I have always used the typical metal stalk tank for watering horses. I was considering switching to the plastic type. We do have cold winters with lots of snow. Tank will be inside during winter. I would like to know what your thoughts are on which type of tank is best.
Thanks in advance - Teresa
we do not have winters that have extended cold periods …the coldest it usually gets is in the 20s maybe the upper teens but usually it is a few days at the most
with that stated all of the Rubbermaid water troughs we have bought are still water tight, several at 30 years old and remaining are at least 20 years old…we have five
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I live in Montana where it gets COLD. The big black rubber tubs do just fine in the winter. Mine is outside with a heater and survives.
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I also have Rubbermaid tanks + one High Country tank. All hard plastic. Our winters won’t match Montana (thankfully! lol) but we do go well below freezing for periods of days/weeks. My tanks are all still water tight, even after freezing solid a time or two. And they aren’t new either - 3 are 17 years old, 1 is 15 years old.
I didn’t realize it was possible, but I’ve blown out a couple Rubbermaid tanks when they froze solid.
I still use them (well, the replacements…) but am more careful now to drain them if they’re in a field I’m not using in the winter.
I live where our winters are dreadful. Well below zero for extended periods of time. I like the black, hard plastic because the dark color absorbs the sun and helps slightly with freezing. Every little bit helps!
I wish I could recommend the Rubbermaid tubs. I have 6 of the 150 gal variety and they are less than 2 years old. Unfortunately 2 of them leak badly enough that they are not useable already. I did unscrew the part at the bottom where they can drain, retaped with plumbers tape, and re-tightened properly, thinking they were just not seated snugly. Nope, it’s actually not the drain plug that is the problem; it’s the housing around it. So annoying (and expensive.)
This is a huge problem with Rubbermaid tanks. I had the same issue. Mine were practically brand new when the leaking started and I was furious enough to write Rubbermaid who reimbursed me. I still have Rubbermaid tanks going strong now.
A friend of mine who had the same problem used marine sealer for boats and it sealed up her leaks perfectly.
That is really helpful. Thanks for letting me know that A) I am not the only one with those issues and B) that there is a decent fix!
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What about insulting the metal stock tanks around the outside like you would do the bubble wrap and duct tape around a 5 gallon bucket to keep from freezing? Kills two birds with one stone. Get the durability of the metal tank and hopefully helps some with freezing because of insulation. I prefer metal tanks and actually old cast bath tubs…stock tank heaters make me nervous if they were ever to run out of water and the hot element sitting on the plastic. I’ve had them burn right through the bottom of a plastic. tank. (Help moved horses out of pasture and never unplugged heater on nearly empty tank.) 🤦🻔♀ï¸
