I have about a 100 gallon preformed pond that I have been using an old under gravel filter system in it for simplicity and cost...It's WAY cheaper to run a little air pump than it would be to run a 250-400 GPH pump 24/7!
I have noticed that over this cold spell that the bubbles coming from my uptubes are keeping the top from freezing over, the shallow end of this pond I believe is frozen solid at this point(~10" deep). I am now feeling alright to add mosquito fish next spring and probably a dojo loach or 2. The raccoons like bigger fish-even goldfish aren't safe around my place.
So if you are running a pond, get yourself a cheap air pump and your set. No need for those 3000 watt floating heaters, etc.. (sarcasm...)
I have noticed that over this cold spell that the bubbles coming from my uptubes are keeping the top from freezing over, the shallow end of this pond I believe is frozen solid at this point(~10" deep). I am now feeling alright to add mosquito fish next spring and probably a dojo loach or 2. The raccoons like bigger fish-even goldfish aren't safe around my place.
So if you are running a pond, get yourself a cheap air pump and your set. No need for those 3000 watt floating heaters, etc.. (sarcasm...)