Kanundra

We bought our heater, recommended at 4kw, because we have 4000 gal.

But it doesn't seem to be holding a stable temp.

With the extreme bad weather its fluctuating between what we set it at, 12 deg. and 8.6.

We don't have our pond covered, or anything. Its a 300 nexus filter and 1 bottom drain.
Up to now are fish look ok, and are still fairly active they eat well too.

Should we have gone for a bigger kw? If so does any one want this one for next winter, as will be selling it for sure.

Will the bacteria die still with the drops?

Dawn

koimaster

try covering the pond when you are not at it this will help keep the infuctions at bay and save you ££££ of the heat just escaping

nishikiboy

Hi Dawn, as you know my Elecro is 6kw and is set at 16.2C and therefore the thermostat kicks in at 15.7C THE LOWEST I've ever seen it is 15.6C in this cold weather but I'm only 200 yds from the sea, we all grow palm trees here in Morecambe ! I'ts only properly snowed 3 times in the 11 years I've been here !
As Mark says, you can cover it,
with a Solar pool cover is probably best, or polycarbonate sheets ( the type used on conservatory roofs ) not cheap in either case.
but it won't be a pretty sight and you will have to anchor whatever you use down, so as not to blow away. I would personally go to your dealer down the road, assuming you got the heater from him, and ask him to change it for a 6kw.......... it won't use that much more electric, as it will be on less when it gets milder, but will still be on ALL the time during this cold snap.
what I'm trying to say, is it will cost more, 50% more ! now whilst it's very cold, BUT probably a bit less than the 4kw when temps aren't so bad
As we all know capacities with everything to do with koi are exagerated throughout the industry, filters etc included, they never quite live up to what they claim !
In my opinion he should have not sold you a 4kw, but yes thats what they claim 1kw per 1,000 gallons as adequate !!!
As we have already discussed the temperature fluctuations are likely to cause white spot !
Peter.

Eclipsar

As Mark said you should try covering the pond, if you do not want to cover the whole pond, just cover half of it that would make a big difference for the heater.

Regards
Chris
Eclipsar
ACM KOI

Carl

insulate the filter too with bubble wrap this will help keep the bacteria in the filter that bit warmer and thats the important part

nishikiboy

That will help too, although the Nexus is quite well insulated, but more is good
BUT has it got a lid ? they are approx £70 !
If you use something as a temporary lid be careful it is NOT tanalised wood !!!
A circle of POLYCARBONATE ROOF would be ideal, but put something over it to make it dark ! The bacteria thrive and multiply best in the dark !
But my guess is your mate down the A59 sold you a lid too ?
Peter.