6 Best Livestock Water Tank De Icers For Horses That Old Farmers Swear By
Ensure your horses have access to unfrozen water. We review 6 top-rated tank de-icers, from floating to submersible, all trusted by seasoned farmers.
That first deep freeze of the season always hits harder than you remember, especially when you find a solid sheet of ice on the horse trough at 6 AM. Keeping horses hydrated in winter is non-negotiable, as dehydration is a fast track to colic and other serious health problems. A reliable de-icer isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of equipment that saves you from swinging an axe in the dark and ensures your animals stay healthy.
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Why Frozen Water Troughs Are a Serious Risk
A frozen water trough is more than an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to your horses’ health. Horses need to drink a surprising amount of water, even in the cold, to properly digest hay and forage. Without access to liquid water, they can quickly become dehydrated.
This dehydration is a leading cause of impaction colic, a painful and potentially fatal blockage in the digestive tract. The risk is real. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about preventing an emergency vet visit that will cost far more than any de-icer.
Beyond the immediate health risks, there’s the sheer labor involved. Hauling buckets of hot water or smashing thick ice with a sledgehammer twice a day gets old fast. It’s exhausting, inefficient, and can easily damage your troughs. Investing in a good de-icer frees up your time and energy for more important farm chores.
Farm Innovators C-500D: The Heavy-Duty Sinker
When you’ve got a large stock tank, especially a metal one, you need serious power. The Farm Innovators C-500D is a 1500-watt sinking de-icer built for exactly that job. It sits on the bottom of the tank, where it’s less likely to be bothered by curious horses, and its heavy-duty cast aluminum construction is made to last.
This model is thermostatically controlled, so it only kicks on when the water temperature drops near freezing. This saves some electricity, but make no mistake—a 1500-watt unit will show up on your power bill. The trade-off is reliability in the absolute coldest weather. It will keep a 100-gallon tank completely ice-free when the wind is howling and the temperature plummets.
The main consideration with any sinker is the power cord. It drapes over the side of the tank, creating a tempting target for a bored horse to chew on. Proper cord protection is essential. Despite that, for raw power and durability in big tanks, this unit is a classic for a reason.
K&H Ultimate Deicer: Efficient Floating Option
Not everyone needs a 1500-watt behemoth. For smaller tanks, plastic troughs, or more moderate climates, the K&H Ultimate Deicer is an incredibly efficient and well-designed option. It comes in several wattages (250W, 500W, 750W), allowing you to match the power to your specific tank size and climate, which is a smart way to manage electricity costs.
This de-icer floats on the surface, and its internal thermostat is one of the most accurate on the market. It keeps a hole open in the ice rather than heating the entire tank, which is all you really need. The entire unit is enclosed in durable plastic, making it safe for all types of tanks without the risk of burning a liner.
Because it floats, it’s more visible to horses, but its rounded shape makes it difficult for them to get a good grip on it. The cord is often reinforced, but like any de-icer, it’s the weak point. Its main advantage is its efficiency and versatility for smaller hobby farm setups.
API 15N Sinking De-Icer: Reliable Raw Power
Sometimes, you just want something simple that works without fuss. The API 15N Sinking De-Icer is a 1500-watt workhorse that has been a staple in barns for decades. It’s heavy, durable, and has a simple, effective design with a built-in thermostat.
This de-icer is particularly well-suited for metal stock tanks. Its guard keeps the heating element from directly touching the sides, but its sheer power is most effective when radiating through a conductive material like galvanized steel. It will keep a large volume of water liquid in sub-zero temperatures, no questions asked.
Like other sinkers, the cord hangs over the edge, demanding careful placement and protection. It’s not the most energy-efficient model out there, but its reputation is built on unfailing reliability. When you absolutely cannot have a frozen tank, this is one of the go-to choices old-timers trust.
Farm Innovators DPH-15: The Drain Plug Solution
Cord chewing is the number one cause of de-icer failure and a significant safety hazard. The Farm Innovators DPH-15 brilliantly solves this problem by integrating the de-icer directly into the tank’s drain plug. The power cord exits through the bottom of the tank, completely out of reach of curious horses.
This design is a game-changer for safety and durability. It’s specifically made for Rubbermaid-style structural foam stock tanks, which are incredibly popular on small farms. Installation is simple: you just unscrew the existing drain plug and screw this one in.
The unit itself is a low-wattage, thermostatically controlled heater that is surprisingly effective. It won’t keep a 100-gallon tank completely clear in a blizzard, but it will always maintain a hole of open water around the drain. For anyone using a compatible tank, this is often the safest and most hassle-free option available.
Allied Precision 7521: Simple Floating De-Icer
If you need a basic, no-frills floating de-icer that gets the job done, the Allied Precision 7521 is a solid contender. It’s a 1500-watt floater with a simple design that has proven effective for years. It’s lightweight, easy to move between troughs, and safe for both metal and plastic tanks.
The thermostat is built-in, and the styrofoam float is enclosed in a sturdy plastic housing. It does its job by keeping a large area of the water’s surface from freezing over. It’s a straightforward tool for a straightforward problem.
While it lacks some of the sophisticated features of newer models, its simplicity is its strength. There are fewer things to break. This makes it a great choice for a secondary trough or as a reliable backup to have on hand in case your primary de-icer fails in the middle of a cold snap.
Behlen Trough-O-Matic: Heated Auto-Fill Valve
This isn’t just a de-icer; it’s a complete winter watering solution. The Behlen Trough-O-Matic is an automatic float valve with a built-in heating element. It connects directly to a water line and keeps your trough full with fresh, unfrozen water automatically. This eliminates both breaking ice and hauling water.
The heater only uses about 250 watts, making it very energy efficient. It works by keeping the valve itself and the immediate surrounding water from freezing, ensuring a constant supply. The time and labor savings can be immense, especially if you have multiple animals or are away from the farm for long periods.
The downside is the installation. You need a pressurized water line running to your trough, which isn’t practical for every pasture setup. However, if you can make it work, it transforms your winter chores. It’s a higher initial investment in time and money, but the payoff in convenience is unmatched.
De-Icer Safety: Preventing Chewing and Shocks
A de-icer is a powerful electrical appliance submerged in water that your animals drink from. You cannot afford to cut corners on safety. The single biggest risk is a horse chewing through the power cord, which can lead to electrocution and fire.
Always protect the cord. The best method is to run the cord through a piece of rigid PVC pipe or metal conduit, securing it to the fence or trough so it can’t be moved. Ensure the plug is connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This is not optional. A GFCI will shut off the power instantly if it detects a fault, which could be the difference between life and death.
Regularly inspect your de-icer and its cord for any signs of wear, cracking, or damage. Check that the unit is properly grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A few minutes of prevention is worth avoiding a tragedy in the barn.
Choosing the right de-icer comes down to your tank size, climate, and how much you value convenience versus upfront cost. Any of these proven models will do the job, but the best one is the one that fits your specific system and gives you peace of mind. Ultimately, a reliable de-icer is an investment in your animals’ health and your own sanity during the long winter months.
