fish tank heater to keep water from freezing?

[sarahtar]

OK, is there a reason I can't think of (because I don't actually have chickens yet and so am really really uninformed, lol) that a fish tank heater would NOT work to keep water from freezing in the winter? We're probably going to use a 5 gal bucket for water, so there's no way they could peck at it if I sink it down to the bottom. I could probably cover the cord with something peck-proof if needed.

 

[Teach97]

Howdy

Sounds like it would work if you had a place to plug it in...the only problem would be if the water level got to low on it...but yup sounds good

 

[tomcio]

I was thinking of the same thing until I remembered I had one heater shatter on me when I emptied a tank and forgot to unplug it!

I believe the heater, even 50W would work splendidly, but you have to ensure there is adequate water leftover for it to be covered at all times. Otherwise you run a risk of it breaking, and creating a burn/electrocution hazard for you and your birds.


There has been other heater ideas around on the forum, I made a couple of the cookie-tin hot plates with 25W bulbs and in -25C weather I had my plastic waterers still unfrozen overnight.

Here is a link to how it's made: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=117287. I have 'upgraded' mine with reflective insulation on the bottom and sides so it directs all the heat to the top plate on which the waterer sits.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[ranchhand]

Only problem that could be.... if it's really cold, the heater may work constantly and burn out.
It's a bit of a crap shoot, but can't hurt to try.

And,

!

 

[LynneP]

How will you protect the cord?
Can it flip out and start a fire?

I dunno, I'm so pleased with my electric dog bowl and it's designed for safety...