Pond Heater Helps Protect Life Of Pond And Fish

Persons with outdoor ponds that house fish may want to consider keeping the water warmer and ice from forming on the surface for the health of their fish as well as the for the ecosystem of their watery environment. In many cases, the choice of a pond heater for de-icing the pond is the most logical, to maintain an open surface for the exchange of gases in the water, but others may choose a pond heater to maintain a uniform temperature to help prevent disease of their fish.

Koi fish especially, are prone to an illness and many of the pathogens that lead to sometimes fatal diseases grow unabated during the spring months when the water begins to warm up. As the temperature increases, the bacteria level also rises, however studies show that in water heated by a pond heater the pathogens have less of an opportunity to grow and infect the fish in the pond.

There are many pond heaters on the market, and for many pond owners, the choice focuses on the cost of operating the pond heater. However, they are also safety consideration involved in choosing one, regardless of whether it is to keep the water warm or simply keep the ice off the surface.

Choosing Solar Or Electric To Power Heater

Possibly the most reliable form of power for a pond heater will be electric, and many of the models on the market are designed to prevent fires or shorts leading to hazardous conditions. The main problem with electric heaters is the power line needs to be extended to the area of the yard in which the pond is located. For those with a pond in a remote section of the yard this can be and expensive proposition and could entail digging a trench from the house to the pond.

A solar power pond heater will not require the additional electric surface, however they do require sunshine in order to keep their batteries charged. If the pond is located in an area of the yard where sunshine is not plentiful, for instance under trees, the solar collector will need to be placed in direct sunlight and wires run to the solar heater.

In addition to not requiring electric lines to be extended from the house, a solar pond heater will increase the electric bill while it is operated. With recommendations to use a pond heater during the winter and spring months, this can be a significant utility savings over the course of a year.