Probably the heater for the stock tank would make more of a difference. You’d need more than one heated bucket if they both end up drinking out of it. I have both a small trough outside and heated buckets inside the run-in stalls. Most of them prefer the trough…only one of my horses consistently drinks out of the heated buckets if they have a choice (and it’s mostly after his meals or when he’s standing in there licking the salt lick right beside the water bucket). One horse won’t drink out of the heated water buckets AT ALL. He’s a little spooky so maybe it’s because of the cord? Or maybe he just prefers the outdoor water trough that’s just unfrozen enough but not lukewarm like the buckets. Either way, I say heater for stock tank.
I bought a 1500 watt submersible heater for my Rubbermade tank. It has two thermostats (one for water, one to make sure it doesn’t get too hot), so it doesn’t run when it isn’t needed. Only 1/2 my tank is on the horse side (tank splits the pasture fence) so there is no way they can get the cord. Just seemed easier than removing my plug, and is easy to remove if I decide to tip the tank and clean it out.
I will die if my bill is another $125 a month! Mainly from shock–I feel like one of my friends would have complained about this by now to me…really, I could justify boarding the horse fo the winter if that’s the case.
This will be very interesting!! I think my tank is 150 gallons. Can’t remember.
As far as intake goes, I’ve noticed it’s a lot more variable than I expected. On some days I swear the donkey, mini and horse drink 50 gallons. On other days, much less.
Finally, I am interested in using a cover, but my donkeys would eat plywood like a treat…any ideas?
Agree that a bucket will not be enough water to last all day. Plus it could easily get kncked over.
A 1000w heater is plenty for a 100 gallon tank.
Probably get away with 750, depending on where you are.
I’m in Ontario and use 1000.
