What to do with 2 large Comets during the Very Cold Upstate NY Weekend

[Zelinda]

Hello all Pond enthusiasts, I am in a quandary over what to do this Winter with 2 large Comets ( approximately 8" ea.). I have a 350 gal. pond. Last year I kept the pump running all year long. We had one freeze up after an abnormal cold snap. I had to break up the ice in sub-zero temps. Not fun. This year is worse for me because my husband is very ill, and I want to solve this problem as easily as possible since my energy reserves are running thin. The local aquarium store where I got the fish charges $90 a month to house the fish for the Winter. This is not affordable for me, and although I love my fish, that cost far exceeds the value of the fish. Please offer any suggestions, thanks in advance. Zelinda

 

[jgrandmont]

Hello. My pond is about twice the size of yours and I live in SE Massachusetts. While I'm sure you experience colder temperatures on a more frequent basis than we do here, occasionally we get very cold for a few days. I use a small heater during those times. They do draw a lot of electricity, but it shouldn't be too expensive to only run it when needed. Most of the time, my pump and waterfall are sufficient to keep a hole in any ice that may form. Good luck in finding a solution!

 

[Mgessert]

Stock tank de-icer from your local farm supply store. Or consider rehoming them so you have one less worry. It sounds like you have enough on you plate right now.

 

[Tula]

What about using one of those low watt floating pond deicer rings, to just keep a hole open, that way you could turn off your pump.

 

[WaterGardener]

Could you set up something like a 100 gallon water trough in a garage or basement for them? Maybe use the same filtration that is in the outdoor pond and put a shop light over it?

 

[Zelinda]

Hello. My pond is about twice the size of yours and I live in SE Massachusetts. While I'm sure you experience colder temperatures on a more frequent basis than we do here, occasionally we get very cold for a few days. I use a small heater during those times. They do draw a lot of electricity, but it shouldn't be too expensive to only run it when needed. Most of the time, my pump and waterfall are sufficient to keep a hole in any ice that may form. Good luck in finding a solution!

Thank you for your response jgrandmont, what kind of heater do you use? Thanks, Z.

 

[jgrandmont]

Thank you for your response jgrandmont, what kind of heater do you use? Thanks, Z.

It's a 1500 watt de-icer meant to be used in metal tanks or troughs. I believe I bought it at Tractor Supply Co. Like I mentioned previously, I only use it when there's a danger of the pond completely freezing over. You wouldn't want (or need) to use it continuously as it could really impact your electricity bill.

 

[GBBUDD]

Throw a pond breather in it will keep one area warm they will huddle close . See you in the spring

 

[Rugar458]

Hello all Pond enthusiasts, I am in a quandary over what to do this Winter with 2 large Comets ( approximately 8" ea.). I have a 350 gal. pond. Last year I kept the pump running all year long. We had one freeze up after an abnormal cold snap. I had to break up the ice in sub-zero temps. Not fun. This year is worse for me because my husband is very ill, and I want to solve this problem as easily as possible since my energy reserves are running thin. The local aquarium store where I got the fish charges $90 a month to house the fish for the Winter. This is not affordable for me, and although I love my fish, that cost far exceeds the value of the fish. Please offer any suggestions, thanks in advance. Zelinda

If you have room set up a rubbermaid stock tank up in the garage or other area that is protected. I have 100 baby koi living nicely in a 70gal stock tank with a large volume filtration system. With an established filter i just change out 10-15 gallons a day and watch the feeding. I am sure two comets would be very happy in this set up.

 

[j.w]

Throw a pond breather in it will keep one area warm they will huddle close . See you in the spring

I don't think anyone can find those anymore, at least they couldn't for awhile anyways.

 

[GBBUDD]

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/kandh-thermo-pond-30-floating-pond-de-icer-100-watt/

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/tetrapond-pond-de-icer-300-watt/

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/heaters-and-de-icers/de-icers/anjon-pond-ventilator-300-watt/

 

[j.w]

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/kandh-thermo-pond-30-floating-pond-de-icer-100-watt/

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/tetrapond-pond-de-icer-300-watt/

https://www.underwaterwarehouse.com/heaters-and-de-icers/de-icers/anjon-pond-ventilator-300-watt/

Looks like those would work! I just know the one's called pond breathers that some have here are no more.

 

[GBBUDD]

I NEVER USED ONE but i know this guy has got it or hell tell me where i can find it