So i recently set up a above ground pool as a koi pond my plan is to house some temesnsis peacock bass with them but it gets to cold in the winter on some nights. Ive been looking into tankless water heaters. Since it costs so much to constantly run those i would be setting it up on a timer to run at night. To keep costs lower ive been looking at 1.5kw heaters. I would like to set up a permenent soulution for the winters so i can house other tropical fish. I was just wondering what anyone with experince thinks of my idea.
heating 1100 gallon above ground pond florida
- Thread starter FloridaFishTanks
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At least here on a per watt basis natural gas is 1/3 the cost of electricity. So the start up cost of a natural gas system will be well over a thousand, it may pay off faster than you think.
Aside from that, insulate it like crazy to conserve those watts...
Aside from that, insulate it like crazy to conserve those watts...
Insulate it and use a natural gas pool heater, as stated above. You will also probably want to figure out a lower temperature that will be tolerable for the tems. That way you can let it get a bit cooler during those times, which will save a lot on heating costs. If the tems can handle 50 degrees during the cooler months, then it will be a lot cheaper than trying to keep it at 70-80.
For insulation, find a good foam pad that you can glue all the way around the pool. I would say you want to try to get something at least an inch thick. Also, if you can get a hot tub/spa likecover to put on top, that will help a ton.
Very cool setup though. Post some pictures when you get a chance.
For insulation, find a good foam pad that you can glue all the way around the pool. I would say you want to try to get something at least an inch thick. Also, if you can get a hot tub/spa likecover to put on top, that will help a ton.
Very cool setup though. Post some pictures when you get a chance.
hi thanks for the responses everyone. i definitally like the idea of insulting the outside with foam pads and i can get a heavy tarp to put over it on cold nights. i dont think the water temp will ever drop below 50 especially again this year so if they can survive 60-70 it would work. i also have a 500 watt heater i could place in there on the cold nights to atleast give them a warm spot. Like i said my main concern is the temp dropping to low for a few days but with these extra procations i think it will make a big difference thanks for help
if only a few days, possibly setting up a few heaters in a safe basket/etc. and setting them low, to only come on at maybe 60. will be all that's needed
you can save money with other routes but put a lot more out upfront.
Insulate and cover when worried and you should be okay. It will take a while for that volume to drop that much if insulated
you can save money with other routes but put a lot more out upfront.
Insulate and cover when worried and you should be okay. It will take a while for that volume to drop that much if insulated
I would pack dirt around pool for insulation. If you really want you can build a small greenhouse over the pool. All it would really take is one of those metal tube shelters and you can stretch plastic over it during the winter. You can open up the sides during the summer. I don't think you will get anything cheaper than that. Where about in Florida are you?
Be careful with peacock bass. The rules are a bit fuzzy in Florida on keeping cichla as pets. Through my understanding of the rules it should be legal, but I heard a few years ago that a pet store I believe near Orlando got in trouble for having them. I believe wholesalers are not selling them in Florida until the rule gets clarified.
Be careful with peacock bass. The rules are a bit fuzzy in Florida on keeping cichla as pets. Through my understanding of the rules it should be legal, but I heard a few years ago that a pet store I believe near Orlando got in trouble for having them. I believe wholesalers are not selling them in Florida until the rule gets clarified.
thankfully now were going into summer and temp shouldnt be dropping below 60 for a long time. i may go the greenhouse way and just put it up for winter that seems like te cheapest option all the way around. And its the butterfly peacocks that are wild down here that you cant keep. The state now considers them a game fish so they have a 2 person limit. The temensis are legal. ill be posting some pictures soon im about to move them outside tomorrow.