2003 Update: we ran into a few defective units this season, although not a a large percantage. Some units had poor glue joints, and a few had apparently defective thermostats and wouldn't heat. Both problems affect the heaters ability to maintain a breather hole, so like any other device, the owner should inspect occasionally. The manufacturer has been very good about replacing the few defective units, and is making some design changes to further reduce the incidence of failure..

The information provided below is from the manufacturer, K&H Manufacturing or it's distributors. The power supply cord is about ten feet long (there is a notice on the unit saying NOT to use extension cords), and the housing is entirely made of plastic. It's about 11 inches in diameter at the flange, about 8" inside diameter on the bottom, and the gas escape hole is about 2" in diameter. The low voltage, domed design looks promising, and has worked quite well to date.

From the Label: Thermo-Pond is a unique floating pond heater that keeps a hole free of ice - allowing toxic gases to escape all winter long. Therm0-Pond is thermostatically controlled and operates on only 100 watts - that's 12 to 15 times less power than other leading brands. Your fish and your pocketbook can't live without it!

Features:

• Heater will not harm pond liners or plastic ponds.
• Tested to temperatures past 30 degress below zero Farhenheit.
• Save up to $30 per month in electricity.

From manufacturer's flyer: Thermo-Pond is a unique patent pending pond heater that keeps a hole through the ice in backyard ponds for just pennies a day. In fact, Thermo-Pond can save up to $30.00 a month in electricity! Just think, Thermo+pond pays for itself in as little as two months. That's important, especially with today's soaring energy prices and in some cases, shortages. Thermo-Pond floats on top of the water, and is thermostatically controlled to never get hot. Unlike some other heaters, Thermo-Pond will never burn a pond liner or plastic pond. The hole in the top of the Thermo-Pond allows toxic gases to escape all winter long. Allowing that gas exchange can save the lives of the fish living under the ice. Thermo-Pond has been tested in the north woods of Wisconsin at temperatures dipping down past 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. UL and CUL listed.

Thermo-Pond Instructions: Congratulations; you have just purchased the world's first and only low wattage pond heater. Thrmo-Pond's patent pending design is intended to keep the isolated center of the unit free of ice while allowing toxic gases to escape all winter long. The breather hole through the center of the dome can also be used for feeding your fish. (Please note that certain species of fish should not be fed when water temperatures are below 50 degrees F.) Just plug in your Thermo-Pond and float it in your pond dome side up. If your pond is already ice covered, drill a hole with an ice auger and place Thermo-Pond over the hole. If the ice is only 1 or 2 inches thick,place Thermo-Pond on the ice and it will melt its way through. Do not chop through the ice in smaller ponds as the shock waves can damage or kill your fish. Always keep safety your number one priority. Never walk on thin ice. Try to position your Thermo_pond within arm's reach of shore to avoid walking on thin ice. After the winter season, wipe down your thermo-Pond with a damp cloth and store in a clean, dry place. Always inspect your Thermo_pond before using. If there are cracks in the cord or plastic housing, do not use. Discard immediately. 1 year manufacturer's warranty.

Order this item Online!

Aquatics Unlimited 3550 S. 108th Street Greenfield, WI 53228-1257 Phone [414] 543-2552 Fax: [414] 543-4929