Keeping pond running all winter

[Cdsdave]

Just got my Pondmaster AP 60!!! Gonna hook it up this weekend

 

[waynefrcan]

Good choice. Since it doesn't come with hose, I would also recommend to buy a better air diffuser stone for it.

 

[sissy]

Any one ever hear of aquatop pond pumps .I saw them on amazon .com 2377 gph uses 95 watts and 149.99 32 ft power cord and says max head height 11 ft 10 inches .they have several gph sizes .

 

[Cdsdave]

Waynefrcan, do you have a brand of diffuser to suggest? W

 

[waynefrcan]

I bought a micro air diffuser that puts more oxygen into the water. I will try and find a similar item for you as I bought it locally and not online. Maybe the plastic one that comes with it will do the job, but I was told to upgrade it.

 

[waynefrcan]

http://www.123ponds.com/rad12.html

This is exact item I'm using.

 

[mtpond]

Wayne I use something similar to that but mine is only 7 inches and it works great for my pond. I have to pull it up to a couple inches from the top of my pond cause if its deeper it cools my pond off to much. When it gets really cold the pond will freeze over but I still have about a three foot area that is open.

 

[waynefrcan]

Yes they are great for micro bubbles and good quality made. Last year from advice on this forum I put it 1 ft from the surface next to the 4' deep end. The bottom stayed warmer and still got enough O2.

 

[Cdsdave]

Thanks Wayne

 

[waynefrcan]

'm running 2 12" ones with the Ap 100 for a 6500g pond, smaller ponds setups with lower air flo like Ap 60 probably can use just a 7" like MT is using.

 

[Cdsdave]

Ended up using the included diffuser with ten ft of tubing attached to a 2in PVC pipe. Housed the AP in a Rubbermaid tub with a couple pieces of treated lumber under the unit to help prevent flooding it if any water gets inside. Cut 1in holes around the top for air flow.

 

[sissy]

Would have been better with the holes in the side of the tote so water does not collect on the top and ruin your air pump by running into the tote .

 

[Cdsdave]

Sissy, the holes are in the side of the tote. They are up high so that the lip of the lid acts as an awning. I didn't want the holes lower where the unit would be right next to them. This way if we get any snow they should be high enough to handle the amounts we get.

 

[EvelynO]

In that case, how about adding a little air pump? Will it freeze? The water just looks so terribly cold to me when it circulates.

I'm in zone 8 and run my air pump year round, hasn't seemed to hurt it. Been running for 3 yrs. Temps sometimes dip to upper teens on occasion.

 

[j.w]

@EvelynO