Thinking Ahead

[DigdirtJen]

Hello everyone!

I'm thinking ahead about the coming winter. My pond is 300 gallons and 25" deep. I live in zone 7b. Should i buy a heater or a de-icer? What brand would you recommend?

thank you!

 

[mrsclem]

I have deicers but also use Pond Breathers.

 

[TheFishGuy]

I just keep my pond with a pump running at the bottom to keep a hole in the ice, and also a deicer.

( I am in zone 5a so a lot colder than many here in the winter )

 

[BKHpondcritters]

I'm in zone 7a & I keep a floating deicer in front of our big skimmer, but only plug it in if temps fall seriously low ( single digits over night with daytime highs at or near freezing)
I do run our waterfalls all year 'round, so that's what keeps a 'hole in the ice' when it's very cold. I only run the deicer to keep the water from freezing up in front of the skimmer & (potentially) starving the pump.

 

[Jhn]

I would just toss a pond breather in there. I have used one for the past 3-4 years on an above ground 300 gal. Stock tank that is plumbed into one of my ponds, Shubunkins fry always end up in there and have yet to lose a fish in it. Ice freezes thick in it too as it is exposed completely to the elements.

In my actual ponds I leave the pumps running year round, as well as an aerator in shallow water. Usually toss pond breathers in there and leave them unplugged as a back up, but haven’t needed them in recent years.

 

[Mmathis]

I am in zone 8a/b. My pond doesn’t freeze, so no advice, but have heard positive reports on the pond breather.

 

[JamieB]

Same zone, I’d agree with others, only plug it in when needed. No preference from me on brands, I’m not that far on my pond yet!

 

[addy1]

I use the pond breather , have for years now. No fish loss over winter. I usually just plug it in when and if we have a cold winter.