Water heater base failing

[patman75]

I'm on my 2nd heater base and about to go buy a third in 3 years.

They work great for the first year out the box, it is maybe plugged in for 3 months. When I plug it in the next year it just doen't work very well.

The water was froozen soild this morning!

Any one have any expierence or advice with this type of water heater?

https://www.familyfarmandhome.com/inet/storefront/store.php?mode=showproductdetail&product=1393

I have a 5 gallon metal water can on top of it.

 

[JackE]

What you have there is a fine example of Chinese engineering. It is not built to last. Do not buy another one of those. Build a cookie tin heater for a fraction of what you have been paying, and be done with it. I built one for under $5, it's powered by a 40W bulb. It works perfectly and it's CHEAP.
Jack

 

[patman75]

Now that the 40 watt bulbs are phased out, what would be a replacement heat source?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:

Now that the 40 watt bulbs are phased out, what would be a replacement heat source?

The bulbs are still available now

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-out_of_incandescent_light_bulbs

Quote: A pair of 25- 30 watt bulbs should put out enough heat

 

[ll]

wow 1 season - well if this heated dog bowl lasts that long, I paid 1/2 the price.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

a heated dog bowl or even a bucket works better, I've seen/heard of to many of those cookie tin heaters start fires, I won't go near them. I use a 8 gal bucket with a cut log next to it. the hens can use it but so can the guard geese in the same area, plus they last a long time are very efficent

 

[ScottM]

II, what is that light green thing inside the dog dish bowl? Looks like you've added something

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I use a bucket heater designed specifically for outdoor 5 gallon plastic buckets.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: I've never heard of that.

Most fires I've heard of have been from using improperly secured heat lamps and not regular light bulbs as in a cookie tin heater

 

[chick007]

i have found a solution that works great for me, i use a 60 watt automotive battery tray heating pad that i put between a couple of ceramic floor tiles. this works for both plastic or metal waterers that sit flat on tiles. i live in anchorage alaska and last couple of weeks it has been -15 degrees. have not had water freeze yet. most durable thing i have found for extreme weather