Open water on cold mornings instead of a frozen lid. The Water Rippler Dual Power floats on your stock tank and keeps the whole surface moving so ice has a harder time forming.

It runs from a standard 120V outlet or from your own 12V battery and solar setup, and both cords ship in the box. That matters when one tank sits by the barn and another is out in the pasture with no outlet in reach.

The pump draws 50 watts. A typical 1,500 watt tank heater draws 30 times as much, so the Rippler uses far less electricity over a winter.

How it works

Moving water does not freeze as readily as still water. The Rippler sits on the surface and pushes water out through four outlet caps, which keeps the surface rippling across the whole tank, much like a river. In warm months the same movement discourages mosquitoes from laying larvae on the surface and slows algae growth.

The Rippler manages ice, it does not eliminate it. The maker reports good results down to about 0°F. Near -22°F a layer of ice forms on top while the water underneath keeps circulating, which limits thick buildup.

Results depend on wind, tank size, insulation, location and humidity. In the coldest stretches some owners add an electric tank heater and pull it once temperatures climb.

What it costs to run

The pump draws 50 watts, so a month of running around the clock is about 36 kWh. A 1,500 watt tank heater running around the clock would use 1,080 kWh. Heaters cycle on a thermostat, so their real use is lower, but even at six hours a day the gap is large. Your electric rate sets the dollars; here is the math at two common rates.

30-day month. 50 W x 24 h x 30 = 36 kWh; 1,500 W x 6 h x 30 = 270 kWh; 1,500 W x 24 h x 30 = 1,080 kWh. The maker quotes up to 97% lower running cost than a 1,500 watt heater, which is this same math with both running all the time. The Rippler slows ice rather than removing it, so some owners still run a heater during the coldest stretches.

Which Water Rippler is right for you?

All three models share the same 12" x 12" HDPE body, the same 50 watt 12V DC pump with filter screen, and the same cap set. They differ only in how you power them.

Swipe sideways to compare all three.

What is in the box

• Fully assembled Rippler body with the 50 watt, 12V DC pump mounted and a filter screen attached
• 6 ft power cord
• Outdoor-rated 120V AC to 12V DC converter for a standard outlet
• 15 ft solar cable with 1/4" ring terminals for a 12V battery
• Four high-velocity outlet caps and two blank caps

Solar panels, a battery and a charge controller are not included. The body is 12" x 12" HDPE with the pump mounted, and it resists cracking, UV exposure and water damage.

How many do you need?

What to know before buying

• Water depth: keep at least 12 inches of water in the tank. The pump must stay submerged, and running dry shortens its life.
• Tank size: one unit covers a 100 to 500 gallon tank. Tanks over 500 gallons need two units.
• Outlet power: the maker recommends a GFCI-protected outlet. The converter can plug into a 12-gauge outdoor-rated extension cord.
• Solar power: a Wyoming solar provider the maker quotes suggests at least 260 amp-hours of 12V battery, at least 200 watts of panels with 400 preferred, and an MPPT charge controller. Shorter winter days, weather, latitude and panel angle all cut charging. If you are new to solar, talk to a local solar provider first.
• Flow control: swap in the blank caps to reduce or redirect flow in a smaller tank, or remove caps for gentler circulation.
• Warranty: body and converter 1 year, pump 45 days, against manufacturer defects. Running dry, hard-water buildup and corrosion are not covered.

Pairs well with

10 Foot Extension CordReach an outlet 16 ft away Replacement FilterKeep a spare for mid-winter Spare Pump KitThe one wear part, on the shelf