oh and think you need to change your Hardiness zone on your account cuz Pa is no way in zone12! You can also run an aerator.

What zone is it vs no way it’s 12‍

 

[DK910]

Are you wanting to HEAT the pond, or just keep a hole open? How deep is your pond?

Yes..it’s only 150 gallons..2ft deep

 

[CometKeith]

Yes..it’s only 150 gallons..2ft deep

Hi you definitely don’t need to heat it unless you have stock in the local utility company! Sometimes the thermostats don’t work properly and it can be very expensive to run a heater. Also warmer water in the winter may allow bacterial infections in your fish so it’s better to let nature run its course literally and figuratively. The best solution Is a pond breather. Also you can put in an aerator but leave it running 24/7. Sometimes if you have a heavy snowfall even the breather can get buried by snow for a few days and it’s good to have an aerator to pump some air in the water to help with gas exchange so they don’t suffocate from lack of O2. I also run a water pump all winter but if you do that you have to make sure the flow doesn’t freeze up and go to where you don’t want it to make an ice skating rink! I’ve done that! Now explain to me why we are talking about ice and snow and it was 92 degrees here yesterday!

 

[jgrandmont]

As @CometKeith says, heaters can be expensive to run. I only run the heater in my 700 gallon pond in the coldest of winter conditions to keep a hole in the ice. Otherwise, my goldfish don't require the warmth and have successfully made it through two Massachusetts winters so far.

 

[DK910]

Hi you definitely don’t need to heat it unless you have stock in the local utility company! Sometimes the thermostats don’t work properly and it can be very expensive to run a heater. Also warmer water in the winter may allow bacterial infections in your fish so it’s better to let nature run its course literally and figuratively. The best solution Is a pond breather. Also you can put in an aerator but leave it running 24/7. Sometimes if you have a heavy snowfall even the breather can get buried by snow for a few days and it’s good to have an aerator to pump some air in the water to help with gas exchange so they don’t suffocate from lack of O2. I also run a water pump all winter but if you do that you have to make sure the flow doesn’t freeze up and go to where you don’t want it to make an ice skating rink! I’ve done that! Now explain to me why we are talking about ice and snow and it was 92 degrees here yesterday!

First, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rookie Breather or aerator? Can the pump alone 24/7 suffice? I usually only run mines 4-5 hours per day. My explanation Because I’ve Invested a few $$ in this and because I don’t want to kill anymore (2) fish, I like to be prepared for the inevitable

 

[DK910]

First, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rookie Breather or aerator? Can the pump alone 24/7 suffice? I usually only run mines 4-5 hours per day. My explanation Because I’ve Invested a few $$ in this and because I don’t want to kill anymore (2) fish, I like to be prepared for the inevitable

Also, would just a simple small pump to create bubbles suffice for the co2???

 

[Mmathis]

Also, would just a simple small pump to create bubbles suffice for the co2???

Do you mean O2?

 

[DK910]

Do you mean O2?

Yes

 

[CometKeith]

Also, would just a simple small pump to create bubbles suffice for the co2???

Hey. So everyone’s pond is slight different so it’s hard to say exactly what anyone else needs. I’m in Chicago so I’m guessing we get more snow than you do. You can try running an aerator and see how that works. It is a good source of dissolved O2 for your pond. If your pond does freeze over you can put a pot with boiling water on the ice to melt a hole. If I had a choice of just one thing for my pond for the winter I would always go with a pond breather. In the 5 years I have been using it I have never lost one fish due to winter conditions except for one poor fish that decided to swim into my bog that isn’t very deep

 

[mrsclem]

In response to hardiness zone- Pittsburg , Pa is zone 6. The pond breathers do work great but have been discontinued by the manufacturer so may be hard to find one.

 

[Mmathis]

Yes..it’s only 150 gallons..2ft deep

How wide and long is it? If it’s a container pond, is there any way you can just take it inside for the winter months?

What zone is it vs no way it’s 12‍