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pond deicer

Using Deicers to Keep Your Outdoor Aquatic Life Safe

Jonathan Goodman

Deicers are an ingenious way to keep your pond life safe and healthy. This product basically warms or heats a specific area of the pond so as to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so that the pond does not freeze during winter. But it is not the same as a heater, which has a entirely different purpose.

It is essential to use a deicer especially during the cold seasons since the pond builds up toxic gases like methane that must be released. In normal weather this is an automatic process. But if it freezes up, these gases get trapped inside and decompose the organic matter. By using a deicer this can be prevented and your pond will get the oxygen it requires.

Deicers generally work for the smaller sized ponds that have a 1200 square feet area. These come with a preset temperature of around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. You can opt for floating deicers, submersible deicers, liquid deicers or convertible deicers. Whichever type you opt for, you will need to plug them into a power point.

The submersible deicers use a thermostat to balance the temperature and are more economical. These are ideal for shallow ponds. This deicer is located at the bottom and warms the water so that it spreads from the bottom upwards. It is not workable for deep ponds.

You also get solar power deicers that are energy efficient.

If you already have a pond heater, then a it's redundant. But the two of them are not identical and deicers cost a lot less. Deicers do not heat your pond, while a pond heater actually does. The purpose is to just thaw a portion of the surface and keep it from freezing so that toxic gases can be released, allowing oxygen to come in.

Deicers create a hole for breathing so that you need not worry about your fish being affected by the freezing winter. If there is no oxygen coming in, the fish get stressed out and develop disease and die.

Installing a pond deicer is best done well before the ice forms on your pond surface, or at least when it is a thin layer. If your pond has already begun to freeze, then you might want to drill a hole in the ice and locate the deicer.

By keeping your deicer plugged into a thermo cube, you can control its temperature at the required level and cut energy costs. It works by regulating the temperature in such a way that when the temperature is more than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it turns off the deicer. When the temperature reaches 35 degrees, it turns the deicer back on resulting in big saving on energy costs.

Pond deicers can be made even more effective when you use them in conjunction with an air or water pump. It is important to check your pond deicers periodically to ensure they are operating properly especially since they are electrical devices.

About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit Market Merchants for a wide selection of deicers from our ponds department.