6 Best Galvanized Tubs For Watering Livestock That Old Farmers Swear By
Explore the 6 best galvanized tubs for watering livestock. These farmer-approved picks are chosen for their time-tested durability and rust-resistant build.
You can tell a lot about a farm by its water troughs. Are they cracked plastic tubs held together with wishful thinking, or are they the sturdy, silver workhorses that have served farmers for generations? Choosing the right water trough isn’t just about giving animals a drink; it’s about investing in a piece of equipment that saves you time, withstands abuse, and keeps your livestock safe and healthy. For my money, nothing beats a classic galvanized steel stock tank.
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Why Galvanized Steel Tubs Are a Farm Staple
There’s a reason you see these gleaming tubs on farms that have been around for a century. Galvanized steel, which is steel coated in a protective layer of zinc, offers a unique combination of strength and longevity that plastic just can’t match. The zinc coating prevents rust, even when the tub is constantly filled with water and exposed to the elements.
This durability is key. A good steel tank can handle a cow leaning on it or a goat trying to use it as a jungle gym without cracking or bowing. They also have a secret weapon against one of the biggest summer chores: algae. The zinc in the galvanization process naturally inhibits algae growth, meaning you’ll spend less time scrubbing green slime and more time on other tasks.
Of course, they aren’t perfect. They’re heavier than plastic and can dent if you hit one with the tractor bucket. But those dents are often just cosmetic, unlike a crack in a plastic tank that renders it useless. For a long-term, reliable watering solution, galvanized steel is the undisputed champion.
Behrens Round Stock Tank: The Timeless Classic
When you picture a stock tank, you’re probably picturing a Behrens. These round, corrugated tanks are an icon of American agriculture for a simple reason: they are built to last. The heavy-duty, G90 galvanized steel feels substantial, and the classic round design is more functional than you might think.
A round tank has no corners, which is a subtle but important safety feature. It prevents a timid animal from being trapped and bullied by more dominant members of the herd. It also makes cleaning a breeze—a quick swirl with a brush gets everything out, with no gunk hiding in a 90-degree angle.
The corrugated sides add immense structural integrity, preventing the tank from bulging under the pressure of hundreds of gallons of water. Behrens tanks are an investment, but it’s one you make once. They are the definition of "buy it for life" farm equipment.
Tarter Oval Galvanized Tank for Versatility
Sometimes, a round tank just doesn’t fit the space. That’s where an oval tank, like the ones made by Tarter, really shines. Their shape makes them perfect for placing flush against a barn wall, along a fence line, or inside a run-in shed, maximizing your usable space.
Tarter is another one of those brands that understands farm life. Their tanks feature a heavy-duty build with a rounded top rim, which is an important detail. A rolled or rounded edge is safer for livestock and more comfortable for you to lean on while cleaning. It also adds rigidity to the whole structure.
These oval tanks are incredibly versatile. A smaller one is perfect for a pair of sheep or a small herd of dairy goats, while the larger models can easily service a small herd of cattle. The shape also makes it easier to install a float valve, automating the filling process and ensuring your animals never run out of fresh water.
CountyLine Stock Tank: A Reliable Workhorse
You’ll find CountyLine tanks at Tractor Supply stores across the country, and they represent a fantastic balance of quality and accessibility. They are the reliable workhorses of the hobby farm world. While they might not have the same ultra-heavy gauge steel as some premium brands, they are more than tough enough for the demands of most small-scale operations.
Think of CountyLine as the smart, practical choice. The galvanization is solid, the construction is dependable, and the price point makes it possible to set up multiple watering stations without breaking the bank. This is a huge advantage when you’re managing rotational grazing paddocks or need separate troughs for different groups of animals.
Don’t mistake affordability for being cheap. These tanks hold up well to sun, ice, and thirsty livestock. For a farmer who needs a dependable solution that gets the job done year after year, CountyLine delivers exceptional value. It’s the tank you can pick up on a Saturday morning and have filled with water by the afternoon.
Little Giant Galvanized Tub for Small Herds
Not every farm needs a 300-gallon monster tank. For those with a few goats, a small flock of sheep, or even a large flock of ducks, a smaller tub from a brand like Little Giant is the perfect fit. These tubs, often in the 15- to 40-gallon range, offer all the benefits of galvanized steel in a manageable package.
The biggest advantage here is portability. A smaller tub is easy for one person to dump, scrub, and refill, ensuring the water stays fresh and clean. This is especially important for smaller animals like sheep, who can be notoriously picky about their water quality. You can easily move it from a winter pen to a summer pasture.
Using a smaller tub also forces you to check on your animals’ water supply more frequently, which is never a bad thing. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re laying eyes on your herd at least once or twice a day. For the small-scale farmer, the right-sized tool is always the best tool, and Little Giant excels at making equipment that fits the scale of a hobby operation.
Hastings Black Label Tank: The Toughest Build
If you run cattle or other large, rough stock and want a tank that is virtually indestructible, the Hastings Black Label is your answer. This is the top-of-the-line, heavy-duty option that old-timers nod at with respect. The key difference is the thickness of the steel and the quality of the galvanization.
Hastings uses 20-gauge, G90 galvanized steel, which is significantly tougher than what you’ll find in many standard tanks. The G90 rating refers to the thickness of the zinc coating, meaning it has superior corrosion resistance and will last for decades, even in harsh conditions. These tanks are built to withstand being pushed, rubbed, and bumped by 1,500-pound animals.
This level of quality comes at a higher price, of course. But the tradeoff is peace of mind. You are buying a piece of equipment that will likely outlast you. For a farmer who believes in doing things right the first time and never wants to worry about a leaky trough again, Hastings is the ultimate choice.
Applegate Steel Trough for Fenceline Watering
For farmers practicing rotational grazing, the fenceline trough is a game-changer. Applegate specializes in these long, narrow troughs designed to be placed directly under a fence line, allowing you to water two separate pastures with a single trough and water source. This is efficiency at its finest.
Imagine moving your cattle or sheep from one paddock to the next. Instead of having to drain, move, and refill a trough, you simply open the gate. The water source is already there, waiting for them. This drastically cuts down on labor and simplifies your entire grazing management system.
These troughs are built long and low, making them accessible for a wide range of livestock, from adult cattle down to young calves or lambs. Their heavy steel construction ensures they stay put and can handle the pressure of a whole herd trying to drink at once. It’s a specialized tool, but for the right setup, it’s invaluable.
Extending the Life of Your Galvanized Trough
A good galvanized tank can last for decades, but a little preventative care goes a long way. The goal is to protect that crucial zinc coating. Simple habits can double the functional life of your investment.
First, think about its foundation. Placing your tank directly on the dirt, especially in a muddy area, invites moisture to sit against the bottom, eventually leading to rust. Always place your tank on a level pad of gravel or on a couple of pressure-treated 4×4s to allow for air circulation underneath.
Winter is the biggest enemy of a stock tank. Here are a few key tips:
- Use a proper stock tank de-icer. Never, ever take a sledgehammer or an axe to the ice in your tank. The shock can split seams and crack the zinc coating, leading to leaks come springtime.
- Install a float valve. Constantly overflowing water erodes the ground around the tank and keeps the sides perpetually wet, accelerating wear. A simple float valve keeps the water at a consistent level, saving water and your tank.
- Clean with the right tools. Use a stiff-bristled plastic brush, not a wire brush. A wire brush can scratch the galvanized coating, creating a spot for rust to take hold.
Ultimately, the "best" galvanized tub is the one that fits your farm’s unique needs—the size of your herd, the layout of your pastures, and your budget. Whether it’s a classic round Behrens for the main pasture or a small Little Giant for the goat pen, investing in quality steel is a decision that pays you back with reliability every single day. It’s one less thing to worry about, leaving you more time to focus on the animals themselves.
