Adding Horizontal Nipples To Heated Bucket?

[Mosey2003]

So, I've seen how people use aquarium or stock tank heaters in regular buckets with the horizontal nipples for winter, and I may end up doing that. BUT, I have a five gallon heated flat-back bucket already and I'm wondering if anyone has drilled through the sidewalls of those before? Is there more than an insulation going up the sides (ie is the heating element contained in the bottom)? I already have the nipples. If anyone has done this and knows it won't ruin the bucket, do I need extenders since the walls are thick? Where do I get those?

Thanks!

 

[TheYLWFlock]

I would suggest. Oh drilling into a bucket with a flat side, for example, we drilled into the bottom of a bucket, where it was flat, that way the nipples stay in place and do not leak. If you are doing horizontal nipples, I suggest getting a square bucket. Hopefully others can give better advice, I have only ever used the vertical nipples.

 

[Mosey2003]

I specifically do not want vertical nipples, they will freeze in the winter whether the water is warm or not.

 

[blackdog043]

Is it a thick side wall bucket? If it's not, then you should be fine with drilling holes for the nipples. The heating element should be in the bottom. I prefer something with a lid, to keep out dust and dirt, which I'm guessing your bucket doesn't have. I use a 250 watt stock tank deicer in a 5 gallon bucket for 2 months.

 

[imnukensc]

I had to Google "heated flat back bucket" since I've never seen one, but I'm pretty sure you could drill through the sides and attach the nipples without any kind of extenders. The walls look thick, but certainly not as thick as an insulated cooler which for sure would require extenders. I've seen those extenders advertised, but I don't remember where. I don't think you would need them.

 

[aart]

So, I've seen how people use aquarium or stock tank heaters in regular buckets with the horizontal nipples for winter, and I may end up doing that. BUT, I have a five gallon heated flat-back bucket already and I'm wondering if anyone has drilled through the sidewalls of those before? Is there more than an insulation going up the sides (ie is the heating element contained in the bottom)? I already have the nipples. If anyone has done this and knows it won't ruin the bucket, do I need extenders since the walls are thick? Where do I get those?

Thanks!

Pics of buckets?
I have link for extenders...will have to dig it out.
Even bought some out of curiosity but haven't used them.
There was thread discussing them....hmmm, wonder if I can find that too.


ETA: here's the post with link to extenders:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...vertical-nipples.1252051/page-3#post-20091937

 

[ngennetta]

Have you measured the thickness of the bucket wall? The nipples should only be screwed in about 80%, so you don't have the entire length of the barrel to use

 

[Mosey2003]

I felt the bucket up last night and it feels like there's about 1/4" gap between the walls, maybe 1/2". I'm gonna look at the nipples and see if I think it will work, I was mainly worried about there being wiring or something up the sides, but if that isn't likely, I'll go ahead and drill one to see.

 

[Mosey2003]

Update: do not attempt

 

[aart]

Update: do not attempt

Rut Ro.
Deets with pics, please?