Buckets freezing issue?

[Nommie Bringeruvda Noms]

30gallon cooler. Larger volume, and insulated, on the sides. It will still freeze, eventually, of course. But, it takes longer, especially if you add a good amount of very hot water.

 

[thistlebloom]

30gallon cooler. Larger volume, and insulated, on the sides. It will still freeze, eventually, of course. But, it takes longer, especially if you add a good amount of very hot water.

And if you cut the lid so part of it was down covering most of the water,
(or cut a piece of plywood to fit over most of the open water) the water would take longer to freeze.

 

[Nao57]

30gallon cooler. Larger volume, and insulated, on the sides. It will still freeze, eventually, of course. But, it takes longer, especially if you add a good amount of very hot water.

That's an interesting idea.

These would last a few years right?

 

[Nao57]

So I forgot who said it, it was on this thread or the other one about 5 gallon buckets and someone said to look for .09 mil buckets instead of 0.07 mil.

And it didn't dawn on me until this morning to ask...does that mean there's a thicker sturdier plastic for 5 gallon buckets after .09? (Just checking, but its probably not going to happen. I have to ask if it will level up my farm chores though right?)

 

[Nommie Bringeruvda Noms]

That's an interesting idea.

These would last a few years right?

I'm hoping! We are still in our first year, so I'm not sure, yet - but they've held up really well, through these first 3 seasons, and going strong.

 

[Alaskan]

The heavier fortex ones that I think you are referring to are made of a rubber/plastic that is much more flexible. Won't crack in most cases

Those are what we use (for chickens and pigs)... since they are pans, and shallow and flexible you can easily pop out the entire ice cube. Just flip over, jump on it, the ice comes out.

Put it upright and refill.

30gallon cooler. Larger volume, and insulated, on the sides. It will still freeze, eventually, of course. But, it takes longer, especially if you add a good amount of very hot water.

We used a regular stock tank, then put it in a plywood box, insulated (with insulation that works when wet) between the tank and the plywood. And we put plywood over the top too, so only a generous "horse drinking size" hole was left.

We DID also fill with hot water, AND use a screw in de-icer in the bottom of the tank... but all that together did a great job.