Sadly... Its almost that time of year to start thinking about heating the water.. cant decide how to

[stuntey]

I have this PVC watered with nipples in the run. I can get electricity out to it. Not sure what the best method would be... Using the heat tape or the aquarium heater. It does not fit inside the coop. (Inside the coop I have a water bottle with a drinker cup that I can fill once or twice a day, but fear that this isn't enough).

 

[MeepBeep]

Is that a vertical nipple on the PVC? If so you likely will not be able to keep it thawed out, horizontals are much better suited to freezing temps...

 

[stuntey]

Yes they are vertical. Do the horizontally installed ones leak less? I found some for fairly in expensive, went ahead and ordered. Can't hurt to try! Even after a quick glance, they seem to get better reviews!

 

[MeepBeep]

Yes they are vertical. Do the horizontally installed ones leak less?

Yes, the horizontals leak less as well as work better in freezing temps...

As for a heater, there isn't much volume in that PVC, you could wrap it with heat tape (gutter/roof thawing tape) then insulate it to hold the heat in...