Concerning smaller ponds.

[oldmarine]

In addition to using a pond heater, has anyone used 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick foam cut to size to lay on the surface of their pond to hold some warmth in? The last two winters I only used a submersible heater, which worked quite well. I was wondering if anyone has tried using a foam sheet the foam sheets that can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe's or any of the other hardware stores. What kind of success did you have using foam on the pond if you did?

 

[Pondmaster]

I had thought of this also and was wondering if there was anything in the 4x8 blue foam boards that could be toxic. It would work great easy to remove yet stable in that the wind couldn't get underneath and blow it away.

 

[j.w]

I found this on the net if you are talking about styrofoam:

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2052898

Then there is this from the greenies:

http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/capp/capp-styrofoam.html

Sooooooooooooooooooo, I guess you have to make up your mind whether you want to try it or not.

Heat seems to be the main concern and since you are using it in the winter I wouldn't think it would be a problem unless it starts to break apart and the fish swallow it

 

[addy1]

Early am and i was thinking of all the posts on covering ponds. My thought is use the clear roofing panels. We used one on a shed we built, the snow slides right off the sun comes in. You would be able to see your fish!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_77000-1115-..._prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1

 

[stroppy]

i have heard people use bubble wrap and just lay it on top of the water... my only worry about useing anything on top of the water is if you have fish that jump they might jump on top and not be able to get back into the pond

 

[shakaho]

You can get solar pool blankets that are like extra heavy-duty bubble wrap. They are quite effective in raising the temperature of a pool or spa.

Here's an example:

http://www.solarcovers.com/solar-covers.asp

 

[stroppy]

You can get solar pool blankets that are like extra heavy-duty bubble wrap. They are quite effective in raising the temperature of a pool or spa.

Here's an example:

http://www.solarcovers.com/solar-covers.asp

i have one of those on my raised pond, i have it above a frame covering the pond and so far its keeping the water a little warmer

 

[Rivermist]

Hi !

You talking about heaters like for aquariums right ?

It really works well ?

I might have to just get 3 of those... :lol:

 

[oldmarine]

Yes. Now there is one that has stainless steel casing to keep it from breaking.

 

[Rivermist]

Hi... if you have a link could you post it please ?

Thanks

 

[oldmarine]

I don't have a link. The one I saw was at PetSmart. I would imagine if you were to Google 'aqaurium heaters', you might find something affordable.

 

[oldmarine]

Just as follow up. I just Googled "aqaurium heaters', and I found an endless variety of heaters for ponds and aquariums.

I am currently using an older glass 'submersible aquarium heater' in my reservor for my pond, and it works just fine. It has been keeping the water temp above freezing when the temps get down into the teens (F).

 

[Rivermist]

Just came back from outside think for two ponds it's too late... the time to go get heaters with the amount of snow falling they could not melt the ice in time... and it looks like it's all frozen...

I'm so upset don't know what more to do all my fish are gonna be dead :lol: Gonna let the heaters work and see what happens.



I really hope for a miracle and that it didn't freeze all the way to the bottom....

 

[koiguy1969]

FIRST SHOVEL OR CLEAR A SPOT ...Boil a large pan of water and set the pan on the ice to create a starter hole....then put in your heater and fire it up. ( KEEP AN EYE ON IT SO YOUR POT DOESNT GO BYE BYE)

 

[Rivermist]

thx will try that...