10 Best Heaters for Water Troughs (October 2026)

A trough heater that is too small leaves a skin of ice across the surface on the first hard freeze. One that is too large, or built for the wrong container, wastes power and can damage a plastic tank. Drain plug models only fit tanks with the right outlet, floating units can drift, and drop-in heaters can be chewed or knocked loose by animals. The Best Heaters for Water Troughs depend on three things: how many gallons you need to keep open, what the tank is made of, and how the heater sits in the water.

The short answer: the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W is the pick for large stock tanks that need serious output, the Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack suits owners of Rubbermaid tanks who want a cord kept out of the water, and the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer suits small tubs, buckets and poultry waterers. The rest of the list covers floating and sinking designs, multi-packs for several tanks, and low-wattage heaters for mild climates.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W, a 1500-watt thermostatically controlled cast aluminum heater with an anti-chew cord protector.
• Best for Rubbermaid tanks: Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack, two 1500-watt drain plug units with the cord kept out of the water.
• Best for small containers: SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer, a 500-watt unit sized for 5 to 50 gallons with a Teflon coating against mineral buildup.
• Best for large tanks with a long cord: Allied Precision 15N 1500W, rated for 100 to 300 gallons with a 15-foot anti-rub cord.

Best Heaters for Water Troughs Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Wattage	Stated Capacity	Style
1	Farm Innovators H-419 1500W	Large stock tanks	1500W	Not listed	Drop-in
2	Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack	Rubbermaid tanks	1500W (x2)	Not listed	Drain plug
3	SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer	Small tubs, buckets	500W	5-50 gallons	Drop-in
4	Farm Innovators 500W Submersible	Small plastic tubs	500W	Up to 50 gallons	Drop-in
5	Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W	Mid-size floating use	1000W	70-100 gallons	Floating
6	Allied Precision 15N 1500W	Big tanks, long reach	1500W	100-300 gallons	Sinking with guard
7	Farm Innovators 1000W 2-Pack	Multiple mid-size tanks	1000W (x2)	Not listed	Drop-in
8	K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer	Floating or sunk use	500W	Not listed	Floating or submersible
9	API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W	Drain hole tanks	1500W	100-300 gallons	Drain plug
10	ABitmax 1000W De-Icer	Poultry and small troughs	1000W	5-50 gallons	Drop-in

1. Farm Innovators H-419 1500W: Best Cast Aluminum Heater for Large Stock Tanks

• Wattage: 1500W
• Construction: Cast aluminum with anti-chew cord protector
• Weight: 3.05 pounds
• Control: Thermostat, runs only when needed
• Warranty: Three year limited

Pros:

• The 1500-watt output is the highest in this list, which gives it the most headroom in a large tank during a hard freeze.
• The thermostat switches the element on only as water nears freezing, so it does not draw full power all winter.
• Cast aluminum construction is rated safe for plastic as well as metal tanks, bins and basins.
• It is the only product here with a stated warranty term, a three year limited warranty.

Cons:

• No gallon range is stated, so tank sizing has to be done by wattage alone.
• At 3.05 pounds it is the heaviest drop-in unit in the list.
• The cord length is not specified.

Best for: Owners of large plastic or metal stock tanks who want a single, high-output heater without a drain plug.

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The Farm Innovators H-419 1500W earns the top spot on output and construction. It combines the highest wattage in the list with a thermostat and an anti-chew cord protector, which matters when horses or goats play with anything within reach. The cast aluminum body is described as safe for plastic, so it works in a poly tank without a separate guard.

Compared with the Allied Precision 15N 1500W, the H-419 gives up a stated capacity range and a 15-foot cord, but it offers a lighter, simpler drop-in body and a clear warranty. Against the Farm Innovators 500W Submersible, it is the better choice for any tank over roughly the 50-gallon mark, since that smaller unit is only sized to that volume.

It is the wrong choice for a bucket, a bird bath or a small poultry waterer, where 1500 watts is far more than needed. Those cases fit the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer or the ABitmax 1000W De-Icer. If your tank has a drain hole you would rather use, the Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack keeps the cord out of the water entirely.

2. Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack: Best Drain Plug Heater for Rubbermaid Tanks

• Wattage: 1500W per unit
• Pack size: 2 units
• Fit: Designed for Rubbermaid tanks
• Dimensions: 10 x 5.50 x 5 inches
• Control: Thermostat, operates only when necessary

Pros:

• Two 1500-watt units in the pack cover two tanks or give a spare for the first hard freeze.
• The cord is concealed and not in the water, so animals have nothing to chew on inside the tank.
• Installation goes through the drain, which is quicker than fitting and securing a drop-in heater.
• The thermostat limits running time, and the unit is safe for plastic containers.

Cons:

• It is designed for Rubbermaid tanks, so it is a poor fit for tanks with a different outlet.
• No gallon capacity range is stated.
• Cord length is not specified.

Best for: Owners of one or more Rubbermaid stock tanks who want the heater and cord kept clear of the water.

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The Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack solves a problem the drop-in heaters do not: livestock that tug at cords or push a heater around. The unit sits at the drain and goes largely unnoticed by the animals. For a barn with two matching tanks, the two-pack is a practical way to heat both with the same model.

Its closest rival is the API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W, which also uses a drain plug design and states a 100 to 300 gallon range and a 6-foot cord. The Farm Innovators pack makes more sense when the tank is a Rubbermaid, while the API model is specific about a 3/4-inch drain hole.

Skip it for galvanized tanks, bird baths or buckets with no drain. In those cases the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W is the better drop-in alternative, and the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer suits smaller containers.

3. SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer: Best Teflon-Coated Heater for Small Containers

• Wattage: 500W
• Capacity: 5 to 50 gallons
• Shut-off: Automatically off when water reaches 90°F
• Coating: Black Teflon against mineral buildup
• Weight: 1.9 pounds

Pros:

• The 500-watt output is matched to 5 to 50 gallon containers, which avoids oversizing for buckets and small troughs.
• The Teflon coating resists calcium buildup and corrosion, which helps in hard water areas.
• The cast aluminum body is safe in plastic, metal and foam containers.
• At 1.9 pounds and about 7.2 inches long, it fits shallow tubs and bird baths.

Cons:

• There is no indicator light, so you cannot tell at a glance whether it is running.
• Durability is the open question, as some units are reported to fail early in the season.
• It has too little output for tanks beyond 50 gallons in a hard freeze.

Best for: Backyard chicken keepers and small-animal owners heating a bucket, small trough or bird bath.

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The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer stands apart through its coating. The black Teflon film is meant to cut down on mineral scale, which is a common cause of failure in 500-watt drop-in heaters. Used in a 50-gallon basin or a 75-gallon trough, it is generally reported to keep water open in moderately cold weather, though results in deep cold are mixed.

Against the Farm Innovators 500W Submersible, which is also rated to 50 gallons, the SLASHCOOL adds the coating and a stated 90°F shut-off. The ABitmax 1000W De-Icer has the same stated 5 to 50 gallon range with twice the wattage, so it suits colder regions better.

It is the wrong choice for a horse trough of 100 gallons or more. Use the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W or the Allied Precision 15N 1500W there. Always plug it into a GFCI outlet, and check it often because it has no on indicator.

4. Farm Innovators 500W Submersible: Best 500W Plastic-Safe Heater for 50-Gallon Tubs

• Wattage: 500W
• Capacity: Up to 50 gallons
• Construction: Cast aluminum, plastic-safe
• Weight: 1.73 pounds
• Dimensions: 2 x 8 x 7.5 inches

Pros:

• It is rated for plastic and steel containers, so a poly tub, bucket or barrel all work.
• The thermostat runs the element only as water approaches freezing, which saves power in milder weather.
• The flat profile at 1.73 pounds fits shallow tubs and duck pools.
• It is harmless to birds in a bird bath or fountain setup.

Cons:

• Longevity is inconsistent, with some units lasting several seasons and others failing quickly.
• Its 500 watts are not enough for large troughs.
• Cord length is not specified.

Best for: Owners of ducks, chickens or a small fountain who need a plastic-safe heater for up to 50 gallons.

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The Farm Innovators 500W Submersible is the straightforward low-wattage option from a brand that also makes the top two picks. It is a drop-in unit with a cast aluminum body and no extras. Used in a baby pool or small tub, it keeps the surface open at temperatures into the teens.

Compared with the K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer, it lacks a protective cage and a floating option, but it is smaller and lighter. The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer adds a coating against scale, which makes it the better pick for hard water.

Choose something else for a 100-gallon horse trough. A 500-watt heater can work in a well-insulated tank, but the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W is the more dependable option for exposed tanks.

5. Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W: Best Floating Heater for 70 to 100 Gallon Tanks

• Wattage: 1000W at 120 volts
• Capacity: 70 to 100 gallons
• Style: Floating
• Cord: 6 feet
• Weight: 1 pound

Pros:

• The floating design keeps the heater at the surface, where ice forms first, with no hardware to fit.
• At 1 pound it is the lightest heater in the list.
• The stated 70 to 100 gallon range fills the gap between the 500-watt and 1500-watt options.
• A 6-foot cord gives some reach to a nearby outlet.

Cons:

• A floating unit can be pushed around by large animals if the cord is not secured.
• Warranty terms are not specified.
• The body is plastic, which is less heat-conductive than cast aluminum.

Best for: Owners of mid-size ponds or troughs who prefer a floating heater that needs no installation.

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The Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W is the only dedicated floater from this brand in the list. Because it rides at the surface, it targets the area where freezing starts rather than heating the whole volume. That fits cold-weather pond and trough protection in the 70 to 100 gallon range.

Compared with the K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer, which also floats, the Allied unit offers double the wattage but no protective cage is mentioned. Against the Allied Precision 15N 1500W, which sinks, it is lighter and simpler to set up.

It is the wrong choice for tanks beyond 100 gallons or for very cold regions. The Allied Precision 15N 1500W and Farm Innovators H-419 1500W are the better fits there.

6. Allied Precision 15N 1500W: Best Guarded Sinking Heater for 100 to 300 Gallon Tanks

• Wattage: 1500W at 120 volts
• Capacity: 100 to 300 gallons
• Cord: 15-foot anti-rub cord
• Element: Stainless steel
• Listing: CSA and UL listed

Pros:

• It carries a clear 100 to 300 gallon rating, the widest stated capacity range here.
• The 15-foot anti-rub cord reaches an outlet further from the tank than any other cord in the list.
• The stainless steel element discourages rust and corrosion.
• It is safe for plastic tanks and is CSA and UL listed.

Cons:

• At roughly 13 inches in diameter and 2.6 pounds, it is bulky for small tubs.
• The guard adds size, which can matter in shallow tanks.
• It sinks to the bottom, so the tank must be deep enough to cover it fully.

Best for: Owners of large tanks who need long cord reach and a guarded, safety-listed heater.

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The Allied Precision 15N 1500W is the most specific about what it is for. A 100 to 300 gallon rating, a 15-foot cord and a guard make it suited to big, multi-animal troughs. The guard keeps animals away from the element, which is a sensible feature in a pasture tank.

It beats the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W on stated capacity and cord length, but ranks lower for its larger body and the lack of a stated warranty term. The API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W shares the same rated capacity but is built for a drain hole.

Do not pick it for small buckets or shallow tubs. The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer is a better match there.

7. Farm Innovators 1000W 2-Pack: Best Two-Pack Drop-In Heaters for Multiple Mid-Size Tanks

• Wattage: 1000W per unit
• Pack size: 2 units
• Construction: Cast aluminum, anti-chew cord protector
• Control: Thermostat, operates only when needed
• Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• Two heaters in one pack suit a barn with a pair of tanks.
• The Ice Chaser cast aluminum design is suited to plastic or metal bins and basins.
• An anti-chew cord protector guards against animals gnawing the cord.
• The thermostat limits running time to when water is near freezing.

Cons:

• No gallon range is stated, which makes sizing a guess.
• Weight and dimensions are not specified.
• The 1000-watt rating falls between the small and large options, so it fits neither extreme well.

Best for: Owners of two mid-size troughs who want matching drop-in heaters in one pack.

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The Farm Innovators 1000W 2-Pack shares its design with the H-419, scaled down to 1000 watts and doubled in count. That makes it a practical way to equip two tanks with identical hardware, with a spare if one tank is out of service.

Next to the ABitmax 1000W De-Icer, it adds the cord protector and a second unit but gives no capacity range. The Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack is the other two-pack, aimed at Rubbermaid tanks with drains.

If you have a single large tank, one Farm Innovators H-419 1500W is the more sensible purchase. If you have a single bucket, the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer is better matched.

8. K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer: Best Caged Heater for Floating or Submerged Use

• Wattage: 500W (five wattage options in the range)
• Placement: Floating or submersible
• Included: Protective cage and cord clip
• Weight: 1.56 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25 x 4.5 inches

Pros:

• It works floating or submerged, so you can adapt to tank depth.
• A full protective cage and cord clip are included for secure placement.
• It is designed for plastic, rubber and metal stock tanks with no extra parts.
• The manufacturer provides a zone chart to help match wattage to tank size and climate.

Cons:

• Mineral buildup on the element can stop it working or trip a GFCI, so it needs periodic cleaning.
• The element must stay fully submerged during use.
• It runs on 110/120 volts only, and no capacity range is given for this 500-watt version.

Best for: Horse and cattle owners who want a caged 500-watt heater and the choice of floating or sunk placement.

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The K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer offers the most flexibility in placement of the low-wattage units. The cage and cord clip are included, which separates it from the bare Farm Innovators 500W Submersible. K&H also sells it in five wattage levels, so the same design can be scaled up for larger tanks.

Its main drawback is maintenance. In hard water areas, mineral scale is the likely failure point, and the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer with its Teflon coating is the better choice there.

For tanks over 100 gallons in a cold zone, 500 watts is too little. Move up to the Allied Precision 15N 1500W or Farm Innovators H-419 1500W.

9. API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W: Best Drain Plug Heater for 100 to 300 Gallon Tanks

• Wattage: 1500W
• Capacity: 100 to 300 gallons
• Drain fit: Compatible with a 3/4-inch drain hole
• Cord: 6-foot anti-rub cord
• Safety: Over-temperature protection, CSA and UL listed

Pros:

• The patented drain plug adapter routes through the tank's drain hole for a clean installation.
• Over-temperature protection stops the water overheating.
• The stainless steel element discourages rust and corrosion.
• A stated 100 to 300 gallon range makes sizing straightforward.

Cons:

• It only fits tanks with a compatible 3/4-inch drain hole.
• The 6-foot cord is shorter than the 15-foot cord on the Allied Precision 15N.
• The product data includes unrelated details, so treat it as a tank heater only and confirm fit before buying.

Best for: Owners of large tanks with a 3/4-inch drain hole who want the heater out of the way.

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The API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W is the more precisely specified of the two drain plug options. It names a drain size, a capacity range and a safety listing, where the Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack leans on Rubbermaid compatibility.

It lands lower on the list because the drain hole requirement limits who can use it, and because the single unit offers less flexibility than a drop-in. If your tank has no suitable drain, the Allied Precision 15N 1500W gives the same rated capacity with a longer cord.

10. ABitmax 1000W De-Icer: Best 9.8-Foot Cord Heater for Poultry and Small Troughs

• Wattage: 1000W
• Capacity: 5 to 50 gallons
• Cord: 9.8 feet
• Thermostat: On below 35°F ambient, off near 77°F
• Weight: 1.81 pounds

Pros:

• The 9.8-foot cord is the second longest in the list, after the Allied Precision 15N.
• The thermostat is stated clearly, switching on below 35°F and off near 77°F.
• Cast aluminum with an anti-rust coating suits outdoor use in troughs and ponds.
• It has kept chicken waterers and nipple buckets from freezing in cold snaps.

Cons:

• Its 5 to 50 gallon rating is narrow for a 1000-watt unit, so the extra output is not used for larger volumes.
• Value for money draws mixed opinions.
• It is thin at 0.4 inches, and no warranty terms are specified.

Best for: Poultry keepers and small-flock owners who need an extended cord and strong output in a 5 to 50 gallon container.

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The ABitmax 1000W De-Icer is the best choice here for cold-climate poultry set-ups, because it matches 1000 watts with a small-container rating. Used in a 5-gallon bucket with nipples, it keeps the water and nipples from freezing.

Compared with the SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer, it has twice the output and a longer stated cord, but no mineral-resistant coating. For large troughs, the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W is the better pick.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Heater for Water Troughs

The core trade-off is output versus fit. A heater with more watts keeps a bigger tank open in harsher weather, but it needs a tank and an outlet that can take it, and it costs more to run. The right choice matches your tank volume and climate with the simplest installation.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Tank volume: Match the gallon rating to the tank, as 500-watt units suit up to 50 gallons and 1500-watt units suit 100 to 300.
• Tank material: Confirm the heater is safe for plastic if you use a poly or Rubbermaid tank.
• Drain hole: Drain plug models need a compatible outlet, such as the 3/4-inch hole the API 2002DP is built for.
• Cord length and protection: Check the cord reaches a GFCI outlet and resists chewing.
• Placement style: Decide between floating, sinking and drain plug designs.

Wattage and Tank Volume

Wattage is the first filter. The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer, Farm Innovators 500W Submersible and K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer suit small tubs and buckets. The Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W covers 70 to 100 gallons, and the 1500-watt group, led by the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W, covers large tanks.

In very cold zones, step up a size. Keep in mind that a bigger tank is also heavier to fill, so plan how you will top it up through winter, perhaps with a hose stored on a water hose reel kept somewhere frost-free.

Drain Plug Versus Drop-In Designs

Drain plug heaters such as the Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack and API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W put the cord outside the tank and the element near the bottom. That helps in pastures where animals investigate everything. The downside is fit: the outlet must match.

Drop-in heaters such as the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W and ABitmax 1000W De-Icer work in any tank deep enough to cover them. They need the cord routed over the rim, so a chew-resistant protector is worth having.

Floating Versus Submersible Placement

Floating heaters, such as the Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W, sit where ice forms first. They are easy to place, but they can drift if the cord is not clipped. The K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer includes a cage and cord clip for that reason.

Sinking and submersible units sit at the bottom and need the element fully covered. The Allied Precision 15N 1500W adds a guard for that style. If you also heat a workshop or barn aisle, a natural gas garage heater will not keep an outdoor tank open, so the trough still needs its own unit.

Cord Length, Safety Listings and Power Setup

Always use a GFCI outlet, and avoid extension cords where you can. The Allied Precision 15N 1500W has a 15-foot cord and the ABitmax 1000W De-Icer has 9.8 feet, which helps reach a protected outlet. Safety listings also matter: the Allied Precision 15N and API 2002DP are CSA and UL listed.

Check the setup before the first freeze, not during it. Checking cords and plugs in the cold is easier in insulated gear such as winter snowmobile boots, and a quick test run in autumn catches a dead unit while you can still replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heaters for Water Troughs

What Size Heater Do I Need for a Water Trough?

Match the heater to your tank volume and climate. The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer is rated for 5 to 50 gallons, the Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W for 70 to 100 gallons, and the Allied Precision 15N 1500W for 100 to 300 gallons. Go one size up in very cold regions.

Can a Stock Tank Heater Be Used in a Plastic Tank?

Many can, but check the product. The Farm Innovators H-419 1500W and Farm Innovators 500W Submersible are described as safe for plastic. The K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer is designed for plastic, rubber and metal tanks. The Allied Precision 15N 1500W is also stated to be safe for plastic water tanks.

Do Trough Heaters Run All the Time?

No. Thermostat-controlled models such as the Farm Innovators H-419 1500W and ABitmax 1000W De-Icer run only when water nears freezing. The ABitmax is stated to switch on below 35°F and off near 77°F. This keeps running costs lower than a heater that stays on constantly.

What Is a Drain Plug De-Icer?

A drain plug de-icer routes through the tank's drain hole, keeping the cord outside the water. The Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack is made for Rubbermaid tanks, and the API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W fits a 3/4-inch drain hole. They suit tanks with a drain and need no hardware in the water.

Should I Use a Floating or Sinking Heater?

Floating heaters like the Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W are easy to set up and work at the surface. Sinking heaters like the Allied Precision 15N 1500W stay put on the bottom and have a guard. The K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer can be used either way.

Is It Safe to Use an Extension Cord With a Tank Heater?

Avoid it where possible. Heaters like the ABitmax 1000W De-Icer advise a GFCI outlet and no extension cords, to prevent power drops and underperformance. If you need extra reach, the Allied Precision 15N 1500W has a 15-foot cord.

Final Verdict: Which Heater for Water Troughs Should You Buy?

Best Heaters for Water Troughs for most livestock owners start with Farm Innovators H-419 1500W: a 1500-watt thermostat-controlled cast aluminum heater, safe for plastic and metal tanks, with an anti-chew cord protector and a three year limited warranty. Its main weakness is that no gallon range or cord length is stated, so you size it by wattage alone.

For specific needs, the alternatives are clear. Owners of Rubbermaid tanks should pick the Farm Innovators DPH-15 Drain Plug 2-Pack, and anyone with a 3/4-inch drain should consider the API 2002DP Drain Plug 1500W. For big tanks far from an outlet, the Allied Precision 15N 1500W offers a 100 to 300 gallon rating and a 15-foot cord. Two matching mid-size tanks suit the Farm Innovators 1000W 2-Pack.

The specialist picks cover smaller jobs. The SLASHCOOL 500W Cast Aluminum De-Icer, Farm Innovators 500W Submersible and K&H 500W Stock Tank Deicer suit buckets and small tubs, with the K&H adding a cage and floating option. The ABitmax 1000W De-Icer is the poultry choice with a 9.8-foot cord, and the Allied Precision 7621 Floating 1000W fits mid-size floating use. If you are still undecided, measure your tank volume first and choose the lowest wattage rated for it.