Heating a pool

[nitrofish1]

How about concrete block walls?

Is the shed already built?

Shed is not built yet. The shed will be insulated well though for the purpose of the ponds.

I'm open to a block wall built pond It would be easier viewing for the koi pond since it would not be quite as tall. I would prolly only build a block pond for koi, rather than two for the catfish and the koi. But I'm not sure yet. I guess it depends on the price of building either one.

 

[Muske]

Lots of Masons out of work right now that would probably give you great labor quotes.

A block wall design could give you a cat pond and koi pond next to each other....

 

[nitrofish1]

Lots of Masons out of work right now that would probably give you great labor quotes.

A block wall design could give you a cat pond and koi pond next to each other....

have thought about that, and its a great idea to me too. but like i said, only the cat pond would need to be heated to keep the water at a good temp, Id want the koi pond water temp to drop a good amount in the winter to still simulate to a degree their normal season cycles. but both ponds prolly wont be covered if they are in the shed.

would I still need to heat the ambient air?

 

[Muske]

would I still need to heat the ambient air?

Certainly won't hurt, maybe set low 50-60* to keep use/costs minimal. The shed being insulated is a big plus. Maybe some skylights on the south side of the shed for some passive solar. I doesn't sound like you want any covers, but a decent fitting top (necro like w/access) will really help on the heated pond. Hot tub covers might cover some surface area as well.

Leave the Koi pond as is. Might need to add a little cold water BB to keep the bio up when the temps. drop.

 

[nitrofish1]

would I still need to heat the ambient air?

Certainly won't hurt, maybe set low 50-60* to keep use/costs minimal. The shed being insulated is a big plus. Maybe some skylights on the south side of the shed for some passive solar. I doesn't sound like you want any covers, but a decent fitting top (necro like w/access) will really help on the heated pond. Hot tub covers might cover some surface area as well.

Leave the Koi pond as is. Might need to add a little cold water BB to keep the bio up when the temps. drop.

I wouldnt mind heating the shed to a low ambient temp.

I would most likely be using a sump filter for both ponds. I would also probably leave both of them running. Since your not supposed to feed koi when the water temp drops below a certain point (around 50 F i believe). I'll have to see how the tropical pond fares, if I would cover part of it, fully, or not at all, I guess it depends on how well the temp holds over winter.

 

[Muske]

The koi will get wheat germ based foods or veggies once water temps. drop below 60. if the water temps. get below 50, feeding stops all together. That brings up the issue of filtration. Each pond will get there own sump correct? The koi pond may not need the sump runninng at full power. Since metabolism/waste will be lowered in the cooler water temps. you might be able to run a smaller filter and some large air stones. I would keep both systems running as usual in the winter, but you may be able to run a smaller system on the Koi pond and the savings in energy could then offset any heating comsumption needed for the cat pond.

 

[nitrofish1]

The koi will get wheat germ based foods or veggies once water temps. drop below 60. if the water temps. get below 50, feeding stops all together. That brings up the issue of filtration. Each pond will get there own sump correct? The koi pond may not need the sump runninng at full power. Since metabolism/waste will be lowered in the cooler water temps. you might be able to run a smaller filter and some large air stones. I would keep both systems running as usual in the winter, but you may be able to run a smaller system on the Koi pond and the savings in energy could then offset any heating comsumption needed for the cat pond.

sounds great

 

[nitrofish1]

The koi will get wheat germ based foods or veggies once water temps. drop below 60. if the water temps. get below 50, feeding stops all together. That brings up the issue of filtration. Each pond will get there own sump correct? The koi pond may not need the sump runninng at full power. Since metabolism/waste will be lowered in the cooler water temps. you might be able to run a smaller filter and some large air stones. I would keep both systems running as usual in the winter, but you may be able to run a smaller system on the Koi pond and the savings in energy could then offset any heating comsumption needed for the cat pond.

just be running a water pump on that koi pond then? while the tropical pond runs year round

 

[Muske]

You could probably get away with just using a pump if you are not feeding. W/O any filtration,(bio or mech) you would have to keep an eye on the parms. and keep up w/the WC's. I would use a smaller sump or find a used X5 or something or craigslist to keep the bio going. As soon as water temps. start to increase get the sump primed and ripping so it will have plenty of time to handle all the waste.

 

[nitrofish1]

You could probably get away with just using a pump if you are not feeding. W/O any filtration,(bio or mech) you would have to keep an eye on the parms. and keep up w/the WC's. I would use a smaller sump or find a used X5 or something or craigslist to keep the bio going. As soon as water temps. start to increase get the sump primed and ripping so it will have plenty of time to handle all the waste.

sounds like a pretty good deal to me. thanks muske