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Re: [RC] Frozen tanks - Claire NystromI board at a really cheap dumpy barn and it is not possible to use any type of tank heater to keep the water from freezing. I have to break the ice several times a day and hand carry buckets of water to their trough (I just tell myself it's good exercise). I had the idea several months ago to build a large box which will fit a muck bucket inside of it, and then fill it with manure around the muck bucket. I thought perhaps the heat generated by the composting manure would help keep the water from freezing. I am not the terribly handy type, but I could probably get a friend to help me build it. I remembering looking up a study that Cornell did about the heat generated by composting manure and I think this would work. I was wondering if a) anyone has done this and b) how would I calculate the volume of manure I would need to accomplish this? Maybe some of you engineering types would be able to help me figure this out. My horses made it through last winter with the frozen water problem, because they got in the habit of taking a big drink each time someone broke the ice; however, it's even colder this year than last year. It was below zero last night!! ps. I also have to carry water by hand at work to the trough-- I use 5 gallon gas cans, and carry two at a time-- it nearly kills me because the hill is so steep an ATV can't make it up and I'm not strong enough to make it up the hill with the cans in a wheelbarrow. I usually have to carry about 30-50 gallons a day this way. It sucks, but I tell myself that at least I don't have to lift weights at the gym!!!! Thanks, Claire =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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