Overview
Here in Florida we are blessed with sub-tropical and tropical
temperatures year round. Not so in the more northern areas of the
country. Fortunately there are some inexpensive alternatives to keep
your pond water toasty for it's inhabitants.
Temperature Requirements
Most Pond Fish will thrive @ 74 degrees F. Pond fish tolerances range
from just above freezing to temperatures in the 90's. The longer you can
keep the temperature of your pond in the optimum range, the healthier
and happier your pond fish will be.Solar
Panel
A solar panel is expensive to buy,
but ridiculously easy to make yourself. Black or black painted PVC under
a framed sheet of glass with a black background pointed toward the sun
will give you a "quick and dirty" panel that's about as cheap as
you can make it.
Copper piping is not recommended
due to poisoning the water
 . With
PVC, a constant water flow during the daytime is necessary to keep the
pipe from deforming or melting. For hot water applications you can use
PEX,
it's a bendable plastic that can carry potable water.
Bubble Wrap
Yes, the same stuff you use to
cushion package contents will work as a sort of "Solar Blanket" for your
pond. While it gathers the sun in daylight, the bubbles insulate the
water from losing heat too quickly at night. It stands to reason that
the bigger the bubbles the more insulation quality it has.Black Styrofoam Floaters.
Even less expensive, Styrofoam
panels painted black and floating on the pond will insulate and add
warmth during the sunny hours.
Cautions
A thermometer is absolutely
necessary, as well as daily readings to point out large temperature
swings.
Water will hold more oxygen cold,
warming it will decrease the oxygen level, but an aerator should take
care of that minor problem.
Waterfalls, Fountain heads and
pumps will increase the heat loss in that order. You may want to divert
some of them on the coldest days.
Conclusion
Solar heating is an inexpensive
method to extend your pond season and to keep your pond fish healthy and
growing.
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