I bought this unit last week and had a 1/2 inch layer of ice on my pond but had a small opening where my water moves. I plugged it in and the next day no ice. Now my pond water is up to 50 degree's and it is 7 outside. I thought this shut off once it hit a certain temp. Is my broken? I bought this unit last week and had a 1/2 inch layer of ice on my pond but had a small opening where my water moves. I plugged it in and the next day no ice. Now my pond water is up to 50... » Read More I bought this unit last week and had a 1/2 inch layer of ice on my pond but had a small opening where my water moves. I plugged it in and the next day no ice. Now my pond water is up to 50 degree's and it is 7 outside. I thought this shut off once it hit a certain temp. Is my broken? « Show Less
366414
It doesn't have a thermostat. The styrofoam float in mine melted after about a week and it sink to the bottom. my pond guy says not to use it on the bottom as it can melt through your pond liner. After 3 emails to the company with no reply, I threw the unit away.
366415
Are you using it as a floating device or sunken device. Mine is on the bottom of the pond. NC climate is pretty mild compared to some. If you are floating it unit might be effected by air temp.
366416
Ours stays on a lot but it's not boiling the fish. LOL I really don't know what to tell you except to contact the factory. Good luck!
366417
I don't think it has an auto shut of. Mine does not sit off either, so I put a thermostat on the outlet.
366418
NO, I don't think so. What volume is your pond? Also, with the moving water it keeps dispersing the heat throughout the pond. I think that you are good... Just make sure that the unit doesn't evaporate too much water and get hung-up fully exposed to the air (totally out of the water) cuz it can melt.
24820
I bought one locally and have the same problem. About a half-inch gap allows ice/mix to splash out. A bit messy! They said they'll send a new part. Hopefully, that'l help.
2185519
I suppose it depends on hot how that heater can keep the water. I live in Atlanta and the day last week when we had mid 20's for almost 24 hours the nipples did freeze but we had several cold days before that too. There was a layer of ice on top and water in between the ice and bottom of the bucket that was a little more than half full. I had to pour some cold water out and warm water in and push the metal nipples several times to get water to flow. I expect to have issues when we have multiple below freezing days and have yet to figure out what I will do.
747270
I had the same question when mine arrived a year ago. But after plugging it in just before freezing temps, it did the job just fine. The water doesn't even feel warm to the touch, which I'm sure our pet appreciates. So, it just works...
175285
I leave mine outside all year round. I plug it in as soon as there is a nip in the air but as others have said it does not "heat" the water, it just keeps it from freezing. Our temps this winter have been well below zero and I noticed some ice on the water but usually it is OK. It is exposed to all types of weather elements from heat to rain to snow and there is no trouble. Racoons, possums, birds, and cats have all come to get a drink from the bowl all year. You do have to monitor the water level.
410069
Mine has never frozen. I live in NH, Temps do drop to 0 but do not stay there for a long time. The waterer is in the coop not outside. I am going to purchase another one.
2065106
I don't know, I left my pond running all winter. I had no problem with it freezing up at all. On my small filter I just took it apart and cleaned it out and put it in garage for winter.
1207690
Andrew, I recall that the display will show you what the target temperature is as you are setting it, then it will revert to the actual temperature. I liked this heater a lot, it kept a very steady temp-- then I inadvertently broke it when it didn't get unplugged during a water change-- the glass heated up and it cracked with the fresh water add... total bonehead mistake, I know much better. The material inside got all over and I did lose a couple fish over it and many water changes to resolve. Then I bought an unbreakable. I hadn't broken a heater more than 15 years of keeping fish so I wouldn't let that sway me unless you think it might be an issue. Andrew, I recall that the display will show you what the target temperature is as you are setting it, then it will revert to the actual temperature. I liked this heater a lot, it kept a very steady temp-- then I inadvertently broke it when it didn't get unplugged during a water change-- the glass heated up and it cracked with the fresh water add... total bonehead mistake, I know much better. The material inside got all over and I did lose a couple fish over it and many water changes to resolve. Then I bought an unbreakable. I hadn't broken a heater more than 15 years of keeping fish so I... » Read More Andrew, I recall that the display will show you what the target temperature is as you are setting it, then it will revert to the actual temperature. I liked this heater a lot, it kept a very steady temp-- then I inadvertently broke it when it didn't get unplugged during a water change-- the glass heated up and it cracked with the fresh water add... total bonehead mistake, I know much better. The material inside got all over and I did lose a couple fish over it and many water changes to resolve. Then I bought an unbreakable. I hadn't broken a heater more than 15 years of keeping fish so I wouldn't let that sway me unless you think it might be an issue. « Show Less
2088120
It's kind of hard to tell if it's working unless you've got ice on the pond; it's not a pond warmer, it's a de-icer. Not all the ice, just the circle area it's sitting on. And not really fast either. In the last cold spell we put out a new one and it took 2 days to melt through. It supposedly is 100W, but I suppose the heat is spread over a much larger surface. Hope that helps.
2127072
my algae growth is always much less in winter and I run my pump and pond 24/7 365 so I would leave it on as long as green water appears. If you remove it and in a few weeks cloudy water appears put it back on. i would check with manufacturer to see if there are temperature specs that should be noted. I have not gone through a winter with this product yet. I removed a big tree that now means a great deal more light to the water surface.. we'll see.
410071
Last winter I used this waterer all winter on the ground in an unheated barn which wasn't much warmer than the outside. Last winter here in Ballston Spa New York was the worst I can remember. Temps were below zero for days on end with lots of snow. It had no trouble with the temperatures, my Guinea Hens all survived with plenty of water always available along with lots of scratch feed always in the feed bins. I will be using it again this winter and it is already in use but not plugged in yet. I would be comfortable with 10 to 20 degrees below zero. It never froze once. Use it you can't go wrong. Last winter I used this waterer all winter on the ground in an unheated barn which wasn't much warmer than the outside. Last winter here in Ballston Spa New York was the worst I can remember. Temps were below zero for days on end with lots of snow. It had no trouble with the temperatures, my Guinea Hens all survived with plenty of water always available along with lots of scratch feed always in the feed bins. I will be using it again this winter and it is already in use but not plugged in yet. I would be comfortable with 10 to 20 degrees below zero. It never froze once. Use it you can't go... » Read More Last winter I used this waterer all winter on the ground in an unheated barn which wasn't much warmer than the outside. Last winter here in Ballston Spa New York was the worst I can remember. Temps were below zero for days on end with lots of snow. It had no trouble with the temperatures, my Guinea Hens all survived with plenty of water always available along with lots of scratch feed always in the feed bins. I will be using it again this winter and it is already in use but not plugged in yet. I would be comfortable with 10 to 20 degrees below zero. It never froze once. Use it you can't go wrong. « Show Less
456209
It keeps the water open. If it's very cold there may only be a hole in the ice under the little dome. During milder temperature times, it keeps my entire little pond clear of ice. You can't feel any warmth if you plug it in and hold it...at least I couldn't. This is my third one -- I love them. I had one go bad when it developed a crack and water got inside and corroded the heating elements. I could hear water in it when I shook it. Don't drop it anytime -- hairline crack will allow water to get inside. BTW -- for some reason, my goldfish hang around it. Maybe there is more oxygen in the slightly warmer water. Anyway...enjoy! It keeps the water open. If it's very cold there may only be a hole in the ice under the little dome. During milder temperature times, it keeps my entire little pond clear of ice. You can't feel any warmth if you plug it in and hold it...at least I couldn't. This is my third one -- I love them. I had one go bad when it developed a crack and water got inside and corroded the heating elements. I could hear water in it when I shook it. Don't drop it anytime -- hairline crack will allow water to get inside. BTW -- for some reason, my goldfish hang around it. Maybe there is more oxygen in the... » Read More It keeps the water open. If it's very cold there may only be a hole in the ice under the little dome. During milder temperature times, it keeps my entire little pond clear of ice. You can't feel any warmth if you plug it in and hold it...at least I couldn't. This is my third one -- I love them. I had one go bad when it developed a crack and water got inside and corroded the heating elements. I could hear water in it when I shook it. Don't drop it anytime -- hairline crack will allow water to get inside. BTW -- for some reason, my goldfish hang around it. Maybe there is more oxygen in the slightly warmer water. Anyway...enjoy! « Show Less
349595
I had a similar issue just the other day. It seemed the water temp wasn't moving. I unplugged it, let the heater sit (in the water) unplugged for about 20 minutes. Then plug it in again. I think the heater needs time to get acclimated to the water temp, before the filament or whatever starts cooking. Give that shot before you start slamming the heater against the wall. = )
150303
I haven't had that issue but I think I still can help. Your fridge should have an indicator when the filter needs to be changed, BUT if it doesn't, then on average, every 3 to 4 months is what I use for a guide. However, I HAVE discovered that there are times when the water speed is very slow, & not strong, however even though the indicator isn't showing the need for a change, if I change the filter the flow is perfect again. So, I reckon you should try changing it if it's been about 3 - 4 mos. If that doesn't help the ice poduction for you, I'd check with the manufacturer. Guess they just don't make 'em like they used to. Hope that helped you.
1586776
It keeps my 150 gallon pond a warm 75 degrees, but it fluctuates. It is made for an aquarium, so I would guess it will take a while, but it will warm a 250 gallon tank...though it may fluctuate some. Mine fluctuates about 10 degrees (5 up, 5 down), keep in mind mine is outdoors and the outside temps fluctuate too. ;)P.S. I am very happy with my purchase!
98923
Well, a lot of them. i had mine go out (as ecotemp said) and i don't think it got below 38f. if you do have a problem with yours im sure they will say it's because you let it freeze. thats what all their complaints are about it seems. and their customer service is non existent, they just said it was all my fault then (get this) he hung up on me. i never raised my voice (but he did) i tried to call back and they would not pick up my call. i will never even think about using them again. good luck!
46911
I found the following explanation in an FAQ on the Miller Manufacturing Company (makers of the bowl) website:Q: Water freezes at 32°F. Why does the deicer turn on in the 40° range and not in the mid 30s?A: As water cools it get denser and sinks to the bottom of the tank, but once the temperature drops below 40°F, water actually gets lighter and remains at the surface. Thus, the surface can get colder and start freezing even though the water just a few inches below the surface is still at 40°. Therefore, to make sure the deicer protects the tank, all deicers are set to turn on above 40°F. I found the following explanation in an FAQ on the Miller Manufacturing Company (makers of the bowl) website:Q: Water freezes at 32°F. Why does the deicer turn on in the 40° range and not in the mid 30s?A: As water cools it get denser and sinks to the bottom of the tank, but once the temperature drops below 40°F, water actually gets lighter and remains at the surface. Thus, the surface can get colder and start freezing even though the water just a few inches below the surface is still at 40°. Therefore, to make sure the deicer protects the tank, all deicers are set... » Read More I found the following explanation in an FAQ on the Miller Manufacturing Company (makers of the bowl) website:Q: Water freezes at 32°F. Why does the deicer turn on in the 40° range and not in the mid 30s?A: As water cools it get denser and sinks to the bottom of the tank, but once the temperature drops below 40°F, water actually gets lighter and remains at the surface. Thus, the surface can get colder and start freezing even though the water just a few inches below the surface is still at 40°. Therefore, to make sure the deicer protects the tank, all deicers are set to turn on above 40°F. « Show Less