Bustin ice! Question for northern guys.

[Deepsouth]

I'm busting ice in water tanks, about an inch and half thick. This may be a stupid question but here it comes anyway. Should I dip the ice out after I break it up? Y'all have mercy on me I'm just a poor old southern boy who's dang sure not use to dealing with this ice problem.

 

[randiliana]

We usually clean as much ice out as we can. I believe it stays open longer because there is less edges for it to start freezing from again.

 

[Deepsouth]

We usually clean as much ice out as we can. I believe it stays open longer because there is less edges for it to start freezing from again.

That's what I was thinking. Thanks!

 

[snake67]

I heat the trough - never have ice in it - sooner or later the sides ice up and the thing freezes solid if you have water in it - even when you break the ice

Whatever works for you is the best method in my opinion.

Bez

 

[dun]

I dip it out, it ahs mutliple affects. Allows warmer wayer to flo in which will keep it open longer, makes less thick stuff to break the next time and leaved more of an opening so they can drink several at a time more efficiently then sucking on ice cubes.

 

[piedmontese]

We used to always throw the ice out when we broke it but then I realized were throwing away most of our water not to mention all the chunks of ice all around the tank. Now we break about 1/3 of the ice and throw it on top of the remaining frozen tank. That way we still have our water when it warms up. I'm n Kansas and we get warm days above freezing mixed n with our cold days so that works for us most the time but for u guys n the north that most likely wouldn't work.

 

[Deepsouth]

We used to always throw the ice out when we broke it but then I realized were throwing away most of our water not to mention all the chunks of ice all around the tank. Now we break about 1/3 of the ice and throw it on top of the remaining frozen tank. That way we still have our water when it warms up. I'm n Kansas and we get warm days above freezing mixed n with our cold days so that works for us most the time but for u guys n the north that most likely wouldn't work.

That's what I did, except instead of throwing it on top I shoved it under the solid ice. As soon as I started throwing it out I noticed the loose chunks might be a problem. I hope ours is gone in a couple of days. It's doesn't look like it's going to get above freezing today and it's going back into the teens tonight.

 

[jedstivers]

We just bust a few holes in it and go on. No need in throwing it out. It's not 20 below where I am or where you are.

 

[tntblaster11]

I toss it out, freezes less quick that way IMO. Once the sun warms the tank a little bit (even below freezing) I'm usually able to take a pry bar and break the 2in thick stuff off the sides and get rid of it too. Thankfully we're getting some relief this weekend from all this cold.

 

[plumber_greg]

I got a little 1'/4 horsepower sump pump I put in a bucket with holes and then into the tank. There is always a hole by the bubbling water. Got to -15 the other morn, it was fine. I think it's easier than heating a 7-800 gallon steel tank. gs

 

[CKC1586]

I got a little 1'/4 horsepower sump pump I put in a bucket with holes and then into the tank. There is always a hole by the bubbling water. Got to -15 the other morn, it was fine. I think it's easier than heating a 7-800 gallon steel tank. gs

Great idea! :tiphat: My mirafount never froze as long as there were enough cattle using it, not a good idea to have it sit without getting plenty of use. Good luck! Been a crazy winter for sure.