6 Best Stock Tank De-Icers For Small Horse Farms That Save Energy
Keep water ice-free on your small farm without high energy bills. We review the 6 best thermostatically controlled stock tank de-icers for horses.
That sinking feeling hits you on a frigid morning when you see a solid sheet of ice covering the horses’ water trough. You spend the next twenty minutes swinging an axe, breaking up ice, and hauling buckets of warm water, all before your first cup of coffee. A reliable stock tank de-icer isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical tool for ensuring your animals stay hydrated and healthy through the winter. But not all de-icers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can send your electric bill soaring without you even realizing it.
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Why Energy-Efficient De-Icers Save Money
The single most important feature for saving money is a thermostat. A de-icer without one runs constantly, 24/7, whether the water is 40°F or 10°F. It’s like leaving a light on in an empty room all day, every day.
A thermostatically controlled de-icer, on the other hand, only kicks on when the water temperature drops near freezing. It does its job—melting a hole for drinking—and then shuts off. This simple on-off cycle can cut energy consumption by 50-75% or more, depending on your climate.
Think of it this way: a 1500-watt de-icer running non-stop costs a small fortune over a four-month winter. The same wattage unit with a thermostat might only run for a few hours on the coldest nights. The upfront cost for a thermostatic model is slightly higher, but it pays for itself in the first season.
K&H Ultimate Deicer: Top Thermostatic Pick
This de-icer is a versatile workhorse for the small farm. Its key advantage is its flexibility; you can use it as a floating de-icer or, by removing the float, as a submersible unit. This makes it adaptable to different trough shapes and depths.
At just 250 watts, it’s one of the most energy-efficient options available. It’s not designed to keep a 100-gallon tank completely ice-free in sub-zero weather. Instead, its goal is to maintain a consistent, open drinking hole, which is all your horses really need.
The K&H Ultimate is ideal for smaller poly or metal tanks (up to 30 gallons) in moderately cold climates. Its low power draw makes it a smart, economical choice that won’t overload your barn’s circuits while still getting the job done.
API 15N Drain Plug De-Icer for Metal Tanks
If you use galvanized steel stock tanks, a drain plug de-icer is the cleanest and safest setup you can get. The unit replaces the tank’s drain plug, positioning the heating element and thermostat entirely inside the tank at the very bottom. This design has two major benefits.
First, the cord exits from the outside of the tank. This completely removes the risk of a curious horse chewing on the power cord, a constant worry with floating or submersible models. Second, the entire unit is out of the way, protected from being kicked or nudged.
The major caveat is crucial: never use a drain plug de-icer in a plastic or poly tank. They are designed specifically for the heat transfer properties of metal and will melt a plastic trough, creating a disastrous leak. For metal tanks, though, they are an elegant and safe solution.
Farm Innovators P-418 Floating De-Icer
This is a classic, no-fuss floating de-icer that gets the job done reliably. Its design is straightforward: a donut-shaped unit that floats on the surface, with a heating element that keeps the water around it open. It’s thermostatically controlled, so it only draws power when temperatures drop.
The P-418 is particularly well-suited for plastic and structural foam tanks, as its low-profile design is gentle on the material. It includes a sturdy, anti-chew cord protector, which offers good defense against nibbling. At 1,250 watts, it has enough power for 70- to 100-gallon tanks in colder regions.
While effective, floating de-icers can sometimes be pushed around by wind or nosy animals. Securing the cord properly and checking the unit’s position daily is a good habit to get into.
Farmight Submersible De-Icer for Poly Troughs
Submersible de-icers are a great option because they sit on the bottom of the trough, out of sight and out of mind. The Farmight submersible is a solid choice, designed to be completely underwater where it’s protected from both the elements and the animals.
This model features a built-in thermostat and is typically encased in a protective cage to prevent the heating element from directly touching the sides of a poly trough. This is a critical safety feature for plastic tanks. The weight of the water also helps hold it in place.
The primary advantage is protection. A horse is far less likely to bother something sitting quietly on the tank floor than a floating object. Just make sure your cord is well-protected where it exits the tank and runs to the outlet.
Farm Innovators C-500: Submersible Power
When you need more heating power for larger tanks or truly frigid climates, the Farm Innovators C-500 is a step up. This 1500-watt submersible unit is built for performance, capable of keeping water open in tanks up to 150 gallons during deep freezes.
Despite its high wattage, it is thermostatically controlled, ensuring it only uses that power when absolutely necessary. It’s a common misconception that higher wattage always means a higher bill. If a 1500-watt unit runs for one hour to do what a 500-watt unit does in three, the energy cost is the same. The C-500 simply gets the job done faster when the temperature plummets.
This is the right tool for hobby farmers in northern states or those with larger herds sharing a single large trough. It’s overkill for a 30-gallon tank in a mild winter, but essential when you’re facing single-digit temperatures for weeks on end.
API 1500FB Floating De-Icer for Durability
Horses can be tough on equipment. The API 1500FB is built with that reality in mind. Its heavy-duty cast aluminum construction makes it far more durable than its plastic counterparts, able to withstand bumps, kicks, and general abuse.
This model is also thermostatically controlled and packs 1500 watts of power, making it suitable for larger tanks in cold weather. The sturdy metal housing not only protects the internal components but also helps distribute heat effectively.
If you’ve had plastic de-icers crack after a season or two, investing in a durable model like this can be cheaper in the long run. It’s a prime example of paying a little more upfront for equipment that is built to last on a working farm.
De-Icer Safety & Placement on the Farm
A de-icer is a heating appliance submerged in water, so safety is not optional. Your first line of defense is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This is non-negotiable. GFCIs are designed to shut off the power instantly if they detect a short, preventing electrocution. Test them monthly.
Protect the cord. A horse can chew through a standard cord in seconds. Run the cord through a sturdy PVC pipe or a metal conduit from the trough to the outlet. This small step eliminates the biggest risk associated with de-icers.
Finally, check your de-icer and water levels daily. Make sure the unit is fully submerged (for submersible types) or floating freely. Low water levels can expose the heating element, creating a fire hazard and destroying the unit. A quick daily check is all it takes to ensure everything is working safely and effectively.
Choosing the right de-icer is about more than just melting ice; it’s about finding an energy-efficient, safe, and durable tool that fits your specific needs. By matching the de-icer’s type and power to your tank and climate, you can ensure your horses have constant access to water without breaking the bank on your electric bill. A little bit of planning before the first freeze makes for a much smoother, safer winter on the farm.
