The pond heater is an important tool, especially for fish ponds, to prevent the water from freezing completely. After all, fermentation gases must also be able to escape in winter and the vital exchange of oxygen must be ensured. In this small guide, we present some recommended pond heaters and explain what you should look out for when buying such a device.
A pond heater is a good option for the fish pond in winter
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Inkbird ITC-308-WIFI thermostat, heating cooling socket temperature controller remote control via app
56.99 EUR To the product| kind | electricity |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 220 volts |
| temperature control area | minus 40 °C to 100 °C |
| timer | no |
| material | Stainless steel probe |
| special feature | Control via app |
The model with the greatest variety in terms of possible uses is the Inkbird ITC-308 WLAN thermostat. You can use this product not only as a pond heater, but also for cooling if necessary - the power of 220 volts makes this possible. In addition, the control works regardless of location, as the thermostat can be operated and controlled using a free app with any Android or Apple device. Thanks to its high performance, it is also suitable for larger ponds, but can also be used in a dry environment - for example in a terrarium. A two meter long cable is supplied, which can be laid in both salt and fresh water.
our recommendation
Superfish 260820/857 Pond Heater 150 Watt
30.51 EUR To the product| kind | electricity |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 150 watts |
| temperature control area | to minus 20 °C |
| timer | no |
| material | Stainless steel probe, styrofoam float |
| special feature | especially for fish ponds |
This pond heater from the British manufacturer Superfish has been specially designed for koi and other fish ponds, after all the water for the exotic carp must not fall below four degrees Celsius in winter. With the "Pond Heater" you keep the pond free of ice and save yourself and the fish from moving to a frost-free environment. The Superfish pond heater consists of a styrofoam float that keeps a small area in the pond free of ice. In addition, the device heats with an output of 150 watts and keeps the water warm. A five meter cable is also included.
our recommendation
Schego 596 pond heater/titanium 600 watts
72.60 EUR To the product| kind | electricity |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 600 watts |
| temperature control area | k. A |
| timer | no |
| material | Titanium probe, styrofoam float |
| special feature | especially for smaller ponds |
The Schego 596 pond heater, made in Germany, is ideal for small to medium-sized ponds and offers optimal frost protection with its wattage of 600 watts. The device consists of a winter-proof titanium probe including cable and a float made of Styrofoam. A frost monitor can also be ordered from the same manufacturer. The product is also available in other wattages of 100, 200 and 300 watts.
Purchase Criteria
kind
The characteristic feature of a pond heater is that it only works actively with electricity - in contrast to passive ice keepers, which only keep a small area ice-free by lying on the water surface. There are two different models to choose from: corded and solar powered.
electricity: The disadvantage of electrically powered pond heaters is that they always need an external power source - ergo a socket - to function. For this you need special cables that can be laid in water and are frost-resistant. Some models, which are mainly used for large ponds, are also real power guzzlers. The advantage, however, is that the current flows continuously, thus minimizing disruptions and the risk of a functional failure.
Solar: This problem exists with solar-powered models, because they can only work if the sun shines long enough - which is not always the case in our latitudes in winter. Solar pond heaters must therefore be checked and monitored regularly. The advantage, however, is that you avoid high costs with these devices.
functions
If it is only a question of ensuring the escape of digester gases and the supply of oxygen, it is sufficient to keep only a small area around the float free of ice. No additional functions are required for this. The situation is different when it comes to a fish pond: A frost guard is recommended for such a pond, which keeps the temperature constantly above freezing. For shallow ponds, a thermostat is useful as a temperature regulator instead. A pond heater with thermostat protects the entire pond from freezing and thus from possible frost damage. Pond heaters, which can be easily operated and controlled via an app, are particularly practical.
materials
Depending on the model, the various pond heaters are made of different materials. The floats are often made of styrofoam (i.e. polystyrene), as this material is particularly light and robust at the same time. The associated probe is usually made of stainless steel, but there are also models with titanium or plastic tubes. It is important here that all elements are frost-resistant and stable so that they can withstand the winter weather conditions for a long time and components do not have to be constantly replaced.
power
For small garden ponds and mini-ponds, low wattage is usually sufficient if only a small area is to be kept ice-free for the purpose of oxygen supply and gas exchange. These do not heat the entire pond, but practically only provide an aeration opening. However, if it is a koi or fish pond, especially if it is rather small and shallow, such a model is not sufficient. If you want to heat an entire pond, you should choose a device with an output of around 1000 watts per 10,000 liters of water.
power consumption
However, a pond heater consumes more electricity the higher its output - which is usually specified in watts. This in turn means for you that this power consumption also makes itself felt in your wallet. Especially for sensitive fish such. B. Koi, you should use a model with high performance, since the animals are not able to survive at a water temperature of less than four degrees Celsius. With the help of solar-powered pond heaters, electricity costs can be reduced, but the winter sunshine is often not sufficient for permanent operation.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
Why do you need pond heating at all?
Pond heaters are useful for small or flat garden ponds if fish and/or many plants are kept in them. If the temperatures are high, these ponds run the risk of freezing to the ground in winter. This means death for creatures that winter in it. A pond heater is also useful for large garden ponds with koi and other sensitive fish swimming in them that are deeper than 80 centimetres.
What types of pond heaters are there?
The different types of pond heaters have specific advantages and disadvantages:
- Powered pond heating: Pond remains ice-free, but high power consumption
- Solar powered pond heater: helps save electricity but works unreliably
- active ice keeper: often only works with a pump, keeps small pond areas free of ice
- passive ice preventer: consists only of a floating body, requires no energy, but does not work reliably
Strictly speaking, the last two models are not pond heaters, but so-called ice preventers, which are only intended to keep small areas free for the purpose of gas exchange.
How much does pond heating cost?
How much such a pond heater costs depends on various factors: Depending on the manufacturer and model, its functionality and equipment, you can expect prices between approx. 20 and 950 EUR. The price range is very large, whereby simple models equipped only with a float and a heating element are of course cheaper than high-quality professional devices.
Where can you buy pond heaters?
You can buy a pond heater either in stationary stores or in online stores. Stationary DIY and garden centers are available, which usually have these devices in their range, but usually only offer a small selection of brands and functions. You can find better comparison options in terms of quality and price as well as a more extensive range in many online shops, whereby you can of course also fall back on well-known markets such as Toom, Hagebau, Obi, etc.
What alternatives are there to pond heating?
Instead of a pond heater, you can also use an ice preventer or, if the pond water has to be kept warm, a heat exchanger. Pond fish, on the other hand, can simply be relocated to a suitable, frost-free winter quarters in good time before the start of winter.
equipment
solar panel
our recommendation
Solar module 130Watt 12V solar panel polycrystalline
To the productSolar-powered pond heaters help to save electricity and thus keep the corresponding costs low. They are also more environmentally friendly than models that draw their power from the socket - after all, they convert sunlight into energy and do not need electricity from coal-fired power plants. If you want to do a bit of tinkering, you can build a solar heating system for the pond yourself.