Keep stock tank water moving through winter without running a 1,500 watt heater all season. The electric Water Rippler floats on the surface and keeps the whole tank in motion, much like a river. Water that keeps moving is slower to freeze, so cattle and horses are more likely to find open water on cold mornings.

The same motion works in summer: it breaks up the stagnant surface where mosquitoes lay eggs, disrupts algae, and keeps the top layer of water cooler.

It manages ice rather than removing it, and in extreme cold some ice will still form on top.

How it works

A 50 watt, 12V DC pump is mounted on the 12" x 12" HDPE body. It pushes water out through four high-velocity outlet caps, and a filter screen attached to the pump keeps debris from clogging the pump or the ports.

Plug the outdoor-rated AC/DC converter into a standard 120V outlet (the maker recommends a GFCI outlet) and the unit runs on 50 watts. For comparison, common submersible tank heaters and de-icers are rated at 1,500 watts.

The maker reports good performance down to about 0°F. At temperatures as low as -22°F a layer of ice forms on the surface while the water beneath keeps circulating, which limits thick buildup. Results vary with wind, tank size, insulation, location and humidity.

Two blank caps are included. Swap them in for two of the high-velocity caps to reduce flow or redirect it in a smaller tank, or remove caps for gentler circulation.

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

• Water Rippler unit: fully assembled, 12" x 12" including the mounted pump
• 50 watt, 12V DC pump: filter screen already attached
• 6 ft power cord
• AC/DC converter: outdoor-rated, 120V AC to 12V DC, for a standard outlet
• Outlet caps: 4 high-velocity caps and 2 blank caps for flow control

How many do you need?

What to know before buying

• Tank size: one unit for 100 to 500 gallon tanks, two units for tanks over 500 gallons. Keep at least 12 inches of water in the tank for the pump.
• Power: you supply the 120V outlet, and a GFCI outlet is recommended. The converter can run on a 12-gauge outdoor-rated extension cord. The 10 Foot Extension adds reach between the unit's 6 ft cord and the converter.
• Extreme cold: expect some surface ice below 0°F. Some owners add an electric tank heater during the coldest stretches, then pull it once it warms up to save electricity. Agzaga carries the Behlen 250 watt submersible heater.
• Care: pull the unit when not in use and store it clean and dry. For mineral buildup, soak the pump in a 30% vinegar solution.
• Pump life: the pump is the only wear item. Running dry, dirty water and hard-water buildup shorten its life. A Spare Pump Kit is available.
• Warranty: body and AC/DC converter 1 year, pump 45 days, for manufacturer's defects. Running dry, mineral buildup and normal wear are not covered; the full list is in the questions below.
• Shipping: ships direct from the manufacturer.

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