The flora and fauna, especially in small garden ponds, are endangered in severe winters because fermentation gases and carbon dioxide can no longer escape through the ice cover. In addition, no oxygen gets into the pond, which fish and plants depend on to survive, even in the cold season. An ice preventer ensures the necessary air exchange. Read our guide to find out what to look out for when buying and using a pond heater.

A fish pond should never freeze completely in winter

Our recommendations

our recommendation
OSAGA pond ice preventer set 4 including adjustable air pump and accessories, for an ice-free garden pond, Anti Ice Winter
42.00 EUR To the product
method active
material Poly-styrene (styrofoam)
color White
Dimensions float 40 x 40 x 11 centimeters
power consumption 5 watts
Maximum low temperature - 15ºC

This ice preventer made of winter-proof and high-quality styrofoam has particularly large dimensions and is therefore also suitable for larger ponds. Together with the ice preventer you also get a stepless, random aerator pump that creates a maximum of 7.2 liters of water per minute and a maximum pressure of a maximum of 0.012 milliamps. In addition, the pump has protection class IP X4, so it is protected against splashing water from all sides. In their reviews, customers describe the pump as quite loud, but according to the manufacturer's description, it is quieter than 40 decibels. The scope of delivery also includes two air hoses, each ten meters long, two aerator balls and two non-return valves.

our recommendation
Oase IceFree 4 Seasons Ice Freer, Black
44.75 EUR To the product
method active
material plastic
color black
Dimensions float 30 x 19 x 1.9 centimeters
power consumption 5 watts
Maximum low temperature - 15ºC

The OASE IceFree 4 Seasons can be used all year round: in winter you can use the device as a frost guard and ice preventer, in summer as a pretty water feature. The pump that is part of the set transports warmer water from the depths to the surface, so that a small area remains ice-free and air exchange can take place. The heating element extends 26 centimeters deep into the water and manages to keep the pond ice-free down to minus temperatures of up to minus 15 degrees Celsius (the manufacturer himself states minus 20 degrees Celsius). In summer, a nozzle attachment creates an attractive water feature. The manufacturer recommends using the device for garden ponds that are at least 80 centimeters deep.

our recommendation
Pondlife Premium ice preventer for your garden pond - incl. ventilation pipe, usable length 40 cm
23.00 EUR To the product
method passive
material Poly-styrene (styrofoam)
color White
Dimensions float 40 x 40 x 10 centimeters
power consumption without electricity
Maximum low temperature - 10ºC

As an alternative to electricity-guzzling ice preventers, you can also place so-called passively effective models in the garden pond. This ice preventer from the manufacturer Pondlife consists of three parts, including the two-part float and an aerator tube. The floating body has a diameter of 40 centimeters and is ten centimeters high. The inside is filled with sand, grit (€46.95) or similar materials. This makes it more stable on the water surface. The aerator pipe must be attached above the pond surface so that the putrid gases can escape. In icy winters, it is advisable to use a pump that ensures oxygen saturation in the pond.

Purchase Criteria

kind

There are basically two types of ice preventers: active and passive. Active deicers are sometimes referred to as pond heaters because they have a heating element that keeps the surface water around the unit warm. To do this, however, they need a power supply, with some models turning out to be real power guzzlers. A passive deicer works without electricity, but it is not always effective at low temperatures. You should therefore check such a model daily and, if necessary, chop the pond free yourself.

functions

Passive ice preventers usually consist of a float and an aeration tube, and there are usually no other functions. The situation is different for actively working devices. So-called frost monitors switch on automatically at a temperature just above or below freezing point and heat the water. These models are sufficient for large ponds, but for small, shallow ponds a pond heater with a thermostat is recommended, i. H. an automatic temperature regulation.

materials

Ice preventers - regardless of whether they are active or passive - are made of different materials, all of which must be frost-resistant. The floating body is made of light plastic or styrofoam (polystyrene) and is filled with sand or something similar on the inside for better stability. The associated tube is usually made of stainless steel or titanium. For pumps, be aware that they can be submerged in the pond - models that can only be used on land or are not frost-proof are unsuitable for this purpose.

power

Many active ice preventers have an output of up to five watts. This is completely sufficient for small garden ponds, mini ponds and the like, but does not heat the entire pond. Instead, only a small hole around the device is kept free, which is usually sufficient for the oxygen supply and the discharge of digester gases. On the other hand, if you want to heat your pond properly, you should choose a device with an output of 1000 watts per 10,000 liters of water - these, however, require a lot of electricity and also require a suitable power connection.

power consumption

In principle, the higher the power - given in watts - the higher the energy requirement. For a koi pond in particular, you should use a device with high performance, as the fish cannot survive at a water temperature of less than four degrees Celsius. Many are trying to reduce electricity costs by using a solar-powered device. Please note, however, that the solar radiation in winter is often not sufficient for permanent operation.
our recommendation

Solar module 130Watt 12V solar panel polycrystalline
To the product

youtube

frequently asked Questions

When should you use an ice preventer?

Ice preventers - especially the so-called pond heaters - are particularly useful for small and / or shallow garden ponds in which many plants or fish live. However, the devices are not always necessary for ponds that are deeper than 80 centimeters and also very large. Here, however, you should use a pond heater if you want to overwinter koi or other sensitive fish in the pond.

What types of ice preventers are there?

There are different types of ice preventers, each with specific advantages and disadvantages:

  • passive ice preventers: do not require any energy, float on the water surface and only keep a small part of the pond free
  • active anti-icer: works with heating rods, only a small part remains free of ice
  • electric pond heating: entire pond remains ice-free, high power requirement
  • Solar powered pond heater: saves electricity but is unreliable

How much does an ice preventer cost?

How expensive the ice preventer is depends on its type: Passive models are available from 20 EUR, active ones with a heating element cost between 20 and 80 EUR. On the other hand, the price range for electrically and solar-powered pond heaters is much larger, which can cost between EUR 20 and 950, depending on the model and quality.

Where can you buy ice preventers?

You can buy ice preventers both in stationary shops and on the Internet. Garden centers and DIY stores carry these devices, but offer little choice. Online shops offer a larger range and better comparison options, whereby you can also fall back on well-known providers such as Obi, Toom, Hagebau, etc.

Are there also alternatives to ice preventers?

Instead of an ice preventer, you can also use a heat exchanger, which also keeps the water warm and thus prevents frost damage caused by cracking (e.g. in the pond liner). If, on the other hand, you are primarily concerned with the well-being of your pond fish, you can move them to suitable winter quarters.

Category:

Product guide