The Best Stock Tank

Stock Tanks – Creating a Multi-Purpose Tool

Stock tanks have been used by farmers and ranchers for centuries as feeding and bathing components. The steel or rubberized tanks are large in size and make their jobs a little easier. These tanks are bulky, but smaller models exist. They also offer multiplicity in usage. Farmers may not host livestock year-round, leaving different areas of usage for these tanks.

A second common space is use as a gardening tool. The materials that make up the tanks are substantial enough to hold piles of soil or host plants that extend long roots. The rubberized and steel models both work well with the growing process, making them fit for planting. They can also be used to help start your very own fresh garden. Simply start the process and re-plant. This also highlights the use for the off-season of growing. They make a perfect in-house growing component and allow you to enjoy your freshly grown veggies year-round.

Beyond these two uses, other methods can be thought up. Their depth and size make them perfect for a fitness tool, creating a spacious ice bath for recovery measures. Looking for a sturdy pool for the little ones to play in? Look no further than stock tanks, as their make-up is much stronger than plastic models. The possibilities become endless, but which tanks should you be looking for to suit your needs? Below we'll list several tanks, followed by a detailed buying guide that highlights all you need to know about purchasing stock tanks.

Stock Tanks Product List:

Stock Tanks Buying Guide

Looking through the provided list, one will find that this space is dominated by a few retailers. Behlen, High Country, and Tuff Stuff are the three major producers of stock tanks. Their tanks feature a make-up that is almost exclusive to their company, creating a slight differentiation among brands. There are other brands out there that make additional products, such as Rubbermaid and Behrens. Rubbermaid is the number one source of plastic storage containers, leaving their brand a trusted source. Behrens deals primarily in planting containers and holders, which narrows the selection of offerings, but does not demean from the brand in any way. The Behrens brand is primarily associated with planting usage, not translating to the additional usages we described in the introduction. The other brands feature models in many different gallon sizes, which is where we'll start with assessing needs.

Sizing and Pricing

The first step in the buying process is assessing your need in size and spacing measures. Commercial uses will require a larger model, usually ranging from 100-700 gallons in size. The 700-gallon size is one of the largest sizes featured for online purchase, so any larger requirements will have to look for local pick-up sales. The larger sizes are perfect for cattle feeding, calf bathing, and other such farm essentials. The rubberized material stands up against the test of time just like the steel would. The problems associated with these rubber models deal directly with cracking and certain UV protection measures, if not fully fitted with UV protectant sealants. Make sure to verify the measures used to seal these rubberized tanks, as that will relate directly to the durability and safety of the animals. The steel models have to worry about dents and rusting. The make-up directly helps reduce these problems, as the steel models have textured inner-lining and use thicker amounts of this element.

Getting into different sizing components, we look at the other uses described above. For planting, one would need about a 30-50 gallon sizing for featuring a couple different plants or in-ground vegetables. The smaller the amount of plants or crops you are hosting, the smaller size you can get away with. A good rule of thumb is to go with the 30-gallon size, as the price differentials won't set you back too much for the additional gallons.

The average kiddie pool holds 30-gallons. This would support the need for a 50-gallon tank. This will give the children a little more space to work with, not being constricted to the small measures of a plastic pool. The user can also opt for a larger model for the kids to grow into, which would make the 100-gallon a better fit for those looking for continued usage by the years. The price point of these models differs a little on a rubberized or steel basis. The rubberized models are the better choice, even though they are more likely to crack. This shouldn't be a concern as the materials are often stronger than the damage a younger child could potentially cause. The plastic models run anywhere from $10-$20 and a rubberized stock tank can be obtained around the $50 amount for a 50-gallon sizing. This makes it a more durable option for your children and it is something that will last longer than a handful of pool parties.

The price point for the average athletic tank can run anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on the features included. The primary use of these tanks is to help the athlete reduce muscle tensions and relax the body. The best way to do this is to create an ice bath. The average bath tub holds around 100 gallons, making the 100-gallon sizing the perfect offering for athletes. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to mimic the same effect that high-tech tubs may host. The 100-gallon model is around $100 for the rubberized model and $120 for the steel models. The steel model will hold the temperature of the water for longer than the rubberized models, making it the more fitting choice for the task at hand.

Summary

Assessing your need is the most important element of buying a stock tank. Do you want one you can use for multiple activities or chores? Or do you wish to have a task-specific model? In reality, most of the featured models will host these multiple usages, making the gallon amount and price point the main consideration for the consumer.

Top Rated Stock Tanks

If you're looking into finding the best rated stock tank, you should probable check out the Rubbermaid Commercial Tank. We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

Rubbermaid Commercial Tank

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $76.99 (last checked this morning), we do not list any other stock tank cheaper than the Polar Protector. Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

Polar Protector

The Stock Tank With the Most Reviews