Best Pond Heaters & De-Icers

14 minutes read

A pond as part of your home's outdoor ambiance is a beautiful featured addition that provides times of peace, relaxation and tranquility. However there are special needs and possible seasonal occurrences that are typical for most outdoor fish ponds one should be mindful of. As temperatures dip a freeze is probable over your pond and there is partial protection nature invokes; the pond experiences a state of suspended animation of sorts. At best a small pond heater is a great idea to protect your outdoor space adequately.


Break The Ice


Imagine water freezing creating a sleek sheer glaze over the environment of fish. Frozen water, icicles, and snow can cover any body of water quite completely for winter. So there should be a break or hole in the ice for fish that protects this entire oasis mindfully addressing the necessity of breathing room for fish to survive. This is something to address and prepare for with pond ownership. Ask yourself the following question; do you need a pond heater or de-icer? Many are under the misguided assumption that they want a pond heater when they actually need a De-icer.


Top Rated Pond Heaters & De-Icers in 2024

1
EasyPro+ Thermo-Pond 1500 Watt Pond Heater De-Icer

Rating is 5 out of 5

EasyPro+ Thermo-Pond 1500 Watt Pond Heater De-Icer

  • 1500 Watt Thermo-Pond Perfect Climate Deluxe Pond Deicer
  • Can be used as a surface deicer or converts in seconds to a bottom heater
  • Thermostatically controlled - operates only when needed, saving electricity
  • Easy to remove float ring allows deicer to be used as a bottom heater
  • Safe for all ponds
2
TetraPond De-Icer, Thermostatically Controlled Winter Survival Solution For Fish, UL Listed

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

TetraPond De-Icer, Thermostatically Controlled Winter Survival Solution For Fish, UL Listed

  • POND DE-ICER Keeps an area of your pond free from ice
  • WINTER SURVIVAL SOLUTION Allows toxic gases from decaying matter to escape from under ice during the winter
  • EFFECTIVE Works in temperatures as low as -20 degrees
  • 300-WATTS Features a 15 foot power cord and thermostatically controlled shutoff
  • NATURAL FINISH Stone finish complement’s your pond’s surroundings
3
Aquascape 39000 Pond Heater and De-icer for Pond Water Feature Gardens, 300 Watt

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Aquascape 39000 Pond Heater and De-icer for Pond Water Feature Gardens, 300 Watt

  • Ideal for keeping a small hole opening the ice during cold winter months
  • Ensures proper gas exchange; helps prevent winter fish loss and increases oxygen levels
  • Energy efficient design helps keep down operation cost
  • Stainless steel construction prevents corrosion and cracking
4
FLOATING POND DE-ICER 200 WATT POND HEATER-POND DE ICER

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

FLOATING POND DE-ICER 200 WATT POND HEATER-POND DE ICER

  • Installation: The de-icer should be placed at the northwest corner of the pond, up against the liner. In large or deep ponds, place unit in the shallowest part of the pond, preferably near a bank. The unit will turn on automatically when the temperature around the heating element is at 35-¬F and turns off when the water temperature is at 45-¬F (at -10-¬F air temperature).
  • Air Test: Perform an "Air Test" to determine whether the de-icer is heating properly and the thermostat is functioning properly.
  • Place the unplugged de-icer into the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to activate the thermostat.
  • Remove the de-icer from the freezer and quickly plug the de-icer into a working outlet.
  • The unit will heat up and then shut off, indicated by a slight clicking sound. The clicking sound means the thermostat is working properly.
5
API Pond Heater and Deicer Floating Pond De-Icer, 1000 Watt (Item No. P7621)

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

API Pond Heater and Deicer Floating Pond De-Icer, 1000 Watt (Item No. P7621)

  • BUOYANT ENCLOSURE - This pond heater has a rugged enclosed float that is designed to withstand the elements and is extremely durable. It keeps the deicer at the surface of the water in all conditions.
  • KEEPS YOUR POND HEALTHY AND ICE FREE - This deicer keeps your pond completely ice-free, allowing fresh oxygen to reach the pond to keep fish healthy. The products thermostat prevents overheating of the water.
  • HEATING CAPACITY - This pond heater is recommended for 70-100 gallons of water
  • POWER CORD LENGTH - This pond deicer has a 15' anti-rub power cord.
  • SAFE DESIGN, CSA & UL LISTED
6
Allied Precision P7521 Floating Pond De-Icer With 15-Foot Cord, 1,500 Watt

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Allied Precision P7521 Floating Pond De-Icer With 15-Foot Cord, 1,500 Watt

  • Strong durable stainless steel heating element
  • Thermostat positioned above element for safety
  • Rugged enclosed float that will not sink
  • Over temperature protection
  • 15-foot cord
7
Farm Innovators Heated Electric Pond Koi Fish Stock Heater Convertible De-icer Ice Chaser H418c

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Farm Innovators Heated Electric Pond Koi Fish Stock Heater Convertible De-icer Ice Chaser H418c

  • This de-icer will keep your tank from freezing in the winter and works best in tanks of 70 to 200 gallons
  • Versatile design which allows this stock tank heater to be used as a floating or submersible device
  • Thermostatically controlled to turn on and off automatically
  • The cord is protected by a metal spring which serves to deter chewing
  • The patented cast aluminum design is safe, reliable, and efficient
8
API Stock Tank Water Heater and Deicer Sinking De-Icer, 1500 Watt (Item No. 15N)

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

API Stock Tank Water Heater and Deicer Sinking De-Icer, 1500 Watt (Item No. 15N)

  • SAFE FOR PLASTIC WATER TANKS - This deicer's weighted heated element keeps the deicer fully submerged. The sinking deicer is safe to use in plastic water tanks.
  • STAINLESS STEEL HEATING ELEMENT - This tank deicer has a stainless steel heating element that discourages rusting and corrosion over time.
  • HEATING CAPACITY - This stock tank heater heater is recommended for 100-300 gallons of water.
  • POWER CORD LENGTH - This deicer has a 6' anti-rub power cord.
  • SAFE DESIGN, CSA & UL LISTED
9
K&H Thermo-Pond Floating Pond De-Icer 3.0

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

K&H Thermo-Pond Floating Pond De-Icer 3.0

  • Low-wattage pond deicer - uses only 100 watt
  • Floats on top of the water - maintains hole in pond ice
  • Thermostatically controlled to never get too hot
  • Completely safe to use with a pond liner or plastic pond
  • Helps maintain a toxic-free environment for fish living under the ice


Do you need a heater for a pond?


Temperatures dipping will cause ice to form on your pond and that dictates the necessity to protect the fish and integrity of the life of the pond. A heater elevates the overall pond temperature maintaining spring like environment throughout. It is more efficient to keep a defined circular area temperature regulated and prevented from freezing in totality. It is necessary to provide an area where air and pond gases are allowed to continue to be exchanged. That said though the temperature of the pond needs to be kept at a manageable level. That does not always require a heater which can be expensive and may not be really necessary as fish know what to do in cold temperatures to survive. They will go into a sort of hibernation that slows down their metabolism and sleep a lot. You may need a heater more in the environment of an in home aquarium for tropical fish.


You do need a solution to keep the life exchange in gases to continue in the pond so a hole is necessary. What is the best way to accomplish this? A heater may not be, what is required is a pond de-icer which is not only effective but also cheaper. This device is rather small yet efficient with thermostat at floating on the surface while ensuring a small hole stays open in the ice. It keeps things healthy while the winter roars on.


What size pond De-Icer do I need?


The size of the de-icer is very important to facilitate what the pond requires. The specific size is dependent on your needs and size of the pond. The recommendations are the following:

  • 0 to 250 gallons-100 to 250 watt
  • 250-500 gallons-300 watt
  • 500-1,000 gallons-750 watt
  • and so forth


Which de-icer is best for your situation? It will depend on how many gallons your pond holds, and if you're using it alone or with an aeration system. It is also worth noting that there are solar de-icer models with thermostat that saves energy down the road though the initial investment cost may be there.


Are pond heaters expensive to run?


If you do find that heating your pond is the way to go then be economical in the type you purchase. Do your research and find ones that fit your specific situation.


Use the following examples as a way to gauge your needs.

  • 300 watt de-icer cost approx. $30 mo/nth
  • 1200 watt de-icer cost approx $120.00/ month


The best may not be the most expensive model of heating elements for fish, instead which fits the needs you have for your pond. Remember 100 gallon to 1000 gallon pond has the right de-icer for its integral needs and performance. Sizes of 300 gallon to 500 gallon will fit some owners specifications and if your choice is a solar option remember the cost over time should be worth the investment. Remember always run an aerator in addition to a de-icer. There are so many options for maintaining a healthy pond for all fish including simple goldfish for winter; do some homework and enjoy this outdoor space fully.

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