What kind of stock tank should I buy?
A buyer’s guide
The stock tank is a farm staple - a standard fixture of rural life. Mainly used to provide a source of water for livestock, the stock tank’s popularity among suburban, and even urban, residents has increased dramatically in recent years, as alternative uses for the tanks (like as a raised garden or shallow pool) become more common. Use the following guide to help you determine which stock tank is right for you, and what to think about for when setting it up.
What is a stock tank?
A stock tank is a designed reservoir for water, intended to be used to water livestock. The basic use is right there in the name. Stock for livestock, tank for water tank. A stock tank are used as a drinking trough for livestock like cattle, horses, chickens, or swine.
What kinds of stock tanks are available?
Stock tanks come in a variety of applications; you’ll want to get the stock tank that makes the most sense for you. Of the variables to consider, the most important are use (what are you going to use it for?) size and (how big do you need it to be?), shape (does this fit where I want to put it?), and material (more on this later).
What kinds of stock tank sizes are there?
Stock tanks can range from holding tens of gallons to thousands. You’ll want to get the right size stock tank for your needs. If you’re watering animals for example, the stock tank should be the right size for the animals in question. If the tank is for chickens, it shouldn’t be too tall. If it’s for horses, it shouldn’t be too small.
What shapes of stock tanks are there?
The most common shapes are round, round end, or oval. tanks also come in “tub” varieties, which are similar to round end, but deeper for their size.
What are the different types of stock tank materials?
Stock tanks are commonly made from galvanized steel, but polyethylene (or plastic) versions are also available. Steel stock tanks are likely to last longer but may require more maintenance. Steel tanks give a classic look, dissipate heat well (as long as they are touching water) and provide maximum durability (when galvanized). Poly stock tanks are still durable, and also safe, simple and easy to clean, lightweight, versatile, and come in a variety of colors
What are some other uses of stock tanks?
While expanding the use of stock tanks isn’t new for people familiar with a farm or ranch, using stock tanks in a wider variety of ways has become more popular in the suburbs in the last decade or so. Stock tanks are now often used as pools, raised flower beds or gardens, or ponds for ducks or fish. A growing trend is using stock tanks as an ice bath! It’s the perfect size for rejuvenating cryotherapy.
Using a stock tank as a pool
A stock tank pool provides a rustic, simple look, and an affordable addition to backyard summer fun. If you’re looking to get a stock tank to use as a pool, your first consideration should be size. A 500-gallon tank might be big enough for one person, but a family will want a tank of 800 gallons or more. Also look at the dimensions. Most stock tanks are about 2ft deep, making it a shallow pool. If you want more depth, that’s something you’ll need to look out for.
You’ll want to install a pool pump to clean water and keep it moving. If the stock tank is galvanized, it will need to be regularly cleaned to avoid rusting. When using chlorine and other pool chemicals, keep them at the minimum concentration, as they tend to eat away at the galvanized coating. If you’re concerned about rust, try a poly tank pool instead as a perfect alternative.
Using a stock tank as a raised flower bed
Chose tank size based on the space available and the type of plants you would like to grow. Large-scale vegetables like tomatoes will need a soil depth of at least two to three feet. Smaller plants like herbs and flowers can easily grow in one-foot deep tanks. When seeing up the tank, drill drainage holes near the bottom. Plan for about two holes for every square foot of the bottom of the container. Covering the hole with wire mesh can help prevent clogs. Move the stock tank into position, and boost it with bricks, cinder blocks, or wood to make sure it can drain. Fill the tank with a mix of potting soil, compost, and any other soil you’d like to use. Just be sure to mix it well. When you plant, think about the arrangement so taller plants won’t shade shorter or younger ones as they grow. Keep the soil consistently moist when the plants are young, and then water according to an appropriate schedule as they mature.
ADVANDED TIPS: Consider installing wheels to make the tank more portable, or filler material if you don’t need to full depth for soil. If you live somewhere that gets very hot, insulation, like carboard or old carpet can be added to the interior walls. This will help keep roots from touching the sides of the tank.
Using a stock tank as a pond for ducks or fish
Stock tanks can make an attractive and simple solution for backyard animals requiring an aquatic habitat. When using a stock tank in this way, you’ll want to make the same considerations for size, sunlight, and material as you would when using it as a pool.
How do I install a stock tank?
Stock tanks need to be installed on level ground to ensure even water distribution and lower the risk of spilling. You will likely need leveling sand for this. If a pump or de-Icer is going to be used, the stock tank needs to be installed close to a power source of electricity. Because stock tanks will likely shed water, and must be emptied, it’s also a good idea to make sure the area where the stock tank is installed can drain easily. You can make draining the tank easier by installing drain plugs before filling.
How do I buy a stock tank?
Right here on tractorsupply.com! The tank can be picked up to your local store, or shipped there for pickup if the one you’re looking for isn’t already there. Note some tanks are only available in certain areas.
How do I care for a stock tank?
You’ll always want to rinse the stock tank thoroughly before adding water. All tanks used as pools, whether steel or poly, should be regularly drained and cleaned. Tanks used as flower beds should have the outside cleaned periodically.
What is a stock tank de-icer or stock tank heater?
A stock tank heather is an electric device that can help keep water drinkable, even when the temperatures drop. The heater will need to be of an appropriate wattage for the amount of water, and requires a strong, nearby power source. To maximize the effectiveness of the heater, it’s recommended to build wind screens around the tank. Automatic bucket heaters are also available.