Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Pond Heaters Reviews For You
The pond heater is one of the most effective machines.
They are used to alter the temperature of the pool.
This is usually in the months of cold winter when the pool is either frozen or filled with snow.
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Due to the water getting frozen or being too cold it makes it difficult for the fish to survive inside this cold temperature of the water.
Pond heaters are available in different shapes and sizes along with a lot of variety.
All types of pond heaters have three main features that are very crucial.
On number one, to make the fish inside the pond comfortable to live in at the time of hibernation.
On the second number, it multiplies the oxygen count in the water, and lastly, it needs to make sure that there is the proper exchange of gas.
All the products that are been mentioned in the list are among the best pond heaters available in the market.
What is a Pond Heater or De-icer?
A pond heater is a device that heats the water in your pond to make it more comfortable for the fish to live in the winters.
These devices, depending on the power and range, can heat a pond in a given amount of time.
During the hibernation period of the fish living inside the pond usually gets frozen due to the huge drop in temperature.
On the other hand, de-icers are not the same as the pond heater.
They simply make a hole on the top of the frozen lake so that the toxic air can get out and get replaced with oxygen.
This only keeps a small area of the pond warm so that the hole doesn’t freeze.
How does a pond heater work?
These pond heaters use a type of inline electric heating device.
It is then pushed inside the chamber that is being heated and this is where it meets with and heating element.
The water passes through this, and before it reaches the pond, it gets heated over time until it reaches the desired temperature.
Why Do I Need a Pond Heater?
Pond heaters as the name suggests, are equipment, which is used to keep the water in the pond warm even during winters.
People who have their pond either use it for keeping fishes or for their personal uses.
Either way, the pond water in the winters can get freezing.
Pond heaters can regulate the oxygen levels during winters making the fishes comfortable to hibernate.
Extreme weather conditions especially winter can be harsh and unless your pond is 3-4 feet deep you might want to consider using a pond heater for your fishes.
If your pond consists of Koi, then you might as well know that they cannot survive in the frost.
Also, there is absolutely no way that they can survive without pond heaters.
Another thing which should be kept in mind is the availability of oxygen.
For this, you can either use a floating heater which will keep an open space at the surface allowing the contaminated air to move out and fresh oxygen to come in.
If you are more worried about your pond icing up then you might want to go for a submerged heater which works fine in this case.
10 Best Pond Heaters Reviews
1. TetraPond Review (Best pond heaters deicers)
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This is one of the best pond heaters out their available in the market right now.
These are loved by the customers who love to keep fishes in their ponds as they say it enhances the beauty of the pond and also helps the fishes to live comfortably.
These are loved by the customers as it comes with a wide variety of choices and can be easily used by the ones who have never used it before.
As this comes with a design of natural stone type finish it blends with the look of the pond and is loved by the owners.
This keeps a part of the pond heated and also helps that part to release the toxic waste which is being produced by the fish waste and matter present in the water.
This allows fresh oxygen to pass through into the water.
It has a smart electric chip which turns off automatically when the desired temperature is reached.
Pros
- It has smart on and off systems.
- Release waste material from the pond.
- It helps to keep an area ice-free when it turned on.
Cons
- It is unable to keep the whole pond warm.
- It consumes a lot of energy.
2. The Farm Innovators Review (Best fish pond heaters)
This is one of the devices that are loved by the customers because it is very easy to use and it comes already assembled and ready for use when you take it out of the box.
This makes a hole in the pond and keeps it warn.
This, in turn, allows waste and toxic material to get out easily; it keeps your pond clean and healthy for your fishes to live in.
This is also loved by the owners because it is very safe to use as it is made of aluminum cast and is very durable and sturdy.
This heater not only keeps the fish comfortable but also keeps the temperature in a certain limit that the underwater plants can also survive.
This can be used in ponds that are of 50 to 600 gallons.
This also comes with a cord that is 10 feet long and can be easily used and also the directions to use this device are also very simple and can be understood by everyone as reported by the owners.
Pros
- It is controlled by thermostats.
- It is made using aluminum for extra safety.
- It comes with a cord to cover the extra length.
Cons
- It is operated manually.
- The device is not so appalling.
3. Allied Precision Industries Review (Best floating pond heater)
This is one of the best products that you can get in this price range and with all the features that this device provides, it is loved by the customers and also the owners who have previously used this device.
This is made in such a way by the company that it can float on the top of the water tank and heat the water.
This also comes with a thermostat that is switched on and off on its own once the required temperature is reached by the water.
This is covered with string and durable plastic housing and the Styrofoam float that is present is always fully enclosed.
The other feature that the customers love is that this device is very stable.
All of this is because of the cord that is placed in the center of the machine.
It gives the heater extra stability and makes sure that it does not fall off the tanker.
The cord is 6 feet long and can be easily used by anyone.
Pros
- Automatic on and off switch.
- It comes with a cord for extra stability.
- Keeps a hole in the water for realizing waste.
Cons
- It has a very short warranty period.
- It does not cover a large area.
4. Danner Manufacturing Review (Best koi pond heaters)
This is one of the best products if you live in a stormy area where there is plenty of snowfall.
This is one of the products that are very good at keeping a medium-size area warm.
It is also liked by the customers who have previously used this product.
This keeps a hole in the water where the ice does not accumulate.
Then, the fish waste and all the toxic gases that are produced inside the water for a prolonged period will easily be released.
This is done by the hole keeping the water fresh with oxygen and also your fishes healthy.
It has a heating power of 120 watts that is mostly preferred by a majority of buyers.
This is fully covered with plastic and is very durable and strong in the built quality of this machine.
This does not harm any of the plants inside the pond with the rise in temperature and is very easy to use and handle for someone who is using it for the first time.
This also does not consume a lot of electricity making it a great choice for many of the customers.
Pros
- The heating power is 120 watts.
- Thermostat control is fixed.
- It uses very little energy.
Cons
- It is not suitable for large ponds.
- It needs to be used manually.
5. Catalina Reviews (Best outdoor pond heaters)
This is one of the favorites of the customers and previous owners of this product.
It is a 1000 watt titanium heater in which the tubes are made of titanium so that the product can heat the water faster than any other ordinary machine.
The titanium is coated with a ph solution and saltwater so that the tubes would not rust easily when you use it for a prolonged period and also the tubes are built with top quality titanium that it won’t crack or get damaged due to excessive heat.
This comes with a great feature that a majority of the customers love.
It has a temperature sensing sensor that informs it when the machine is exposed to the outside air or in any type of accident.
While the machine is turned on, the sensors switch off the machine automatically.
This can easily heat large aquariums and ponds as it can heat 150 and 400 gallons of an area very easily on it owns.
The automatic on and off system makes it very safe and also fewer chances of an accident are there if you use it as reported by the customers.
Pros
- It has a hating power of 1000 watts.
- It is best for large ponds.
- It is rustproof.
Cons
- It needs to be kept in a dry place.
- It is very costly.
6. Laguna PowerHeat Heated De-Icer for Ponds (Best pond heater for the small pond)
This is a great choice of pond heaters especially if you have Koi living in them.
Customers love this heater as it is a floating heater and it can provide a strong output of about 315W.
Since floating heaters are good for creating an opening for the exchange of gases, customers claim that this heater provides a decent heat spread even for a very large opening in the ice.
The heater also comes with an additional top heater of 15W which keeps ice and snow from accumulating on the top of the pond heater.
The heater has an LED light which allows you to know that the heater is still on and it can work in temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit which means that it can withstand the harshest of winters.
The best feature which the customers like about this heater is that it has an automatic temperature detection system which means that once the water attains a certain temperature the heater automatically turns off.
This is one of the best pond heaters for areas with heavy snowfall and even for larger ponds with larger fishes.
Pros
- It can work at low temperatures.
- It has a decent heat spread.
- It comes with a top heater to prevent the buildup of snow.
- Has automatic overheating protection.
- Has an LED light to indicate the working of the heater.
Cons
- It does not work for small ponds.
- It has a very short warranty period.
7. API 8PB Pond Breather Heated Aerator
This is another floating water heater which is great for small to medium-sized ponds.
Customers love this pond heater as it works efficiently at 40W and can provide just enough opening for gases to escape the pond thereby preventing your pond from getting contaminated and toxic.
Customers claim that the best feature of this pond heater is that instead of punching a hole in the ice it moves a steady stream above the layer of ice to allow the exchange of gases to take place.
This is necessarily a pond breather that allows your pond to breathe even during the harsh and cold winter months.
Customers also love this pond heater because it is energy efficient and consumes almost 31 times lesser than any other pond heaters.
This does not have an internal thermostat which can automatically turn itself off once the water has attained the maximum temperature.
It does not have built-in safety measures which allow the heater to turn off during any circuit malfunction.
It is one of the best pond heaters as it is suitable for both fishes and plants living in the pond and can work well in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is made of plastic which is quite durable during colder months.
Pros
- Can work in temperature as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It has a durable construction.
- It is energy saving.
- Great for small to medium-sized ponds.
- Moves a steady stream instead of punching a hole in the ice.
Cons
- It does not have a built-in thermostat.
- It is difficult to clean.
8. LagunaPowerHeat Heated De-Icer for Ponds
This is a very popular pond heater and most customers talk positively about it.
This is also a floating heater and the customers claim that this heater provides a decent heat spread even for a very large opening in the ice.
It provides a much-thawed opening which makes it easier for gases to pass exchanging the toxic materials from inside the pond.
Customers like that this pond heater is made of stainless steel and that it can withstand a temperature of about -20 degrees and below.
It can provide a strong output of 500W and customers are very satisfied using it in their large ponds.
The best feature which the customers like about this heater is that it has an automatic temperature detection system.
This means that once the water attains a certain temperature the heater automatically turns off.
It also features an LED light which proves to be an indication of the fact that the heater is still on.
It is one of the best pond heaters for both performed and liner ponds.
Pros
- It is made of stainless steel which makes it durable.
- It works well in low temperatures of -20 degrees and below.
- Has automatic overheating protection.
- Has an LED light to indicate the working of the heater.
- A Strong output of 500W.
Cons
- Design flaws can lead to short circuits.
- Not ideal for smaller ponds.
9. API 1500 Watt 3 In 1 De-Icer DT15
This is a 3 in 1 de-icer which is very technically built.
This product is made out of aluminum which makes it quite sturdy and durable and it also has a good heat spread which is liked by customers as it does not allow ice to form.
It has multiple sensors that allow this product to monitor the temperature of the water and prevent it from freezing or overheating.
It can instantly turn the heating off once it realizes that the water is overheated making it one of the best pond heaters Customers further like this product as it can be easily converted to a sinking, drain plug or even a floating de-icer.
Depending on the needs of the pond this product can be converted into anything thereby keeping ice at bay.
It further comes with a plastic cap to prevent rust and corrosion on the aluminum base.
It has a strong output of 1500W which makes it ideal for larger ponds.
It is quite energy efficient which does not consume too much energy as it smartly turns itself off to prevent overheating.
It can be used in both metal and plastic tanks.
Pros
- It is a 3 in 1 de-icer which can be converted as per one’s liking.
- It has multiple sensors.
- It is energy efficient.
- It has a strong output of 1500W.
- Made of an aluminum base and plastic cap.
Cons
- Prone to short circuits.
- It is not long-lasting.
10. API 1500 Watt Floating De-Icer
This pond heater looks very minimalistic and it comes with a guard that should be installed before using it.
It has an internal thermostat which makes sure that once the water attains a certain temperature it turns of automatically.
Customers love this pond heater because it has a strong output of 1500W and it much ideal for larger ponds with larger fishes.
The product comes with a metal cage that prevents rust and corrosion to the body of the product and also prevents any damage happening to the pond.
Customers like it because it is suitable for both linear and plastic ponds.
It also comes with an additional cable that is featured at the top for extra support.
This feature also makes it less likely to sink in the water.
This floating water heater is quite an energy efficient and provides a good heat spread.
It allows a good opening in the pond for the exchange of gases to prevent the water from intoxicating.
Pros
- It has a strong wattage of 1500W.
- It has an in-built thermostat.
- Have guards to protect the filaments from overheating.
- Safe for both preformed and liner ponds.
- It comes with an additional cable for extra support.
Cons
- Not ideal for small to medium-sized ponds.
- It might not last very long and is prone to short circuits.
Buyer’s Guide on Best Pond Heaters
Selecting a pond heater is quite a struggle especially when you know that it is a must-have for the winters.
Depending on the size of your pond it is important to choose a pond heater.
Apart from this, there are several factors that you should consider before getting yourself the best pond heater for your application.
Here is a list of all the factors that need to be considered before buying a pond heater.
Type
There are several types of heaters available out there in the market which include floating, submerged and several others.
There are also electric water heaters, pond deicers and gas boilers which also come in the options.
Depending on your requirement you can go for any of these heater types.
Gas boilers heat the water inside its system which then circulates the heated water into an exchanger.
It also has another chamber that collects the pond water.
The normal pond water before being released to the pond absorbs the heat from the heated water.
This heated water then spreads throughout the pond making it warm.
Electric heaters have heating chambers that collect the pond water.
This water again comes in contact with the heat of the heater and then it is released to the pond to keep the water warm.
Pond de-icers are cheap, easy to use, and portable making it one of the most favored pond heaters of all times.
The floating pond heater stays on the surface creating an opening for the gases to pass thereby allowing oxygen to seep in.
The submerged pond heaters are deep-rooted in the pond to prevent the pond from icing up.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for every pond varies from region to region.
Ponds with fishes require a certain amount of temperature to thrive.
Therefore look for a and heater depending on the size f your pond and also the type of fish you have in your pond.
Most users believe that a 300W pond heater provides a strong output for a small to a medium-sized pond.
While a 500W or more can work just fine for a larger pond.
Also, look for a pond heater that provides a decent heat spread.
Both floating and submersible pond heaters have good options in this category.
Thermostat and Wattage
This is quite an important factor to consider as I mostly depend on the size of your pool.
If you have a larger pond then you might want to consider something which has more wattage and lesser wattage for smaller ponds.
A larger pond would need somewhat around 1200W or more units while that of a smaller pond would need 100-300W.
Also, look for a pond heater that has an in-built thermostat this means that the heater would automatically turn off once the water reaches a certain temperature.
This saves you the harassment of checking the water again and again and also saves your electricity and time.
Size
The size of the pond plays a very important role.
The choice of your pond heater most importantly depends on the size of the pond.
The smaller ponds will require lesser Watts while the larger ones will require more. Compact heaters are suitable for smaller ponds.
They are affordable and works just fine for small ponds.
Larger heaters are suitable for large ponds but they are not technologically advanced.
So you need to invest wisely and instead of looking into the size of the heaters look for the watts it provides.
Fuel
There are different types of fuel used to power up the pond heaters.
These are namely gas, electricity and oil.
Choose a pond heater that runs on fuel which can be easily accommodated in your budget.
It is recommended to use the heaters which run on electricity as they are inexpensive and there are several heaters which save your electricity as well.
However, these heaters are not so easy to clean and their maintenance can get expensive over time.
So if you are looking for a long-term inexpensive solution then oil and gas may be a good option.
Water Flow
Look for a pond heater that will increase the water flow of your entire pond. This is very important for the ecosystem in the pond.
The ponds which do not have pumps or waterfalls this factor can prove to facilitate the oxygenation in your pond.
So even if your pond is submerged in ice from the top the water flow will still be continued beneath the ice.
Faster Thaw
If your pond freezes and you require certain areas to be ice-free then the thawing option might be something you want to consider.
Instead of doing the tiresome work of breaking the ice you can buy a heater which will do the work for you.
The floating heaters provide an opening on the surface of the pond to provide oxygen to the pond.
Once the sun is fully out it will make the ice disappear until then you can rely on the heater to do the work.
Exchange Of Gases
If your pond contains fishes, then this is the most important factor to consider.
When your pond freezes then this exchange becomes impossible which can lead your fishes to die due to the water that gets contaminated.
Freezing also means that the availability of oxygen is next to impossible.
The pond heaters can cut a hole through the ice which allows oxygen to pass through and also allows other toxic gases to escape from the water keeping it clean and fresh.
Look for a pond heater which allows a proper exchange of the gases so that carbon dioxide does not accumulate in the water and your fishes are nice and healthy.
This will allow your fishes to thrive in a healthy environment.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the difference between heater and de-icers?
Pond heaters and de-icers are the same things.
It is just a different way of how brands prefer their heaters to be portrayed in the market.
Q: What is the need for a pond heater?
A pond heater serves three main purposes which include providing oxygen, helping the fishes to hibernate and also allowing the gases to pass through.
If your pond has fishes then you might want to invest in a pond heater during the cold winter months to allow the fishes to thrive.
Q: What is the running cost of a pond heater?
The running costs depend on your location and also the utility charges per kilowatt-hour. On average it takes up to $75 per month.
If you want to save more electricity then you can go for heaters which are energy efficient as they can save 80-90% of your electricity costs.
Q: How to install a pond heater?
This largely depends on whether you have a submerged or floating pond heater type.
However, the installation of both these types of heaters is quite simple.
The only difference is that the submersible heaters are installed deep within the pond while the floating heaters are installed at the center or the edge of the pond.
Q: When are these pond heaters appropriate?
These pond heaters are appropriate for winters as it can allow your fishes to hibernate and also contributes in the exchange of gases keeping your pond fresh and clean.
If you want to prevent freezing then also you can consider these heaters.
Q: Can these heaters prevent the water in the pond from freezing?
Yes, if you have a larger pond and you want to prevent freezing then you might want to invest in submersible pond heater which will be located at the depth of the pond to prevent the water from freezing thereby allowing a safe and healthy ecosystem for your fishes to thrive.
Q: Where to place a pond heater?
A pond heater should be placed at least 18 inches deep for it to function. This is of course for the submersible ones.
If you opt for a floating pond heater then you might want to place it at the center of the pond for its proper functioning.
Q: Are these pond heaters safe for the fishes?
All of these water heaters are designed to be safe for the fishes. Even if the fishes come in contact with these water heaters there will be no harm done to them.
Q: How to use these pond heaters?
The use of all these pond heaters is very easy. They can be placed as instructed ready for use.
Some of these pond heaters have a heating element that will defrost your pond if it is already frozen.
For others, you need to clear the area where you want to put the pond heater in.
Q: What should be the size of my pond heater?
This depends on the size of your pond.
However, you can also take a smaller sized pond heater with larger watt for larger ponds.
Conclusion
All the pond heaters that are been mention above are one of the best pond heaters that are available in the market right now.
These pond heaters come with a variety of different advantages that you can easily enjoy and also all these pond heaters will fit your budget.
These pond heaters are best for people who want to keep their fish-filled pond or aquarium healthy and comfortable.
