Top Large Pond Heaters 1000 gallons plus for Big Ponds
Large pond heaters are popular ways to provide temperature control of the large pond waters during the cold winter months. Garden ponds provide endless pleasure, giving a beautiful and peaceful feeling for hours of joy. But garden ponds are not meant for places with just continuous warm weather.
People who live in colder areas can appreciate a garden pond with the insertion of a pond heater. Keeping your pond safe and having a hole through the ice during the cold months will help keep the pond healthy and your fish comfortable.
In this article, we will take a look at the top large pond heaters for big ponds. Also, we will recommend the best pond heater options for large ponds, and try to answer some of the frequently asked questions about pond heaters.
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Large Pond Definition
But before we proceed, let’s take a look at what we actually mean by a large pond. A large garden pond is usually considered as one that contains 1,000 to 3,000 gallons of water, and a jumbo pond contains more than 3,000 gallons. One pond heater should be enough for a 600-gallon pond, but if your pond is bigger than that you are going to need a larger heater or combination of two heaters or more.
Heater? DeIcer?
These are called pond heaters but actually are deicers.
Your not really heating the water to high temperatures. You are keeping it from freezing over.
Your attempting to keep a hole in the ice to allow gases to escape and some oxygen into the pond.
True heaters are usually for aquariums and tropical fish to keep temperatures warm for these types of fish.
Goldfish, Carp and Catfish are hardy fish in ponds and these are what we are talking about here.
There are other heaters with probes that are more suitable for indoor aquariums and large tanks for Koi and tropical fish.
Pictured here is top quality highly rated heater for large aquariums and indoor ponds for heating the water. Now on to the pond deicers/heaters to keep a small hole open in the pond surface.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/2ZUPWz8″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCatalina-RF-1000T-Controller-Titanium-Heater%2Fdp%2FB006AAWKPM%2Fref%3Das_li_ss_il%3Fie%3DUTF8%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26linkId%3D4e2c38353a6e5489484d3bdc8b40e0eb%26language%3Den_US%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB006AAWKPM%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB006AAWKPM%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Large aquarium indoor pond heater~~~1000 Watts~~~150-400 gallons~~~Corrosion resistant for saltwater use~~~Size: 14 inches long, 1/2 inch wide~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check price on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Catalina RF-1000T Heat Controller and 1000 watt Titanium Heater[/amalinkspro]
This is another great pond heater that is a fish owner’s favorite. It is a 1000W titanium heater; the tubes are made of titanium hence it can heat the water faster than any other ordinary machine. Catalina heater comes with a great feature that most customers love. The titanium is salt water corrosion resistant so that the tubes do not easily rust when used for a long time, just as the tubes are made of high-quality titanium so that it does not crack or damage due to excessive heat. Great for fish aquariums and larger indoor ponds.
It comes with a temperature sensing sensor that informs it when the device is out of range. While the device is on, the sensors automatically turn it off when need be. The Catalina heater can heat ponds and large aquariums easily, as it can heat 150 to 400 gallons of an area very well. The automatic start and stop system makes it very safe and there is also less chance of an accident when used properly. The following features are what make this heater one of the best.
- It has 1000 watt heating power.
- It is best for large ponds and aquariums.
- It is corrosion resistant for salt water
- It is affordable
Check Price on Amazon
2 Types of Pond Heaters Floating and Subversive
There are two different types of pond heaters, floating and submerged. A floating pond heater is meant to float on top or middle of the ice as soon as your pond freezes. It dissolves a hole on top of the pond ice covering, allowing gases to get away during the colder months. The second type of pond heater is submersible one; this unit is usually placed below the water’s surface to warm up a much larger area of the pond. Now let’s take a look at the top large pond heaters. Any image is clickable for more information.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/36P0ql0″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAPI-1500-Floating-Guards-521G%2Fdp%2FB004L62JGM%2Fref%3Das_li_ss_il%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3DAPI%2BFloating%2BHeater%2B%25E2%2580%2593%2B1500%2BWatts%26qid%3D1590885476%26sr%3D8-5%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26linkId%3Dcca2dbab540c6c8fb617d73202c6fe60%26language%3Den_US%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB004L62JGM%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB004L62JGM%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Built in thermostat to save power and energy~~~Durable enclosure against the elements~~~Galvanized wire guard protector~~~Six foot power cord with anti rub feature~~~Rated best for 100 to 300 gallons~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]API Floating Water Tank Deicer[/amalinkspro]
API Floating Heater – 1500 Watts
This is a very simple-looking pond heater. It has a guard that needs to be installed. It also has an internal thermostat, so it will only turn on once the water gets below a certain temperature. As for the best pond size for this unit, even though it is a 1500 watt unit, people likely use it in larger ponds, with over 500 gallons of water, and some users say it works well in their 1200 to 1500 gallon pond.
There must be a metal cage attached to the heater to prevent damage to the pond liner/ plastic. This pond heater is perfect for the pond owners who need more wattage power for various reasons. One such reason is that if your pond is a larger one, where a thick surface of ice forms, a lower wattage heater will take a long time to melt the ice.
This unit has a lot of positive reviews, which is another reason it appears on this list. The following are other reasons that make it the favorite among pond owners.
- It is very powerful
- It is perfect for larger ponds
- It is durable
- It can handle very low temperatures
- It comes with a built-in thermostat
- It has a long power cord, which is easy to place
[amalinkspro type=”cta-btn-css” ctabtn-id=”0″ asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/3gzCGFQ” addtocart=”true” new-window=”true” nofollow=”true” alignment=”alignleft”]Buy on Amazon[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/3dlE1ht” new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAPI-1500-Watt-Icer-DT15%2Fdp%2FB000TZ5A7O%2Fref%3Das_li_ss_il%3Fie%3DUTF8%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26linkId%3D96cadfcdbccc8532f4aeaa5d1c4e5f45%26language%3Den_US%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB000TZ5A7O%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB000TZ5A7O%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”3 in 1~~~Floating, sinking, or drain plug de icer~~~Has protection against overheating~~~Rated best for 100 to 300 gallons~~~CSA & UL LISTED~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]API 3 in 1 Stock Tank Deicer 3-in-1 De-Icer, 1500 Watt, Converts into Drain Plug, Sinking or Floating Deicer[/amalinkspro]
API 1500W 3 in 1 Deicer DT15 – 1500 Watts
This is a technically built 3 in 1 deicer. It is made of aluminum, which makes it very strong and durable, and also has good heat spread that pond owners love because it does not allow ice to form. It comes with multiple sensors that allow it to monitor the water temperature and prevent it from overheating or freezing.
It can immediately turn off heating once it realizes that the water is overheating, making it one of the best pond heaters that pond owners love because it can easily be converted to sinking or even a floating de-icer.
This product can be converted into anything depending on the needs of the pond, thus keeping ice at bay. It also comes with a plastic cap to prevent corrosion and rust on the aluminum base. It has a strong output of 1500 watts which makes it perfect for large ponds. It is energy efficient and does not consume much energy as it intelligently shuts down to prevent unnecessary heating.
This unit has a fair number of positive reviews; it is obviously a much-appreciated pond heater, most of the reviewers say really positive things about the products. Another great feature of this product is the fact that it can be converted from a floating pond heater to a sinking one.
Also, the unit’s internal thermostat sensors imply that it can efficiently measure the water temperature and actual sensor temperature, to ensure that neither feature overheats. Using multiple sensors for this provides more reliability and distributes the processing task. The following are other reasons that make this heater suitable for larger ponds.
- It is a 3 in 1 deicer which can be converted as per one’s liking
- It is energy efficient
- It has multiple sensors
- It has a strong output of 1500W
- Made of an aluminum base and plastic cap
- It is very strong
- It is perfect for large ponds
- It is very durable
- It can withstand very low temperatures
[amalinkspro type=”cta-btn-css” ctabtn-id=”0″ asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/3dlE1ht” addtocart=”true” new-window=”true” nofollow=”true” alignment=”alignleft”]Buy on Amazon[/amalinkspro]
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://amzn.to/2XjOODu” new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLagunaPowerHeat-Heated-Icer-Ponds-Watts%2Fdp%2FB002NDROB0%2Fref%3Das_li_ss_il%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3DLaguna%2BPowerHeat%2BHeated%2BDe-Icer%26qid%3D1590925401%26sr%3D8-2%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26linkId%3D21bc2b647ac288dd28d0c017e9f29e7a%26language%3Den_US%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB002NDROB0%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dkoifishhelper-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB002NDROB0%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”For ponds 20 degrees F and lower~~~LED light to check functioning~~~Stainless steel construction~~~Impact resistance~~~Safe for plants and fish~~~” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Check price on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-reviews=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]LagunaPowerHeat Heated De-Icer for Ponds – 500 Watts[/amalinkspro]
Laguna PowerHeat Heated De-Icer
This is another great option for large ponds; Laguna PowerHeat Heated deicer is a very powerful option. This is a 500-watt deicer, which means that it can also withstand very cold temperatures and also good for large ponds.
It may not be very energy efficient; but, it works well with larger ponds. It makes a nice hole in the ice, and that’s exactly what you need. Another thing that stands out about this pond heater is that it is safe for plants and fish, as there is no way that the internal elements are exposed in the water.
Laguna De-Icer is made of solid stainless steel. Meaning it will not rust and has an extreme level of impact resistance. It may not be the nicest looking pond deicer, but it is durable and strong, and it gets the work done. Pond owners like this pond heater and it can withstand temperatures of around -20 degrees or less. Pond owners are very satisfied using it in their large ponds.
The best feature that customers love about this heater is that it comes with an automatic temperature detection system. Meaning once the water reaches a certain temperature, the heater turns off automatically.This it turn saves power and money in operational costs. It also comes with a LED light that proves to be a sign that the heater is still working. The following are other reasons that make this heater suitable for larger ponds.
- It is made of stainless steel, this makes it durable
- It has protection against overheating
- Works well at low temperatures -20 ° and below
- It comes with a double thermostat
- It is easy to use
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Top Large Pond Heater FAQ’s
Q: What Is The Difference Between A De-Icer And A Heater?
Ans: There is no difference between the two; it is just a different way of how brands choose to represent their products in the market. We know this can be confusing, but brands just name their product according to the term they prefer. Don’t think that the “heater” may be more effective than the “de-icer” (or vice versa!). Both do the same job and are designed to keep the ponds from becoming ice-covered during winter.
Q: What is the need for a pond heater?
Ans: A pond heater has three main purposes, the first is providing oxygen, next is helping the fish to hibernate, and the last one is allowing the gases to pass through. If your pond contains fish, you may need to get a pond heater during the cold winter months to let your fish thrive.
Although these three purposes are important, they may not be necessary if your pond doesn’t have fish. Or you may have fish, but if the winter isn’t cold enough to freeze the pond surface, you may not need a pond heater.
Q: What is the running cost of a pond heater?
Ans: Pond heater operating costs depend on your location, as well as the utility charges per kilowatt-hour. On average, it can take up to $75 per month. If you want to save more energy, you can use a heater which is energy efficient because it can save 80-90 percent of your electricity costs.
Q: How can I install a pond heater?
Ans: This will largely depend on whether you have a floating or submerged type of pond heater. However, don’t be afraid, because both are generally very simple. A submersible heater is normally placed in water at a particular depth, plug it in and turn it on. A floating heater is as easy as placing it close to the edge of the pond, plug it in and turn it on, and of course, you will need to read the guide that comes with your heater for more detailed instructions. However, it is not a complicated setup process and generally takes only a few minutes.
Q: When are these pond heaters appropriate?
Ans: Pond heaters are suitable for winter because they can allow your fish to hibernate and also contribute to the gas exchange that keeps the pond clean and fresh. You can also consider pond heaters if you want to prevent freezing.
Q: Can these heaters prevent the water in the pond from freezing over?
Ans: Sure! If you have a bigger pond and want to avoid freezing, you may want to invest in a submersible pond heater that will be placed at the bottom of your pond to prevent water from freezing and thus allowing for a healthy and safe ecosystem and for your fish to thrive as well as a surface heater.
Q: Where do you place a pond heater?
Ans: For your pond heater to function well, it needs to be placed at least 18 inches deep. Of course, this is for submersible ones. If you choose a floating pond heater, you may need to place it in the center of the pond for it to work properly. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines exactly for the best results.
Q: Are these pond heaters safe for the fish?
Ans: All these pond heaters are designed to be safe for fish. Even if the fishes come into contact with these heaters, they will not get harmed.
Q: What should be the size of my pond heater?
Ans: It all depends on your pond size/depth/surface area. But, you can also use a smaller pond heater with bigger watts for larger ponds. You can also choose any of the above listed pond heaters; they are all perfect for big ponds, however you may need more than one, or a combination of a floating and subversive. Your pond size, depth, and location all may be a factor. From Northern Canada to the Mid Western United States temperatures in winter vary so its not a definite one size fits all answer.
Concluding Advice:
Tip: Do make sure to have a back up option in place. Just having one pond deicer without having a backup standing by just in case may end up causing you and your pond fish grief. Deploy 2 in use for larger ponds, or one plus one in storage in case the other stops functioning for some reason.
With all reviews, some people seem to get a lemon now and then even with the best of products nothing is ever perfect in this world. Don’t make your fish suffer while you wait for warranty replacements, new products to arrive etc. This is what I do with everything where life is important.
Thank-you for your support. I hope this article helped you in your quest for protecting your home or business’s pond/aquarium investment.
