On the top of a producer’s winter daily agenda this time of year is breaking ice in frozen stock tanks.
Because water is vital in livestock production, farmers must find ways to keep the water flowing.
Concrete tanks
An option to assist producers during the winter are concrete, frost-free, livestock stock tanks. These tanks were designed to go underneath pond dams.
Concrete tanks have also shown to be great options with pressure systems. The back of the tank being buried insulates the tanks to help them from freezing.
Information from the University of Oklahoma Extension states that these types of systems reduce cloudiness and improve water quality for livestock. The water is also warmer than the surface water in ponds.
Water circulating tanks/systems
Water circulators don’t use heat to keep ice from forming, but work the same way that a stream or creek does and moving water doesn’t freeze as fast. Circulators generally run off of batteries and have the option of hooking the batteries up to a solar power system to recharge them. Keep in mind, though, that circulators work best with automatically filled tanks, as the circulators need to be in contact with the water to keep working.
Lid and ball waters
There are also other types of freeze-proof tanks, including metal or plastic lid and ball tanks. While convenient, some electrical styles of tanks can have their drawbacks. Electric tanks, for example, need to be in close proximity to an electricity source or solar.
According to the USDA, the tanks are installed over geothermal wells, which also assists in keeping the water flowing.
These type of tanks need to be bolted to concrete slabs to ensure that the flotation devices work properly.
Tire Tanks
Tire tanks are also very popular and cost effective by putting old tractor tires to good use. The size of the tire depends upon the size of the spring and/or water source and the herd. Pressure systems can also be installed to tire tanks.
Tire tanks can be connected to existing water lines, but they can easily be constructed next to ponds or any other water source and provide a watering alternative that will protect the pond structure.
The tires should be placed on a gravel pad, either placed half into the ground or placed directly on the existing ground. The gravel helps drain spilled water and keeps the area from becoming muddy.
According to the USDA, steel belted tires should not be used because the cables can possibly injure the livestock. Tire tanks can also be adjusted to be freeze-proof.
Electric tank heaters and deicers
There are numerous heaters for most sizes of tanks. The downside is that they require a ready supply of electricity and will fail to work once power is lost.
Look for a unit that has a built-in thermostat so that it will shut off during warmer weather. However, be sure to check that the unit is working during colder weather and that your animals haven’t removed it.
Frost-free hydrants
Frost-free hydrants can also be installed below the frost line, and outside of the pasture.
Hydrants can supply water by hauling by hand or from hoses attached during the time of filling the tanked, then removed so they won’t freeze.
