Squdhead's Winter Cover II

[Squidhead]

OK, this is the version I am using. I constructed it the same way as Version I in this Forum Section.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh228/Squidhead_67/010-3.jpg
To span the waterfall where the stream bed flows into the pond, and areas I couldn't drill a hole in the ground because of plumbing and electric, I used 20" sections of PVC and TEE's and Crosses at 45* angles. I even used some 45* elbows as needed. There is a 8' section of 1/2" ( 3/8" would have been fine)concrete rebar through the 20" sections of pipe, Tee and Cross fittings. I put the hoops into the last sleeve footing I could drill on either end with a TEE. I drilled a 1/2" hole through the TEE and Hoop or cross and hoop so it is a continuous 8' section of rebar. It did start to bow because of the tension so I used the yellow tie down to help pull the structure together. So far it's held up in some pretty severe wind.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh228/Squidhead_67/013-1.jpg
Between this cover and the cover I built for my stock tank I have been able to keep water temps about 59*. It has been in the 20's and even teens overnight and no warmer then 39F yesterday with overcast skies. Today is very sunny, but windy and cold again. The water temp only dropped to 56F today. Not bad for no sun for a couple days and gusty winds. Hopefully the water will get up near 60F again today with the sun being out.

[koikeepr]

I saw it from the road on Saturday night, and it looks really good. Nice and low profile now.

My water temp is 48 degrees right now. You mentioned you were also using heaters in your stock tank, correct? That would mean they are keeping the water 10-11 degrees warmer. Are you still feeding the fish?

[Squidhead]

Feeding sparingly. I really need to order some winter food. When it was 60F they rushed to the surface as soon I opened up the cover. When it's below 55F they are not so interested. My heaters aren't doing that much, I think it is the tight seal on the cover and the cover over the stock tank. I am going to pick up another thermometer for the stock tank and put it in when I put the air diffuser in the tank. I may also crank up the temp a couple degrees to see what happens. Don't forget I get full sun over the pond. That makes a huge difference, the petunias are still doing good under there.

[koikeepr]

I don't get good sun until afternoon...

[Peppy]

That looks great Squidhead! You sure are keeping a lot of heat in there. It's been in the twenties here too but my water actually dipped down to 38. I tarped the external filters but I think too much piping in the air and the exposed filters are probably cooling the water when it gets to them.

[Meganne]

Squid, it has been really windy here and someone else posted about the crazy wind they have had. how is your cover holding up?
I am thinking you should be good?

[Squidhead]

My cover is holding well. I have it pretty tightly stretched and the bags of mulch are frozen to it and the ground from the condensation. I think being lower to the ground and the shape helps to. The prevailing winds blow over the curved part....usually.

[Peppy]

Squid, are you worried about the condensaton dripping the evil 3 back into your pond? Someone mentioned that and now I keep thinking about it.

[Squidhead]

I am guessing the condensation rolls down the sides before it goes back into the pond. What the hell is evil 3?:terrified::big smile:

[Peppy]

LOL, you know, Ammonia, Nitrite and NitrAte!

Yes, I hadn't thought about the condensation rolling down the sides. That makes sense for your setup. I wonder if condensation rolls down the sides with my gable roof? I hope it does because that would be a good thing.

[Squidhead]

The ammonia and nitrite should turn into nitrate. I guess there is no harm in monitoring my nitrate, I usually do since the pond is only a few months old. I must confess I haven't done any testing since October or early November. My Nitrate levels have never been above 5ppm, except maybe once when I was "fishless cycling" the pond. Although the thing is sealed pretty tight, there is still fresh air exchange, just in smaller quanities. Then again the fish aren't eating as much so the ammonia source isn't as much either.

[Peppy]

My well has higher nitrAte than your pond, Squidhead! My well is 10 nitrAte but the pond is usually zero or at least less than 10. Go figure. Guess that means something is working right in the pond after all.