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Eastern Iowa | I have used a 6 hole mirafount for 25 years. Absolutely terrific waterer. Black color and thick insulated sides absorbs tons of sunlight in winter, which really does help; balls keep out the cold air beneath the surface and are set far from the float and valve; and the tanks are large enough in volume--I think my model has over a 100 gallon capacity--to keep the water well above freezing if the cows are only back once or twice a day. Miraco's are expensive, no doubt about it, but have more than made up the difference in energy savings for us. Only maintenance in 25 years--I replaced the floating hole closures this fall after some were beginning to get waterlogged and wouldn't float the ball high enough to completely close the hole.
It was 17 below this morning and my Mirafount was worry free. My other brand of waterer is a "low energy" unit with electric ring element for heat--similar to the Ritchie. They have insulated 12 inch air tubes beneath. I have them in the feedlots where there is plenty of usage, but they were all frozen over with surface ice. Valves were all OK today, but sometimes give me trouble. My two cents.
I still have one of the cast iron Pride of the Farm "Money Pit" waterers as well. | |
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heated livestock waterer ?
