Tending Livestock in [Freezing] Winter

[flowerbug]

I always worry about using an aquarium heater...

1. They bust if they are run dry
2. They tend to keep the water at pretty warm temps, warmer than you need, so wasting electricity

A bird bath de-icer or stock tank de-icer is usually safer and uses less electricity.

in a covered bucket and the temperature set low enough the water will not boil or run dry and they have ones that are heavier duty so they won't break, especially if not exposed to birds or whatever else it is you're trying to provide heat to.

if there is a specific heating device which is designed to be used in a stock tank or for heating then certainly use it, but i was making the suggestion for those who haven't been able to find those for some reason and have to adapt something else that might work just as well.