Tank Heater.... Day 1.

One of the joys of living in climate where water is solid for 6 months of the year, is the battle to make it not so solid. Those who keep livestock face this challenge with relish.
The thought of a frozen stock waterer brings a stir to the soul.
Most rely on electric water heaters to maintain the constant flow, but what if you don't got??
Those who live off grid cannot plug into the monthly power bill to relieve their misery.
Our 3 Naggeroos consume about 30 gallons a day in the winter months, all water is hauled and all is frozen solid within hours of arrival, so it's time to get creative.
The 100 gallon tank they drink from is heated with an electric heater that only runs when the the genny is on, usually for block heaters and to top up the batteries when solar can't keep up.
In order to avoid additional genny time, we're trying something a little different.

Using an old water pressure tank, we are building an underwater stove to burn small coals and wood scraps, keeping the tank open.
Today we hauled water in a balmy -20C so the motivation to tear into this project was strong. After the required ponderings, holes were cut for the wood feed / air supply tube (smaller) and the larger flu pipe in the center. The old rubber diaphragm was then removed and the inside cleaned out.
The flu is a 5" forced air duct pipe, 6' long to get a good draft upwards and the smaller feed tube will also control the air supply to the fire with a damper. Engineering may be crude but we'll see how the Mk 1 version works before getting too technical.
Another issue will be the heaters desire to float in the tank, so either ballast will be required or a method of securing in the submerged position. The only way to empty the ashes will be to remove the flu, lift the heater out and up end it, therefore handles are required...together with a wife of good stature for the task.
I now see the wisdom in my parents advice to seek out a wife suitable for "agricultural" purposes.
Today's effort was a start, tomorrow will be a day of finding the "stuff" needed to finish. Sometimes "stuff hunting" takes longer than the building..... so a day may not be enough.