Low energy livestock water tank de-icer

Wife (SWMBO) wants to not have to go out daily to carry hot water for "her" sheep. She wants an electric tank heater, which often run 400w and thermostat at 45F.
being off grid, that's a problem. Anyone come across any other solutions ? I've racked my brain for 2 years, and even dog dish deicers have a 40-45F thermostat. I'd be happier with a 35F stat, but maybe their sensors are not precise enough.
My thought so far is a sloping 1" hose, and fill the bucket in the AM from that, instead of hauling a bucket out through the muck .
No idea too outlandish ( except radioactive waste as a heater )
being off grid, that's a problem. Anyone come across any other solutions ? I've racked my brain for 2 years, and even dog dish deicers have a 40-45F thermostat. I'd be happier with a 35F stat, but maybe their sensors are not precise enough.
My thought so far is a sloping 1" hose, and fill the bucket in the AM from that, instead of hauling a bucket out through the muck .
No idea too outlandish ( except radioactive waste as a heater )
Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048
inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A
NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole |
Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor
(1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
Comments
Adding new electric loads in winter offgrid is not good. Winter is when we need to shed electric loads, as you know. I will ask my solar wrench buds. Good Luck.
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https://www.amazon.com/Submersible-Protection160GPH-Fountains-Hydroponics-Aquariums/dp/B07KG1RJFM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=fishpond+submersible+pump&qid=1604929568&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFDQ0k0N0hTOEdLU1QmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNDI0ODEzQVFUWVdLSElCV0lKJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MDQ2ODIzS0xBOUQ1NzI2UDRYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
The big problem seems to be most tank heaters have thermostats in the 40-60F range, which is way too warm for what I need off grid. I found some plastic dog bowls with heaters, but they are only 1.5 gallons, and don't fare well when drunk dry.
Still looking though.
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
https://westernranchsupply.com/product/trojan-66b-lp-gas-stock-tank-heater/
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
https://www.horsedrinker.com/
I've used this system for over 10 years without a single operational issue.
Here's a bigger version;
I've seen smaller versions in pictures;
Search "geothermal water warmer for live stock" and look at images and then move to the websites.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
So, how much water do the little sheep need?
I have a neighbor with all kinds of critters and he has alarms to wake him up to go shoot at the coyotes and mountain lions. Never dull here !
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]