7 Best Water Deicers For Winter Livestock Troughs For Horses
Keep your horses hydrated this winter with our expert guide to the 7 best water deicers for livestock troughs. Read our full comparison and shop top picks now.
A frozen trough on a sub-zero morning is the ultimate test of a hobby farmer’s patience and commitment to animal welfare. Horses require consistent access to fresh, unfrozen water to prevent colic and maintain proper hydration, making reliable deicing equipment a non-negotiable winter expense. Investing in the right technology now saves countless hours of manual labor and ensures the herd stays healthy when the temperatures plummet.
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Farm Innovators C-500: Best Submersible Pick
The Farm Innovators C-500 is a workhorse that earns its place in any stock tank by sitting entirely out of sight at the bottom. Because it is fully submersible, it remains protected from curious horses who might otherwise play with a floating unit. It is an ideal solution for deeper metal tanks where the heater can be safely placed beneath the water line without touching the sides.
This unit is designed for durability, featuring a cast aluminum body that effectively resists corrosion over multiple seasons. The thermostat is built-in, meaning it only draws power when temperatures drop near freezing, which keeps electricity costs manageable. For those with deeper tanks who want a “set it and forget it” solution, this is the most reliable choice.
K&H Ultimate Floating Deicer: Most Versatility
When the tank setup changes frequently or requires a heater that can move with the water level, the K&H Ultimate Floating Deicer is the superior choice. Its buoyant design ensures the heating element stays positioned correctly regardless of whether the tank is full or nearly empty. This makes it a perfect fit for smaller plastic troughs where a heavy sinking unit might be overkill or difficult to position.
The plastic housing is remarkably tough, designed to withstand the occasional nudge from a nosey horse. It functions well in varied depths, providing consistent heat without needing a dedicated mounting spot. If the farm layout features multiple types of water containers, this unit provides the most flexibility for rotating between tanks.
API 15-Gallon Heated Bucket: Best All-In-One
Sometimes the most effective way to manage water is to stop using large, open troughs during the peak of winter. The API 15-Gallon Heated Bucket combines the heating element directly into the bucket wall, eliminating the need for separate cords or risky submersible devices. It is perfect for small paddock setups or for stalled horses that need dedicated, guaranteed unfrozen water.
Because the heater is integrated, there is no chance of a horse chewing on an exposed cord or knocking a floating deicer out of position. The bucket is rugged, built to endure freezing temperatures and the wear of daily handling. For those managing a single horse or a small, confined area, skip the tank heaters entirely and opt for this integrated solution.
Allied Precision Drain Plug Deicer: For Rubbermaid
Rubbermaid stock tanks are staples on hobby farms, but they present a unique challenge for standard heaters because of their specific construction. The Allied Precision Drain Plug Deicer solves this by utilizing the existing drain hole in the side of the tank. By mounting through the drain, it ensures the heating element is perfectly positioned and secured without requiring clips that horses can rip off.
This model is a game-changer for those who are tired of finding their heaters on the ground every morning. It creates a sleek, low-profile look that keeps the tank interior clean and unobstructed. If a Rubbermaid tank is the primary watering station, this specific unit is the cleanest and most reliable installation method available.
Farmight Floating Deicer: Top Budget-Friendly Choice
Not every winter requires high-end, heavy-duty electronics, especially in regions with milder winters or shorter freeze durations. The Farmight Floating Deicer provides essential, basic protection at a price point that makes it easy to outfit multiple pastures. It lacks the bells and whistles of premium models, but it performs the fundamental job of keeping a hole in the ice effectively.
This deicer is lightweight and easy to deploy, making it a great choice for quick swaps or seasonal use. While the build quality is lighter than industrial options, it serves well for hobbyists who don’t have horses prone to destruction. It is a cost-effective, pragmatic option for those who need to manage several troughs without a massive equipment budget.
Behlen Country 1500W Sinking Deicer: For Big Tanks
Large-capacity tanks, such as 100-gallon galvanized steel troughs, require significant wattage to keep the water temperature above freezing. The Behlen Country 1500W Sinking Deicer is built for exactly this scale, providing the high output necessary to prevent ice formation in larger volumes of water. Its heavy construction ensures it stays pinned to the bottom of the tank, even in windy, open paddocks.
High-wattage units are non-negotiable for large tanks in harsh climates. A smaller heater in a large tank is essentially useless, as it will run continuously and fail to keep up with the surface area. For the hobby farmer with a large herd and a central high-capacity tank, this powerful unit is the industry standard for effectiveness.
Farm Innovators H-419: Best For Harsh Climates
For those located in areas where the mercury stays below zero for weeks on end, the Farm Innovators H-419 offers an extra layer of protection. This unit is designed with a protective cage that prevents the heating element from coming into direct contact with the tank wall, which can sometimes cause damage to plastic or damage the heater itself. It is a heavy-duty, high-performance unit meant for the toughest winter environments.
It provides consistent performance in extreme cold, bridging the gap between a hobbyist heater and commercial-grade gear. If the farm is prone to deep, prolonged freezes, do not waste time on budget-tier products. The H-419 is a professional-grade choice that ensures the water remains accessible even during the worst of the winter.
How to Choose the Right Wattage for Your Trough
Selecting the correct wattage is often misunderstood, leading to either frozen water or unnecessarily high electricity bills. As a general rule, you need approximately 1,000 to 1,500 watts for a 100-gallon tank in severe climates, while smaller tanks (under 30 gallons) can often get by with 250 to 500 watts. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific volume of the trough.
- 100+ Gallons: Use 1,500 watts for effective coverage.
- 50–100 Gallons: Use 1,000 watts to balance efficiency and performance.
- Under 50 Gallons: Use 250 to 500 watts to prevent overheating the water.
Remember that environmental factors like wind chill and the material of the tank play a massive role in heat retention. A metal tank will lose heat faster than a thick, insulated plastic tank. Adjust your expectations accordingly if the trough is exposed to prevailing winter winds.
Critical Safety Tips for Electric Water Deicers
Safety is paramount when electricity meets water, especially around large animals. Always ensure the heater is plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet to prevent electrical shock in case of a short circuit. If the cord is not heavy-duty or rated for outdoor use, do not use it; frayed or damaged cords should be retired immediately.
Never allow the water level to drop below the heating element, as this will lead to the unit “dry firing.” Dry firing can cause the device to overheat, melt, or start a fire. Regularly inspect the heater for mineral buildup, which acts as an insulator and forces the element to work harder, reducing its lifespan.
Deicer Placement and Protecting the Power Cord
The biggest threat to a water deicer is not the cold, but the horses themselves. Always secure the power cord inside a length of PVC pipe or use a protective cord cover to prevent horses from chewing on the cable. If the heater is a floating type, ensure it is tethered in a way that allows it to float but keeps it from drifting into the center where horses might nudge it.
- Submersible placement: Place the unit in the deepest part of the tank, away from where horses drink to minimize interference.
- Cord management: Run all cords through an overhead conduit or bury them in protective pipe if they must cross a high-traffic area.
- Regular checks: Inspect the cord connection at the base of the heater every few weeks to ensure no water has penetrated the seal.
A little extra time spent securing the installation will prevent a major headache in the middle of a blizzard. Ensure that the cord has enough slack to accommodate the tank’s water level, but not enough to create a loop that a horse can catch a hoof in. Proper maintenance of the entire system is just as important as the heater itself.
Winterizing your water systems is a fundamental part of responsible animal husbandry that defines a successful season. By choosing the right wattage and prioritizing safety, you transform a potential chore into a reliable, automated system. Stay proactive with inspections, and your herd will thrive regardless of how low the temperature drops.
