The Ice Chaser cast aluminum submergible bucket de-icer is designed for use in five gallon buckets. Its patented construction provides ultimate efficiency and safety. The built-in thermostat operates the heating element only when necessary. The cord is protected with a heavy-duty “anti-chew” cord protector. Safe in plastic buckets. 250 watts of power. Three year limited warranty.
- For use in 5 gallon buckets
- Thermostatically controlled to operate only when necessary
- Heavy-duty “anti-chew” cord protector
- Safe in plastic buckets
- 250 Watts
Customer Reviews
Great concept, poor materials utilized
Here’s my situation: I have a small flock of chickens (12) and I live in Maine where freezing temperatures are common in the winter. My chickens are watered with a 5 gallon bucket that has watering nipples underneath.After considerable research I concluded the “H-49” (250 watt) Ice Chaser was the perfect solution for preventing the water in my 5 gallon bucket from freezing in the winter.
When I received the Ice Chaser I was impressed. It appears to be a well built item, however closer examination and use has revealed this to not be the case. The power cord which is quite long has a metal strain relief wound around it for pretty much the whole length. The metal used for the strain relief was ferrous (attracts a magnet). So shortly after it was exposed to the water it started to rust considerably to the point where the inside of the bucket has significant rust stains (I hope the rust doesn’t interfere with the watering nipples).
The aluminum used in the actual heating ring appears to be of a low quality. I say that because the ring appears to be forming gelatin like formations on it and dissolving (pitting) in places. And no my water is not the problem, and I clean the waterer weekly.
For a devised that is intended to be submerged in water, why would a manufacturer choose/use materials that are not really suitable for the application (exposure to water)?
Performance wise the unit is working quite well (so far), but the choice of materials used to fabricate this item leaves a lot to be desired. I’m both satisfied and disappointed. I question the long term viability of this product because of the aforementioned.
Indispensable!
This is the best all around stock tank heater I’ve found. The horses don’t mess with them, they don’t melt rubber/plastic pans (winter bird baths, pond liners), and it sure beats having 1500 watters going all winter! When our temperatures and wind chills drop below zero, I just drop a second one in each tank…..still beats 1500 watters! My tanks are in 3 sided run-in stalls and are not insulated other than being out of the wind. Best price on these is right here at Amazon.com
Seems to work…..
Works great for its intended purpose; however, I would consider something else if you use a chicken waterer that uses the nipples. (plastic bucket with nipples on the bottom) This keeps the bucket thawed, but the nipples will still freeze solid when temps get down in the single digits. I live in Northern Utah.
Buy Farm Innovators Ice Chaser Cast Aluminum Submergible Bucket De-Icer
