should I get a top floating heater or a submersible heater?

~ janj JJsPond.us wrote:
On 12 Jul 2005 13:02:31 -0700, wrote:

Most of my pond floor is about 12" under water - a little area is 18"
or so. I will probably have to move all the liles into the 18" area
for them to survive the winter which wouldn't leave any room for the
pump/fish. Can the lilies survive here (NE Ohio) in the 12" water (top
of the planter only 6" from the surface)? That would leave me room for
the pump and fish lower down...

Forget the pump, sounds like it may be too strong to use. An air pump w/air
stone and a stock tank heater (w/guard), and a stock tank heater backup,
may be the better way for you to go. Now a stock tank heater would only be
needed when really cold, but with only 12-18" to store your lilies in, an
Zone 4/5, you'll need one just to keep them alive, not just the goldfish.
The lilies will be fine as long as the crowns don't freeze. A stock tank
heater will keep the ice layer from getting too thick.

Goldfish, since you're looking for something to eat the duckweed and
not be too prolific I recommend getting some fantails over feeder goldfish.
They eat just as much duckweed (don't feed them) and if you do get too many
they are much easier to catch. ~ jan


See my ponds and filter design:
www.jjspond.us

~Keep 'em Wet!~
Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
To e-mail see website