De-icer

[JP Quality Maple Syrup]

Good day everyone. Been awhile since I have logged in but I have a question I know someone in here will have an answer for. I have two caged water totes to store the sap in. I have been looking for a de-icer for them for awhile now. I don't want to cut the tops off They are 5 1/2 inches for the lids and hard to find one to drop inside. Last year I spent quite some time with frozen sap I have an elevated stand I built to sit them on and I keep the tops because I have pvc fittings and quick connects to pump the sap from the 125 gallon barrel in the back of my Gator up to them. Does anyone know where I can find something to drop in them to keep it running? I have done the Amazon thing as they had one that measure close but when it got here it was actually 8 inches in diameter and I had to send it back. Thanks in advance, Jack

[wmick]

Not sure how many watts you need but at the link below is a thermostatically controlled 500 Watt element designed for livestock waterers..
Take a look at the model C-500.
I happen to be looking at one on my desk right now, and it measures 4-3/4" wide.

http://www.farminnovators.com/agricultural.html


PS - Just noticed you are from Ontario... These elements are distributed here, through dealers that sell Ritchie livestock waterers.
https://ritchiefount.com
McCann Farm Automation is a dealer not terribly far from you.

Gallagher also handles a different one... They have a couple dealers in your area .

https://am.gallagher.com/en-ca/product/10326/500-watt-heater-kit

[MartinP]

I would just get a pump to keep the sap moving. Adding heat to sap is not a good thing in my opinion if you are trying to save it for any length of time.

[Wanabe1972]

I agree with MartinP. I had the same problem with an elevated tank. It would freeze in the tank and the pvc valve outside. I ran the valve inside where it would stay warm and used a shurflow pump inside that pumped back outside into the top of the tank to create a little areation. When sitting over night in real cold it may get a little slush but didnt freeze.

[JP Quality Maple Syrup]

Hi Martin and thanks for the info. I believe with these items they refer to them as deicers and not really heaters. They turn on at freezing and the sap or water is still cold but not enough to freeze.

[amaranth farm]

Radio Silence.