Have you ever wondered why so few Koi ponds are heated? Well heating a Koi pond was an expensive process and few Koi owners could handle the cost. Also Koi ponds were usually found only in the warmer climates where heating was never considered necessary. Today Koi are being exported to all parts of the world where heating is much more a necessity. In addition the cost of heating Koi ponds has become much less expensive and well within the reach of many more owners.
When we speak of heating we're not talking about just keeping the Koi pond free of ice in the coldest months. Heating a pond reduces dangerous water temperature fluctuations for your Koi. I would recommend you consider heating your Koi pond to keep it between 54 - 57F.
Since the Koi being imported today into colder climates are not use to the colder water temperatures, heating your pond will help protect your investment by providing a better water environment for your Koi.
There are basically two ways to heat your Koi pond. The simplest to install and most efficient is the in-line electric water heater. The heater is fitted into the return pipe after the external pump if one is used in a gravity-fed system. You should figure about one kilowatt of electrical power per 1,000 gallons of water. Depending on the ambient temperature of the water this might vary. I always suggest getting a heater a little more powerful than you need so that it won't have to run continuously in the coldest months.
The other option that you have is a heat exchanger system. Although they are more expensive to buy and install they are cheaper in operating expense. The heat exchanger is basically a radiator that pond water is pumped through to warm. The water in the radiator is heated by a small boiler that is fired by natural gas, electricity or oil.
Whether or not you heat your Koi pond, it is always a good idea to cover it in the cold months. Just don't make it to air tight. The best covers have zipped openings to allow gases that build up to escape and to allow access to the fish if needed. The Koi pond heater is fast becoming a very popular option for ponds. In fact, some would argue that it is no longer just an option but rather a necessity especially in the colder climates.
About the Author:
John Stoner is an author and Koi Fish Enthusiast. Learn more about Koi pond care and get many other tips in his latest book on Koi care.
Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/pets/koi-pond-heaters-are-they-worth-it
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