Cold Crash with Ice water and Mah Bucket

[StankAle]

I am going to cold crash a pale ale with a bucket and Ice water.
My questions are these:
The bucket will be in my basement @ around 68F. How long will the ice last in the water before it melts away?
Also,
How long will I have to leave the glass carboy in the water bath?
Last,
If I just rack the beer into the keg and force carb it over the course of two weeks before drinking, isn't that going to have the same effect as cold crashing? I understand that the first pint or two will suck up yeast.
Thanks.

 

[wilserbrewer]

IMO don't bother trying to cold crash w/ ice. My guess is that your ice in the bucket will only last a few hours.

Cold crashing makes sense if you have fridge space available. How long has the beer been in the carboy?