Comments on: Do I really need a pond deicer? It costs a small fortune to run it. Are there any other options? – Water Garden & Features Q & A

By: Gary Van Blaricom

Gary Van Blaricom — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:13:53 +0000

Thank You the information was very Helpful
Gary Van Blaricom

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:54:54 +0000

Hi Rod, The most energy efficient way to de-ice your pond is with an aeration unit. During the winter, it is very important to keep a hole open on the surface of your pond. This hole allows toxic gases to escape. An aeration unit also adds oxygen to your pond during the winter months. Placing your air stone /air stones in the shallower area of your pond will leave the deeper water undisturbed and warmer for your fish. The constant bubbling action of the air stones under the water surface will keep the water open.

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:33:02 +0000

Thanks, Molly! It’s always nice to hear that we’ve been helpful… that’s what we’re here for!

By: Molly

Molly — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:35:42 +0000

This article was extremely helpful to me. Wanted to say thanks!!

By: Rod

Rod — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:13:47 +0000

There is a product called a “pond breather” which operates at 40 watts. The article states that it is reliable up to 15″ of ice depth. I live in southern WI, temps can get down to -20F. Have you heard anything about this unit? Will it hold up to a WI winter?

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:01:17 +0000

R.Ash.
You can effectively run an aerator in your pond during the winter. It is recommended to move your aerator into the shallower area of your pond which allows the aeration unit to keep a hole open on the surface of the ice for toxic gases to escape. The aeration unit also adds oxygen into the pond during the winter months. The deeper area of your pond can then be left undisturbed and warmer for your fish. When spring and summer return, you would then move your aeration unit back into the deeper areas. If you have an aeration unit with multiple air stones, cluster the air stones together in a shallower area of your pond, such as on a plant shelf.

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:59:33 +0000

Hi Todd,
Having the entire surface of the pond open during the winter will not harm your fish. The most efficient way to de-ice your pond is with aeration. You do not have to worry about the snow build-up because the friction from the aeration works from under the surface of the pond. Even if the pond were to freeze over for a day or two, the constant friction under the surface would reopen the hole. The aeration diffuser plate, or air stones, would be placed in the shallower end of the pond. This will leave the deeper portion of your pond undisturbed and warmer for the fish. The aerators also provide oxygen for the fish during the winter months and are adaptable for a wide range of pond sizes.

By: thepondguy

thepondguy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:55:52 +0000

Hello Tom, Yes, the Thermo Cube does give you an additional savings. It registers the outside air temperature and turns the unit on at 35 degrees and off at 45 degress. The De-Icers by themselves register the water temperature. The Thermo Cube can be plugged into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.

By: Tom Buchser

Tom Buchser — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:33:27 +0000

Most deicers have built in thermoststs. Does the Thermocube add any additional savings?

By: todd

todd — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:34:34 +0000

I too use the tank heater. I had problems with the pond floaters the first year too much snow in WI. Piled over and froze. lost all my fish. This worked great last year although it seemed too keep the whole pond mostly open. Not shure if that screws up the fish but they all lived