Heating an outdoor pond in a place that drops below freezing

[melby1980]

I was just wondering if I would have to win the lottery to afford to heat a LARGE outdoor pond for Irridescant Sharks they need their water pretty warm, though my tank has been at about 68-70 all winter and it hasn't seemed to phase them.

[amehel0]

nope just by a gas company, hears some possible options

green house
insulated building outside
heating with gas

[melby1980]

I actually like the greenhouse idea thanks!

[frasertheking]

greenhouse and gas heating once set up is a hell of a lot cheaper than electric mostly .

[NOLAGT]

What about a solar water heating panal on your roof or around the pond. I was thinking about it the other day...something I did for a school project a long time ago. I pumped water through a grid that was pvc pipe zig zag back and forth all painted black and sitting in the sun. It was on a very small scale but it did heat the water.

[Muske]

I think the good Doctor has links for that....

[Alistriwen]

For the ponds that I maintain we float a piece of styrofoam with a ring heater in it and an air stone attached to a pond pump running through the ring heater. Keeps the pond heated through the winter and aerated for a low cost. I may be able to get a shot of the setup with my cellphone tomorrow if I am doing an opening, if not friday for sure.

[frasertheking]

if you build it in a greenhouse you can use the sun to help you . leave a large space for a plant filter of at least 10% of the pond volume and if its in full sun have black pvc running around the outside to help heat the pond ,will not do all the heating but will take a large chunk out of your bill if done right