Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Worrying about winter fish kill

RAH:

That would work. How deep to put the line? If you put it in above the frost line, it is important to make sure the airline has a drop all the way to the pond, with no dips where moisture can accumulate and freeze. Running 1.25" poly will minimize the possibility of it freezing solid, but to be safe, treat it like a drain. 1/8" slope in 10' of run. If the ground slopes from the barn to the pond, just check the drop. You might have enough natural drop already.

To keep ice off of the pond, larger bubbles to create surface wave action is better.

Put the diffuser 1/4 to 1/3 the max depth of the pond. Place it close enough to shore so that if anything went into open water or broke through the ice near the diffuser that it could get out easily without having to climb up onto the ice. Been there, done that and almost lost my two dogs because of it.

Just remember that the "cheapest" system might not be the most cost effective system for the long run. With that said, look into the system that RC51 built. That might be the most cost effective system for you. Splurge and get the self-sink hose for the pond. You can thank me later....