Cattle Tanks

[mtholton]

Does anyone have any experience with this type of tank for a water hole? I'd like to put a few out for water holes on my property. Just curious if they hold up over time especially in winter? Located in WI so it would freeze hard all winter.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubbermaid-structural-foam-stock-tanks-50-gal-capacity

 

[Big Snow Man]

Yes I use them in several places. I prefer the larger models

 

[bueller]

I have similar tubs in place. Been buried in ground for years. I don't empty them for the winter and no freeze damage has occurred. Rain keeps them filled all year. I prefer to put them in shady spots.

 

[mtholton]

Great thanks all!

 

[buckdeer1]

just like adding a wading pool but alittle bigger,throw a limb in there so critters can climb out.I leave 3 inches sticking out so dirt doesn't wash in there

 

[Ben Glantz]

Are there are draw backs to leaving the tanks/coy ponds/ deer watering holes full all year? Other than misquitoes, is there a worry for water born bacteria or something else being in the stagnant water that could harm the deer? Ihave coy pond that mother nature keeps pretty full(I put it at the base of a large hill) During the dry periods, the water gets fairly rank.

 

[Bill]

Are there are draw backs to leaving the tanks/coy ponds/ deer watering holes full all year? Other than misquitoes, is there a worry for water born bacteria or something else being in the stagnant water that could harm the deer? Ihave coy pond that mother nature keeps pretty full(I put it at the base of a large hill) During the dry periods, the water gets fairly rank.

I don't think so. They seem to prefer nasty green water out of a puddle over clear stream water. I have a shallow pond that looks bad by August. I wouldn't eat a fish out of it but they just don't seem to care.

 

[willy]

No draw backs witnessed so far.

I have six of them in the ground on the farm. They have been in the ground for three years/winters and the freeze/thaw cycle has not impacted them at all. They are placed in small drainage systems that keep them filled by rains throughout the year. None have the valve. A couple times in the summer I drop mosquito donuts in them just so I don't help add to their population any more than they already do naturally. They do raise their share of tadpoles/frogs every year which is kind of cool. Ive had leopard frogs call them home a long ways from other water. They help water many different critters, feathered and furred.

 

[H20fwler]

I agree, I see no difference in use with funky looking water or clean looking (but mine has no close water source). All kinds of wildlife use mine to get water, the copper pipe fittings do seem to help with algae.

 

[Ben Glantz]

No draw backs witnessed so far.

I have six of them in the ground on the farm. They have been in the ground for three years/winters and the freeze/thaw cycle has not impacted them at all. They are placed in small drainage systems that keep them filled by rains throughout the year. None have the valve. A couple times in the summer I drop mosquito donuts in them just so I don't help add to their population any more than they already do naturally. They do raise their share of tadpoles/frogs every year which is kind of cool. Ive had leopard frogs call them home a long ways from other water. They help water many different critters, feathered and furred.

What is a mosquito donut? I am guessin it kills the skeeters? Where do you get those?

 

[Big Snow Man]

What is a mosquito donut? I am guessin it kills the skeeters? Where do you get those?

Usually you can get those at a hardware store in the pest control section with skeeter repellent.

 

[willy]

I get the ones I use at MEnards

 

[Someday isle]

What size tanks so you guys use? The local Dickey Bubs has 55 gallon tanks. Would those be big enough?

 

[Big Snow Man]

Prefect get your shovel out and start digging!

 

[Bill]

I've got a 10 gallon baby pool from Walmart in the ground. It drys out fast but when there is water in it they drink..