Cookie can lightbulb heaters for water

[cfritz21]

I've seen countless people use light bulbs in cookie cans under their waterer in winter time to keep from freezing. Will this same concept work for a 55 gallon drum with horizontal nipples around the bottom?

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

Sorry double post

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

Sorry double post

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

The question is this: is it practical?
Consider this most people have 3 gallon waterers or smaller.
That means you'll need a bulb that puts out roughly 20 times the heat.
And you will need a heavy duty container for the bulb housing.
Not to mention removing a frozen drum of water to change a burnt bulb isn't practical. It's just too heavy.
I would use a stock tank heater rated for that size tank.
If your drum is plastic make sure the heater you buy states it is plastic safe.

 

[RonP]

I agree with others.

55 gallons of water will weigh over 450 pounds, not including the barrel...