Aerator or tank de-icer experience

[billyinvt]

Has anyone used a stock tank heater or pond aerator to keep sap tanks from freezing solid? I try to keep things as close to "food grade" as possible but I am a small hobby producer and do what is reasonable and affordable.

[ennismaple]

I recently added a new stock tank de-icer to the end of our 3000 gallon tank int he sugar camp. Friday night it hit -11 C and there was ice on the surface at the far end but none near the drain end where the de-icer was used.