I'm getting nervous about our second winter.........last year I was too dumb to worry! I still have the same 35 fish that wintered last year with just a stock heater, but there's a LOT more gunk (say, ALGAE) in there and there was no plants to decay last year.

I'm thinking this breather just might help the heater out a bit

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...57&pcatid=18057

anybody got one?

I've never seen that product before so I was looking at it. I think it's new. If I'm reading it right, it pumps a small amount of water off the bottom and up above the ice where it can exchange gases. That water is heated just a tad and put back on the bottom. It sounds like a promising idea. I would worry about it clogging or freezing up. I won't know more until I or someone else uses one and reports back.

That was my worry too, Robin. Seems like the water might freeze in the tube if it's only slightly heated, however, if I locate it close to the heater the water would be warmer to start with. It's hard to tell how deep it draws water from.

Hhhhmmmm, never seen one of those before! Well I guess one of us has to be the guinea pig, LOL, how else will we ever know if it is good???? So....who's going to try it...........like, not ME! It would freeze no doubt in my area :D

Not so sure it would make it through the winter in my area either. :(

I would say if you dont want to run a heater buy a air pump made for ponds. This will keep the pond from icing in a area. Also you can use during the summer for extra oxygen, or if you pump broke. I use to use a heater but i started using the air pump 2yrs ago and havent a single problem.

JRN, what zone are you in?

I live in NJ across from Philly and the zone is 6 to 7 depending on who you talk to. I say it is 6