keeping stock tank from freezing.

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There was a thread on the forum a week or so ago about keeping water from freezing,one of the ideas was to use a fish tank bubbler to keep the water moving.Just wondering if anyone has tryed doing something like this with success. it sure would be a more economical than the typical 1000watt de-icers.also this would be a tank outside exposed to the elements in -20 and colder. Thanks Dave

-- Dave .S (duckthis1@maqs.net), November 02, 2001

Answers

Dave, yes they have large animal size stones with propane tank hooked to it for the bubbles. Propane doesn't freeze at low temperatures like the oxygen does. Talk to your local propane dept at Farmer Coop or Cenex store. I also have a supply tank (two large ones 1700 G@) at a higher elevation than my tire tanks (12 Ft wide), water flows thru an underground line 6ft deep to each tank. Two different approaches here, one uses a drainback hydrant, and a threaded on, short length of hvy duty garden hose with a "doyle flow restrictor" on the other end,where the water must flow constantly. Another system where the water comes up through the center of the large tire tank and where an overflow drain and bob float is also located. USDA "Conservation Districts", here have the plans for the latter system.

-- susan norfolk/wy (susan_norfolk@yahoo.com), November 02, 2001.

Try adding some molasses to your water, about 1/2 c per gallon. I was amazed when we tried it back when we lived in western NYS where it gets pretty cold. I read it in an old Countryside mag. Might need to adjust amount depending on your water, etc

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), November 02, 2001.

Mother Earth News put out a book called LIVING ON LESS...in this book it shows how to make a solar heated A-frame for over a stock tank...you put stones on the ground...put yout stock tank or bathtub on top of the stones ...leaving 1/3 of the tank sticking out the end of the A-frame for your animals to drink from...so they don't mess with the A-framed house over the tank...and situate it so the stock tanks sits lengthwise north to south...and then have clear glass..or plexiglass or plastic or whatever for the front side of the A- frame "house"...and something solid...i would think black for the backside..supposedly never freezes..keeps water warm so livestock will drink more in the cold months and horses won't colic...the stones heat it from the bottom and the black panel on the back heats up the air space and the frame holds the heat over your water...i got that book on half.com...Mother Earth News Living On Less

-- pam (just_little_pammy@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.

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