{{Short description|Drinking water tank for animals}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}} {{more citations needed|date=October 2007}} thumb|Cows at a stock tank with piped water See ''Stock tank oil'' for oil industry stock tank definition.
A '''stock tank''' is used to provide drinking water for animals such as cattle or horses. Stock tanks can range in size from 100 liters to over 5500 liters (30 to 1500 gallons) and typically are made of galvanized steel. These tanks are filled either by a pump, windpump, creek, spring, rely on runoff water from rain or melting snow, or from water hauled to them in a truck. In some parts of Texas, ranchers refer to ponds and watering holes as stock tanks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Booth |first1=William |title=Texas Primer: The Stock Tank |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/texas-primer-the-stock-tank/ |work=Texas Monthly |date=1 May 1986 |language=en}}</ref>
==Trick tank== A trick tank is type of stock tank. It collects precipitation, holds the water in a covered tank to minimize evaporation and maintain adequate water quality, and dispenses water on demand into a basin from which animals can drink. Dispensing may be regulated by a mechanical float device similar to a ballcock in the tank of a flush toilet. Trick tanks are manufactured in several styles, including inverted umbrella and apron. They are heavy and often are used in remote wilderness locations, to which they may require delivery via helicopter.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081003065243/http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/habitat_stamp_program/Projects_FishImprovements.htm New Mexico Game & Fish: Habitat Stamp Projects]</ref>
To provide water to wild animals, not livestock, fencing may be built to surround a trick tank. Fences serve to exclude cattle and sheep. Trick tanks are widely used in the southwest United States,<ref>{{cite book |title=Best Management Practices for Water Quality and Grazing Activities on the Rangeland/Jarosa Allotment Project, United States Forest Service |author=Delbert Trujillo |year=2002 |pages=21 |publisher=Watershed Protection Section, Surface Water Quality Bureau, New Mexico Environment Department, in conjunction with Coyote Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest |url=http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/SWQB/Watershed_Protection/BMPs/BMPs_on_the_Jarosa_Allotment_Project.pdf |accessdate=15 October 2008 }}</ref> where periodic droughts may cause population crashes in game animals unless water supplies are provided.
== Other uses == thumb|Stock tanks can be repurposed as backyard pools, or "stock tank pools," using chlorine tabs and a filter pump Stock tanks are increasingly used as "rustic" backyard above-ground pools, or "stock tank pools" by retrofitting a filter pump<ref>{{Cite web|title=How To Make A Stock Tank Pool! DIY|url=https://www.makergray.com/concrete/stocktankpool|access-date=2022-02-17|website=MAKER GRAY|date=12 October 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> and adding chlorine or stabilized hydrogen peroxide<ref>{{Cite news|title=How to Use Peroxide Instead of Chlorine in a Swimming Pool|url=https://homeguides.sfgate.com/use-peroxide-instead-chlorine-swimming-pool-101652.html|access-date=2021-03-18|newspaper=Weekand|language=en |last1=Smyth |first1=Danielle }}</ref> to keep the water clean throughout the summer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mattern |first1=Jessica Leigh |last2=Lowin |first2=Rebekah |title=Stock Tank Pools Are Officially Trending Again (No Surprise!) |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/a43074/stock-tank-pools/ |accessdate=15 May 2020 |work=Country Living |date=29 April 2020}}</ref> The water will need to be drained periodically and can be reused to water plants if hydrogen peroxide is used. Metal stock tanks have also been used as a cheap alternative for a hot tub. Various heating methods are possible, including use of a propane heater or submersible wood stove.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stock Tank Hot Tub DIY (propane) |url=https://www.stocktankpool.net/propane-stock-tank-hot-tub |website=Stock Tank Pool Tips, Kits, & Inspiration {{!}} How-to DIY {{!}} @StockTankPools |accessdate=15 May 2020}}</ref>
Another use of a stock tank is at a fair or other event where they are filled with ice to keep canned and bottled beverages, or even perishables such as watermelons. A cowboy church commonly uses a stock tank for water baptisms.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jinkins |first1=Shirley |title=From Stock Show to stock tank, cowboy churches spread the faith |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/entertainment/living/religion/article129183804.html |website=Fort Worth Star Telegram |accessdate=15 May 2020 |date=27 January 2017}}</ref>
Stock tanks can also make perfect indoor habitats for aquatic pets, such as fish, turtles or frogs. Tackle shops are known to store minnows for fishing in them.
==References== {{reflist}}
Category:Livestock Category:Water supply Category:Water conservation tools
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