[Carl2009]

Hey Alex,

Wouldn't you just know it - the first time it drops to minus 4 and we are all botrhered about keeping the vans on the road.

Have you thought about coming up with a submersible pond heater-type gadget that we could all just stick on an extension lead and drop in the tank overnight. I for one am not keen on the drilling-a-hole-in-my-tank-immersion-heater approach. Something designed for window cleaners - rather than us all adapting a garden supplies company product.  It would have to heat the water to a temperature that would not risk shocking the glass and thus risk cracking it, but would be warm enough for a large pane to be cleaned before the water freezes as it comes out of the brush, say 10c.

So come on mate, get cracking - i'd buy one and I bet a few on here would too...

[simon w]

That's the most sensible post I've read on here for ages  and while your at it Alex a diesel hot water system that does take the national grid to power would be great too!

So come on get cracking   

[robbo333]

Alex, while you're at it, can you sort us the perfect 'blow up customer'? Obviously looks like Melinda Messenger, pays me 40 squid an hour to clean both her windows, whilst she makes me tea and biccys!
Seriously though, Carl does have a point; there is a gap in the market for some of these 'add on' products to be supplied by a reliable and well known quality brand. That'll be you then.

[Neil Gornall]

I wonder if this would get the water hot enough?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Farm-Innovators-Submersible-Heater-H-419/dp/B000HHO9LC/ref=sr_1_88?ie=UTF8&qid=1355251333&sr=8-88

[Carl2009]

This is exactly the type of thing we need. It looks good, but what about if it rests against the sides/bottom of the placcy tank...? I bet Alex could improve.

I've just been out to measure the hole in the top of my (Pure Freedom 500l) tank and its 19cm. This thing is 25cm. There is a smaller one on the US American Innovators site, but it's still a bit wide.

[Alex Gardiner]

I wonder if this would get the water hot enough?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Farm-Innovators-Submersible-Heater-H-419/dp/B000HHO9LC/ref=sr_1_88?ie=UTF8&qid=1355251333&sr=8-88

Does look good - I do not know a lot about these types of heaters. How long would a 1500w heater like this take to heat a 650 litre tank by say 20°C?

You would need to have a housing that would stop in coming into contact with the tank and also combine it with a water circulation system to pump the water through all of the hose reels etc.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

Fins keep unit off the bottom without welded wire supports or side clamps. 

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You can just drop this into the tank, the element wont touch the bottom or sides because of the "fins".

[Alex Gardiner]

Fins keep unit off the bottom without welded wire supports or side clamps. 

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You can just drop this into the tank, the element wont touch the bottom or sides because of the "fins".

Not sure if I would trust these fins - they are designed to keep it off the bottom of what I presumed would be metal water troughs on farms. I would be a little nervous about resting them on a plastic tank.

I do like the idea though - plug in over-night no worries in the morning.

[Cliff perkins]

It looks like the fins would heat up aswell so would have to make sure it doesnt touch sides of tank.
Perhaps make some sort of cage up for it to go in.

Does look like a goof idea though.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Our Favorite tank heater 8 Sep 2011
By FoxOffice - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified PurchaseThis is a fantastic tank heater, we were so glad to be able to find it again. We like that it works in the plastic tanks and keeps them completely ice free not just melting a hole in the ice. It has really helped increase our horses water intake during the cold weather. Made in the USA w/a 3 year warranty - we've found this model to be very reliable. 

Reviewer.

[Alex Gardiner]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Our Favorite tank heater 8 Sep 2011
By FoxOffice - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified PurchaseThis is a fantastic tank heater, we were so glad to be able to find it again. We like that it works in the plastic tanks and keeps them completely ice free not just melting a hole in the ice. It has really helped increase our horses water intake during the cold weather. Made in the USA w/a 3 year warranty - we've found this model to be very reliable. 

Reviewer.

Well spotted - looks like I will be buying one of these to have a play with.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Our Favorite tank heater 8 Sep 2011
By FoxOffice - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified PurchaseThis is a fantastic tank heater, we were so glad to be able to find it again. We like that it works in the plastic tanks and keeps them completely ice free not just melting a hole in the ice. It has really helped increase our horses water intake during the cold weather. Made in the USA w/a 3 year warranty - we've found this model to be very reliable. 

Reviewer.

Well spotted - looks like I will be buying one of these to have a play with.

Have a few squares of kitchen roll handy just in-case!!

[A-W-C]

Only problem there is they are 120v

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

Only problem there is they are 120v

Well spotted, those reviews are taken from Amazon."COM" it's an American company by the looks. Shame.

[A-W-C]

The problem we have with immersion heater elements fitted to one side of our tanks is it only heats on side,i have one fitted in my 500L tank and when you feel the water it`s nice and warm but as soon as you drive off to work and the two halves have mixed the water is only just aired,so 2 1500w elements one on each side of the tank would be so much better

[CLEANCARE WC]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Our Favorite tank heater 8 Sep 2011
By FoxOffice - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified PurchaseThis is a fantastic tank heater, we were so glad to be able to find it again. We like that it works in the plastic tanks and keeps them completely ice free not just melting a hole in the ice. It has really helped increase our horses water intake during the cold weather. Made in the USA w/a 3 year warranty - we've found this model to be very reliable. 

Reviewer.

Well spotted - looks like I will be buying one of these to have a play with.

Have a few squares of kitchen roll handy just in-case!!

juan sheet! 

[Moderator David@stives]

If your system is frozen its natures way of saying its too cold to wfp.

we just wait for the thaw these days, not worth worrying about

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

I have no "one side heating" with my immersion. The water obviously gets warmer at the top but it's even around the tank (400 flat) with element on for 4 hours. It's a long-life 27" element.

[A-W-C]

I have no "one side heating" with my immersion. The water obviously gets warmer at the top but it's even around the tank (400 flat) with element on for 4 hours. It's a long-life 27" element.

Ye i can imagine tank sizes and especially shapes can vary on the heating distribution so with my tank being more square shape the two halves are more separated by the baffle

[johnwillan]

Currently using a 1kw thermostatic aquarium heater (ebay £42) and heat retaining foil (type you'd use after a marathon etc) (amazon £4.99 for 3) heater drops straight into Wyedale 350l tank (does not damage tank even though in direct contact) and heats to 32 degrees, leave wrap on during day, water remains warm throughout. Really simple and really effective.