Solar Powered Aquarium Heater?

[CluckyJay]

How would I run an aquarium heater on solar power? Because of an earlier thread, I was thinking about this winter and the chickens bucket nipple watering system.

That or, can I paint the container black and insulate it really well and that keep the water from freezing?

 

[Tommie D]

This thread might be a good read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3464139

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

How would I run an aquarium heater on solar power?

It's not cost effective to run any type of heater on solar power.

Heaters take too much wattage, and you can come out better running a power line to the coop​

 

[Peterp]

Yeah you can get this done, basically there are a few things you need to find out. What is the wattage needed to run the appliance you need. as in how much power does it consume, and then get a the right size solar panels in watts that will provide the right amount of solar power you need, usually get a little more then you need. Then you will need an regulator, to control the voltage. You also need a battery, so you can store the power to use over night, as the sun doesnt shine at night time. So plug your solar panel into a battery, so that this battery will always be charged.

 

[Ariel301]

I don't know what your climate is like, but be aware that aquarium heaters are not designed to keep water warm when it is below freezing outside. They're meant to work inside a reasonably temperatured house. You're more likely to end up with a broken heater inside an ice block.

 

[jmagill]

Quote:
I have been using aquarium heaters for two winters. They work great even if they are not designed for this use. I live at 6500 feet in the mountains of Wyoming. Mine are on from November to the end of April. They are running twenty four hours a day all that time.

 

[mmlogan]

Did you find one that is solar powered? Or an elec. outlet that is solar powered to plug it into? I'd really hate to run an extension cord out to the coop.