6 Best Stock Tank Thermometers For Monitoring Temperature Old-Timers Trust
From floating to submersible, we review 6 durable stock tank thermometers. Find the accurate, easy-to-read models that seasoned ranchers trust for years.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink—especially if it’s near freezing. We spend a lot of time thinking about feed, shelter, and fencing, but the temperature of the water trough is a detail that often gets missed. It’s a small thing that has a massive impact on animal health, and a reliable thermometer is one of the cheapest, most effective tools you can have.
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Why Stock Tank Temperature Matters for Livestock
The goal isn’t just to keep water from turning into a block of ice. The real mission is to keep it at a temperature that encourages drinking. Most livestock, from cattle to goats, will drastically reduce their water intake when the temperature drops near 32°F (0°C), long before it actually freezes.
This reluctance to drink is a fast track to problems. Dehydration stresses an animal’s system, making them more susceptible to illness. In horses, it’s a leading cause of impaction colic, a dangerous and costly condition. For dairy animals, water intake is directly tied to milk production. You’re essentially paying for that cold water with lost output.
In the summer, the opposite problem arises. Warm, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria and algae, which can be harmful. Water that’s too warm is also unappealing, again leading to reduced intake when animals need it most for cooling. Monitoring the temperature gives you a crucial piece of data about your animals’ environment and well-being.
Taylor Precision Classic Large Dial Thermometer
This is the old-school standard for a reason. The Taylor large dial thermometer is simple, rugged, and doesn’t rely on batteries that will inevitably die on the coldest morning of the year. Its big, clear face is easy to read from a few feet away, even with frost on your eyelashes.
You can’t just toss it in the tank, as it doesn’t float. The best way to use it is to hang it from a string or wire just below the surface, tied off to a fence post. This keeps it in place and prevents it from getting knocked around. It gives you a reliable, point-in-time reading whenever you check on the trough.
The main tradeoff is speed. An analog thermometer takes a minute or two to acclimate and give you a true reading. But its sheer reliability is its greatest strength. It just works, year after year, without any fuss. It’s a tool, not a gadget.
Farm Innovators Floating Tank Thermometer
If you want a thermometer that lives in the tank, this is the one to look at. The Farm Innovators floater is designed specifically for this job. It’s usually encased in a durable plastic housing that protects it from curious noses and helps it withstand the elements.
The major advantage is convenience. The thermometer is always in the water, giving you an instant reading without having to dip or wait. You can see the temperature at a glance as you walk by. This constant presence makes it easy to spot trends, like how quickly your tank loses heat overnight.
Be aware that plastic doesn’t last forever. After a few seasons of intense sun and ice, it can become brittle and the numbers may fade. They are also lightweight, so in a windy spot, they can get blown to one side of the tank. Still, for an affordable, set-and-forget option, it’s hard to beat.
Rubbermaid Commercial Grade Pocket Thermometer
Don’t let the "kitchen" label fool you; a good digital pocket thermometer is one of the most versatile tools on a small farm. The Rubbermaid model is a workhorse—it’s fast, accurate, and tough enough to live in your coat pocket. You get a precise reading in seconds.
This is the perfect tool if you manage multiple water sources. You can quickly spot-check the tank by the barn, the trough in the far pasture, and the chickens’ waterer in a matter of minutes. Its portability is its biggest asset. The protective sleeve keeps the probe safe and clean between uses.
The obvious downside is the battery. You’ll need to have spares on hand. The small digital display can also be tough to read in glaring sunlight or at dusk. It’s a tool for active measurement, not passive monitoring, but its speed and accuracy are invaluable for quick checks.
Cooper-Atkins Waterproof Digital Thermometer
Get fast, accurate temperature readings for the whole family with this no-touch thermometer. It features both forehead and object temperature modes, with a fever alarm and silent mode for ease of use.
For those who are hard on their equipment, the Cooper-Atkins is a significant step up in durability. This isn’t just a pocket thermometer; it’s a professional-grade instrument designed to be dropped, submerged, and generally abused. Its key feature is its waterproof rating, which is a game-changer.
If you’ve ever fumbled a regular thermometer into the icy water or muck, you understand the value here. The Cooper-Atkins can be fully submerged without damage. It provides the same lightning-fast, accurate readings as other digital models but in a package that’s built for the harsh reality of farm life.
Of course, this level of durability comes at a higher price. It might be overkill if you only have one or two tanks in a sheltered area. But if you value longevity and are tired of replacing cheaper tools, the investment pays for itself. This is a buy-it-for-life kind of tool.
General Tools Long-Stem Analog Thermometer
Sometimes, the surface temperature isn’t the whole story, especially in large, deep tanks. A long-stem thermometer, often marketed for compost or soil, is excellent for getting a more complete picture. The metal probe lets you measure the temperature several inches or even a foot below the surface.
This is particularly useful when you’re using a tank de-icer. A de-icer often creates a pocket of warm water at the surface, but the rest of the tank can still be frigidly cold. Using a long-stem thermometer helps you understand if your de-icer is effective for the entire volume of water or just a small area.
Like other analog tools, it’s battery-free and highly durable. You do have to hold it in place for a minute to get an accurate reading, and the dial is typically smaller than the large-face Taylor. It’s a specialized tool for those who want more data than just a surface reading.
K-T Industries Floating Rope Thermometer
This is the simplest design you can find, and sometimes that’s all you need. Essentially a classic pool thermometer with a nylon rope attached, it’s cheap, effective, and easy to use. It floats on the surface and the rope makes it easy to pull in for a reading without getting your hands wet.
The enclosed glass tube offers decent protection, and its buoyancy keeps it visible. It’s a great, low-cost option for smaller tanks or for someone who just wants a basic check without spending much. It does the fundamental job of telling you if the water is too cold.
The main drawback is fragility. While the plastic casing helps, a direct knock from a cow or a hard freeze could crack it. The numbers are also printed on paper inside a glass tube, which can be small and harder to read than a large dial. But for the price, it’s a perfectly functional tool.
Key Features in a Reliable Tank Thermometer
Choosing the right thermometer comes down to your specific needs and habits. There’s no single "best" one; there’s only the best one for your farm. As you decide, focus on these four factors.
First is readability. A thermometer is useless if you can’t read it easily. Consider whether you need a large dial you can see from afar or if a small digital screen you check up close works better for your routine. Think about reading it in low light or with cold, wet hands.
Second, think about durability and placement. Will it be floating and subject to abuse from curious animals, or will it be a pocket tool you bring with you? Plastic floaters are convenient but degrade in the sun, while a sturdy metal-stemmed or pocket thermometer might last longer if cared for.
Finally, consider its core function and power source.
- Floating analog: Best for at-a-glance, constant monitoring without batteries.
- Pocket digital: Best for fast, accurate spot-checks across multiple waterers.
- Long-stem: Best for checking temperature at depth in large tanks.
- Waterproof digital: Best for maximum durability in harsh conditions.
The right tool is the one that fits seamlessly into your chores. A fancy digital model is worthless if its batteries are always dead, and a floating thermometer is no good if your cattle think it’s a toy. Match the tool to your reality.
Ultimately, a stock tank thermometer isn’t about collecting data for its own sake; it’s about animal husbandry. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to ensure your livestock are healthy, hydrated, and thriving, no matter what the weather throws at you. This small piece of equipment empowers you to be a more proactive and effective steward of the animals in your care.
