The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The model with the greatest diversity in terms of application possibilities is the Inkbird ITC-308 WLAN thermostat. You can not only use this product as a Pond heating, but also use it 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 via 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 included, which can be laid in both salt and fresh water.

This pond heater from the British manufacturer Superfish is specially designed for koi and other fish ponds after all, the water for the exotic carp must not be below four degrees in winter Celsius are falling. With the "Pond Heater" you keep the pond ice-free and save yourself and the fish from moving to a frost-free environment. The Superfish pond heater consists of a styrofoam floating body that keeps a small area in the pond free of ice. In addition, the device heats with an output of 150 watts and thus keeps the water warm. A five meter long cable is also included.

The Schego 596 pond heater, produced in Germany, is ideal for small to medium-sized ponds. With its wattage of 600 watts, it offers optimal frost protection. The device consists of a winter-proof titanium probe including a cable and a float made of styrofoam, and a frost monitor from the same manufacturer can also be ordered. The product is also available in other wattages of 100, 200 and 300 watts.

Purchase criteria

Art

The characteristic of a pond heating system is that it only works actively with electricity - in contrast to passive ice preventer, which simply rests on the surface of the water and freezes a small area keep. You can choose between two different models: cable-operated and solar-powered.

current: The disadvantage of electrically operated pond heaters is that they always need an external power source - ergo a socket - in order to function. For this you need special cables that can be laid in the water and are frost-proof. Some models, which are mainly used for large ponds, are also real power guzzlers. The advantage, however, is that the current flows continuously, which minimizes disruptions and the risk of a malfunction.

Solar: This problem exists with solar-powered models, because they can naturally only work when the sun shines long enough - which is not always the case in our latitudes in winter Case is. Solar pond heating systems 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 matter of ensuring the escape of digestion gases and the supply of oxygen, it is sufficient to keep only a small area around the float free of ice. No further functions are necessary for this. It is also different when it comes to a fish pond: A frost monitor is recommended for such a pond, which keeps the temperature constantly above freezing point. For shallow ponds, a thermostat is useful as a temperature regulator instead. A pond heating system with a thermostat protects the entire pond from freezing and thus from possible frost damage. Pond heaters, which can be easily operated and controlled using an app, are particularly practical.

materials

Depending on the model, the different pond heaters are made of different materials. The floats are often made of styrofoam (i.e. H. 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 that all elements are made frost-resistant and stable so that they can Can withstand winter weather conditions for a long time and components are not constantly replaced Need to become.

power

For small garden ponds and mini ponds, low wattages are usually completely sufficient, provided that only a small area is to be kept free of ice for the purpose of oxygen supply and gas exchange. These do not heat the entire pond, but practically only provide a ventilation 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 a complete pond, you should switch to a device with an output of approx. Select 1000 watts per 10,000 liters of water.

power consumption

However, a pond heating system consumes more electricity, the higher its output - which is usually given in watts. For you, this means that this power consumption is also noticeable in your wallet. Especially for sensitive fish such as B. Kois should be resorted to a model with strong performance, as the animals are not able to survive at a water temperature of less than four degrees Celsius. With the help of solar-powered pond heating, electricity costs can be reduced, but the winter sunshine is often not sufficient for long-term operation.

frequently asked Questions

Why do you need pond heating at all?

Pond heaters are for small or shallow garden ponds useful if fish and / or in these many plants being held. These ponds run the risk of in the winter to freeze to the bottom. This means death for living things that hibernate in it. For large garden ponds with koi and other sensitive fish that are deeper than 80 centimeters swimming in them, pond heating is also useful.

What types of pond heaters are there?

The different types of pond heating have specific advantages and disadvantages:

• Electric pond heating: pond remains ice-free, but high power consumption
• solar-powered pond heating: helps to save electricity, but works unreliably
• more active Ice preventer: often only works with a pump, keeps small areas of the pond ice-free
• passive ice preventer: consists only of a float, does not require any energy, but does not work reliably

Strictly speaking, the last two models are not pond heaters, but so-called ice preventer, which are only intended to keep small areas free for gas exchange.

What does a pond heating cost?

How much such a thing Pond heating costs, depends on various factors: Depending on the manufacturer and model, its functionality and features, you can get prices between approx. Calculate 20 and 950 EUR. The price range is very large, although simple models equipped with only a float and a heating element are of course cheaper than high-quality professional devices.

Where can you buy pond heating?

You can buy pond heating either in brick-and-mortar stores or online. Stationary DIY and garden centers offer these devices in their range, but usually only offer a small selection of brands and functions. Better comparison possibilities with regard to quality and price as well as a more extensive range can be found in many online shops, although you can of course also go to well-known markets such as Toom, Hagebau, Obi etc. can fall back on.

What alternatives are there to pond heating?

Instead of a pond heater, you can also use one Ice preventer or, if the pond water has to be kept warm, use a heat exchanger. Pond fish, on the other hand, can simply be relocated to suitable, frost-free winter quarters in good time before the start of winter.

equipment

Solar module

Solar-powered pond heaters help to save electricity and thereby keep the corresponding costs low. They are also more environmentally friendly than models that get their electricity 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 little tinkering, you can build a solar heater for the pond yourself.