Water Rippler

Year-Round Water Movement for Stock Tanks

The Water Rippler is a year-round stock tank circulator that keeps water moving to slow ice formation in winter and reduce mosquitoes, algae, and stagnant water in warmer months.

About The Water Rippler

The Water Rippler is a livestock water circulation system designed to keep stock tank water moving year-round — slowing ice formation in winter and reducing stagnant water issues in warm weather.

During the Winter

Instead of trying to completely prevent ice (which no agitator can guarantee), the Water Rippler mitigates ice buildup by creating continuous surface movement that keeps water accessible and easier to break when freezes occur. This motion mimics natural river flow, preventing water from stagnating and promoting healthier drinking conditions for livestock and horses.

During the Summer

In the warmer months, rippling water discourages mosquitoes from laying eggs, slowing the hatch cycle and reducing the spread of West Nile virus. The moving water also slows algae growth, keeps water cooler and fresher, and encourages animals to drink more — supporting better hydration and overall health.

Built with a compact 12″ × 12″ HDPE housing, a low-wattage DC pump, and outdoor-rated power options (120 V AC or solar/battery), the Water Rippler installs quickly in most stock tanks and works with tanks from small pastures to large herds.

Ice Formation is Mitigated in the Winter

The Water Rippler has been tested in temperatures as low as 10°F, where areas of open water may remain and any ice that forms is typically thin and easy to break through for water access. In more extreme conditions, down to –22°F, the unit may operate beneath a light ice layer. While surface ice can form at these temperatures, water continues circulating across the entire tank beneath the ice, allowing full access to water once the initial ice layer is broken.

Manages algae growth & mosquito hatchings during the summer months

During warmer months, the Water Rippler keeps stock tank water in constant motion, which helps disrupt stagnant conditions where algae and mosquitoes thrive. Continuous surface movement makes it difficult for mosquitoes to lay eggs and complete their hatch cycle, helping reduce mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne disease such as West Nile virus. The circulating water also slows algae growth by improving oxygen levels and preventing buildup on the tank surface, keeping water cleaner, fresher, and more appealing for livestock throughout the summer season.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Rippler

What does the Water Rippler do?

The Water Rippler continuously circulates water in a stock tank, keeping water moving at the surface. This slows ice formation in cold weather, reduces stagnant water problems, and helps manage algae and mosquitoes in the summer — making water healthier and more accessible for livestock year-round.

Will it completely prevent ice in winter?

The Water Rippler continuously circulates water in a stock tank, keeping water moving at the surface. This slows ice formation in cold weather, reduces stagnant water problems, and helps manage algae and mosquitoes in the summer — making water healthier and more accessible for livestock year-round.

Can I use it in summer?

Yes! During warm weather, the rippling action slows algae growth, helps keep water fresher, and discourages mosquitoes from laying eggs — reducing insect populations and disease risk.

How is the Water Rippler powered?

The Water Rippler is typically powered with the included DC pump and an outdoor-rated AC/DC converter plugged into a standard 120 V outlet. A solar/battery power option is also available for remote locations, especially in warmer months.

What size tank does it work in?

It’s designed for most common stock tanks — small to mid-size tanks — and multiple units can be used for larger capacities. Optimal placement keeps the pump about 12″ below the water surface.

Do animals like it?

Yes! Moving water often attracts livestock to drink more consistently than in stagnant tanks.

Is it energy efficient?

Yes — the Water Rippler uses significantly less energy than traditional heaters, making it a cost-effective option to improve water availability and quality.

What is the best power option for me?

If you have electrical outlets that you can access, that is the recommended method of powering the Water Rippler.  We have had great success running the Water Rippler on solar power during the summer months, however, we want to caution you to seek professional assistance in your area if you plan to use the Water Rippler exclusively from solar power during the winter months. 

Due to short daylight hours, and extreme winter temperatures which cause batteries to not charge well and to not hold their charge as long as in the summer months, we want you to plan appropriate amounts of solar capacity to protect your tank and Water Rippler from freezing.

How cold can it be for the Water Rippler to still function well?

We have working videos of the Water Rippler at 10°F. At this temperature you may still have areas of open water on the stock tank. Any ice that is forming at this temperature can be pushed through to access water.  We also have videos of it in operation at -22°F.  In these extreme colds, the Water Rippler will be under a layer of ice, but it is not a very thick layer and the water across the entire tank surface is still moving under the ice, so when you get the initial ice cap broken through, you have water available in your entire tank.

Where is the Water Rippler Made?

The Water Rippler is Veteran-Owned, American Designed and Made and Built on Faith & Family.

Why invest in a Water Rippler?

Water Rippler has a 97% energy/cost savings over our primary competitor, a 1500 watt stock tank heater. While the average stock tank heater solution costs an average of $6.16/day to operate, Water Rippler costs $0.21/day.*

Comparison based on 100-300 gallon tanks*Cost figured on national average rate for kWh charge of $0.1711 in 2025. This will vary by state.
1500 Watt Heater Water Rippler
Average Purchase Price $55 $349
Daily Electrical Use (kWh) 36 1.2
Avg Charge kWh in US $0.1711 $0.1711
Cost/Day to Operate $6.16 $.21
Cost/Month to Operate $184.80 $6.30
3 Month Seasonal Cost (Winter) $554.40 $18.90
1st Season Cost of Ownership $609.40 $367.30
Each Season Thereafter $554.40 $18.90

Installing a Water Rippler

What to expect from the Water Rippler at 5 degrees