Due to the Ukraine conflict and inflation, energy costs have risen significantly. For many households, high electricity prices are straining their finances. This also applies to pond owners. Technology, lighting, water features, and the operation of sludge vacuums all require electricity. You don’t have to give up your garden pond, and regular pond maintenance is essential. There are various ways to save electricity.
Opt for modern and efficient equipment
Several devices can be real power hogs, especially if they are older. You can identify such energy guzzlers with a power meter. You can find comparison tables on the internet to determine whether a device has high consumption. It may be wise to replace these old, energy-intensive devices with new, efficient ones. Over time, this investment will pay off as the devices will quickly amortize.
If you are creating your pond, consider purchasing modern, energy-efficient equipment. You’ll need a pond pump, which can be combined with a filter. Not all ponds require devices like a UV clarifier. Purchase these devices based on your pond’s size and inform yourself about their energy consumption. Always look for quality devices from reputable brands as they tend to be more efficient.
Choose the right sludge vacuum
When it comes to saving electricity, don’t skimp on pond cleaning. You should clean your pond at least once, preferably twice a year, in the spring and fall. Conducting pond cleaning twice a year will reduce the amount of sludge you need to remove, saving you effort. A sludge vacuum is essential; our sludge vacuums, available with or without accessories, are energy-efficient. When purchasing a sludge vacuum, consider your pond’s size. You can find sludge vacuums with a flow rate of 5,000 liters per hour for ponds up to 80 square meters and with a flow rate of 10,000 liters per hour for larger ponds exceeding 80 square meters. Don’t run the sludge vacuum in idle mode and switch it off when not in use. Clean the sludge vacuum after each use.
Be economical with pond lighting
Pond lighting is not a necessity, but it can create a beautiful ambiance. It can also serve as a safety feature to prevent people from accidentally falling into the pond in low-light conditions. If you use pond lighting, save electricity by using LED lamps. These lamps have a long lifespan, are durable, and energy-efficient. Only turn on the lighting when needed. During the winter months, when no one is around the pond in the evening, the lighting isn’t necessary.
Use water features sparingly
Water features not only add visual appeal to your pond but can also help prevent algae growth by circulating water. They can also deter herons from catching your fish. Use energy-efficient water features and turn them on only during the day. You don’t need water features during the winter, so remove them when winterizing your pond.
Employ a timer
Timers are useful because they automate switching devices on and off at the pond. Various devices like skimmers, UV clarifiers, water features, and lighting don’t need to be operational 24/7. A timer can be a helpful tool and control multiple devices. You can precisely set when different devices turn on and off with the timer.
Search for a more cost-effective electricity provider and use comparison tools
You might currently have an expensive electricity provider. Switching to a different one can save you money, not only at your pond but also in your home, reducing household expenses. Use electricity comparison tools, such as Verivox or Check24, to find a more cost-effective provider. The comparison is quick to do. You’ll need:
- Your postal code
- Your annual consumption, which you can find on your current provider’s annual statement
- Information about your household size
You can further refine the search for a cheaper provider by using filters, such as searching for eco-friendly tariffs or tariffs with price guarantees. Ensure that the contract duration does not exceed one year. The comparison will show you how much you can save compared to the regional basic provider. You can switch providers directly through the comparison tool. The power supply remains uninterrupted during the switch, and you don’t have to worry about terminating your current provider’s contract as the new provider will handle it for you.
Install a photovoltaic system
The installation of a photovoltaic system comes with high costs, but it pays off after a few years. You’ll receive a feed-in tariff when you feed electricity back into the public grid. Even more cost-effective than a feed-in tariff is a high level of self-consumption. You become less dependent on a public provider and reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from a public provider. You can increase your self-consumption with an energy storage system. The size of the photovoltaic system should be based on your home’s size and your home’s and pond’s electricity consumption. You may also be eligible for a grant from the Kreditbank für Wiederaufbau (KfW) for the installation of a photovoltaic system. Check if there are regional grant programs as well.
Use solar-powered devices
Even if you have a photovoltaic system installed, you can still use various solar-powered devices for your pond. For example, you can have solar-powered lighting. Some solar-powered pond pumps are also available.
Lower the water temperature in the winter
If you use a pond heater in the winter, you can reduce the temperature. Ensure that the temperature meets the needs of your fish. Native fish species don’t always require a pond heater. There are various other ways to keep your pond ice-free in the winter.
If you have a koi pond, the water temperature should be at least 4 degrees Celsius in the winter. A temperature of 4 degrees Celsius is sufficient for a pond with a depth of 1.20 meters. Gradually decrease the temperature by 1 degree Celsius each day until you reach the target temperature. You can also let your koi go into hibernation by turning off the pond heater for a few weeks. In the spring, raise the temperature slowly again.
Keep the pond ice-free and save
You need to keep your garden pond ice-free in the winter. You don’t always need a pond heater or skimmer for this. Various affordable methods that don’t require electricity can be effective. Place a branch, beam, rubber ball, or Styrofoam with ventilation slots in the pond. Styrofoam with ventilation slots is ideal since it supplies fish with sufficient oxygen, reducing the need to operate the pond pump.
Pond cover in the winter – suitable for smaller ponds
If you have a smaller garden pond, you can partially cover it in the winter to prevent heat loss. Such a cover is useful when using a pond heater, allowing you to operate it at a lower temperature. Materials like jute sacks can be used for covering.
Use plants for better water quality
Plants can contribute to electricity savings. Use a variety of native, hardy plants that can remain in the pond during the winter. These plants enhance oxygen saturation and can counteract algae growth. Regularly remove dead plant parts to ensure good water quality. With numerous plants and good water quality, you’ll use less electricity for the pond pump or aeration.
Regularly check water parameters and use pond care products
Although electricity savings may seem modest, it adds up over the year if you regularly monitor water parameters and use pond care products. By doing so, you’ll need to operate the pond pump or aeration less frequently and won’t have to use the sludge vacuum in between. This practice prevents water from tipping in the summer and avoids the need for drastic measures when it’s on the verge of tipping. During the summer months, check water parameters daily, and remove algae, pollen, and other contaminants daily. If necessary, use our phosphate binders, sludge removers, or algae eliminators.
Conclusion:
You can save electricity at your garden pond with various measures and energy-efficient technology. Choose the right sludge vacuum based on your pond’s size. Regularly check water parameters. Even plants can contribute to electricity savings by improving water quality. Switching to a different electricity provider and installing a photovoltaic system also provide cost-saving opportunities.