I need ideas on how to keep my cows water from freezing. There's no power within a half mile of my pasture. I'm thinking of a 12volt circulating pump with battery and solar panel. Any other ideas?
Jay had a thread about extra stored water. A drop light would still take power.Is there a way to enclose the tank or is it a large trough? Around here simple drop light will keep tanks or drums from freezing. I use automotive heat shielding also.
You're at a higher elevation than me... Whats your average winter temp at night? The NWS would have that data.
Didn't Jay have a similar thread recently?
I had to think back thru 5 decades to remember what we used.An axe with a daily visit (or two) to chop ice?
Is there a way to enclose the tank or is it a large trough? Around here simple drop light will keep tanks or drums from freezing. I use automotive heat shielding also.
You're at a higher elevation than me... Whats your average winter temp at night? The NWS would have that data.
Didn't Jay have a similar thread recently?
how does the water get to the trough , the best, most efficient system that I have experienced is a tank buried below the frost line, with a pump to circulate the water when the cows are there to drink, triggered by an electronic eye. otherwise insulation and some form of solar heat. another possibility is a wood or fuel burner submerged in the tank, depending on available fuel sources.
if you build it you can fix it, if you buy it, you will probably need to fix it
If we are opening waterholes a cordless saw is very effective, we also had a chainsaw, without chain oil, dedicated to water holes,
An aerator would maybe work and might draw less power than a pump.
paint the south side of the tank black
Maybe a row of short copper tubes painted black sticking out?If electricity isn't an option then capturing heat from the sun in some manner is the place I'd look. Or figure out a way to build a fire under it!
If electricity isn't an option then capturing heat from the sun in some manner is the place I'd look. Or figure out a way to build a fire under it!
Maybe a row of short copper tubes painted black sticking out?
I remember seeing ice pull away from tree branches that hung down in a tank.
One of my donkeys thinks EVERYTHING is for him! He can make a fun toy out of anything!!I thought of a bubbler but I don't trust the stupid Holstein to not dive for it. He thinks everything is a toy and has gone in up to his ears after pinecones.
You only need to warm the top couple inches of water because that is what the wind freezes.I can't picture that.
The only other 'no-power' solution I can think of, is to build a 3-sided shed around the tank to prevent the wind from being able to blow across the surface of the water.
But that would be a lot of work.
So roll your own!For $600+ it should!!
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