Galvanized water trough is basically a steel tank with a thin coating of zinc oxide. The galvanizing method can be hot dipping or electroplating. Electroplated galvanized tank have smooth, shiny finish while the hot-dipped tank has this rustic look which makes it suitable for farm use and also vintage decor. Originally, galvanized stock tank are used by farmers for watering and feeding the livestocks.
Galvanized water tanks are usually round or oval-shaped. They come in various sizes, from 5 gallon up to 234 gallon and even more. Whatever your need is you will find a tank that fit your requirement. People use the large-sized one to plant vegetables, flowers, herbs, and spices. Large-sized tanks also make very good bathtub. Fill it with ice water and take a nice ice bath after an intense workout or you can place it on a stack of bricks, burn some firewood under the tank, and give yourself a good hot bath.
To ensure the galvanized trough lasts a long time you need to know the basic maintenance for it. First is the cleaning. To clean a galvanized tub you only need soapy water, a sponge, and sometimes a brush. Simply use the sponge to wash the tank thoroughly. If some dirt persists use the brush. Avoid using metal-bristled brush or metal scrubbing pad because it will remove the coating. Once it’s clean, dry it and put it somewhere dry and has enough ventilation. Damp places should be avoided because you may get those ugly oxidation spots on the tank. They don’t compromise its usability but if you care about its look make sure you don’t keep the tank somewhere damp.
Now, if you’re still looking for the best galvanized water trough and still unsure about which one you should get then you’re in luck because we have reviewed the best ones that will surely fit your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Galvanized Water Trough Reviews
Behlen Country RE-226C 123 Gallon Galvanized Round End Tank
This is one of BehlenCoutry’s large water trough. It’s big and versatile. Farmers love this to water their livestocks because it’s light and easy to clean, but city dwellers use it for a lot of different things.
Most city folks use this trough as raised plant bed. It’s made of metal which effectively keeps moles and gophers out, but that’s not the only reason. Some elderly folks find it easier to work on a raised garden bed. With back and knee problems, working on a ground-level garden is out of the question for them. Other uses include rainwater collector, makeshift picnic table, fish pond, and party ice bucket.
Behlen Country water trough has excellent resistance to rust. There’s no problem with rusting inside and outside of the trough after over five years of use or more. The zinc coating on this thing does its job well. The side walls are rigid. Fill it with water full to the brim and it won’t bent or break. Durability is increased with a reinforced steel tube inside the top lip.
If you plan to use this to plant veggies, herbs, or anything else be sure to drill some holes to let excess water out. It already has drainage spout ready but having more holes is more effective in preventing stale water inside the tank. It’s better for the root if the soil isn’t too damp. You can also add a plastic liner to reduce soil contact. Even though it’s originally meant for farm use, it looks really nice. It doesn’t look out of place when you put it in your back yard. If it doesn’t quite match your back yard you can easily spray paint the exterior to any color of your choice.
The only gripe with this water trough is the shipping label. It’s an eyesore and removing it may take a good whole hour.
Behlen Country 50130118C 78-Gallon Galvanized Round Tank
This is a big and round galvanized tank. It is 32.25 x 23.5-inch in size, 78 gallons capacity. A good size of kiddie pool and, if you have dogs, doggie pool. It’s pretty tall and great to plant vegetables and flowers. Even people who used to enjoy the DIY route in building wooden raised bed have started to shift to galvanized water tank. DIY raised bed is not a simple or cheap project. It’s a lot easier to buy this tank, drill some drainage holes, add gravel, add dirt, and start planting. Wooden raised beds may start to rot in a two or three years while this will keep on going for ten years and more.
This 78 gallons tub has rigid sidewalls; ribbed and corrugated for maximum strength. The bottom is heavily galvanized as extra protection against rust. The top lid is reinforced with steel tube lined within the top lid. That’s a sure sign of a heavy-duty tank that can hold whatever task you throw at it. Of course, this tank is built with heavy farm and ranch use in mind. Collecting walnuts, carrying tools, collecting rain water, storing seeds, storing charcoals, or using it to keep all the junks you might need in the future.
Another excellent use for this tank is a fish pond. You don’t need to dig and make a mess out of your backyard to make a below ground pond. A 78-gallon tub like this will hold a couple of fantail goldfish. Just add air bubbler and some aquatic plants to make it more comfortable for the fish. Be sure to put the tank under the shade since direct sunlight can cause large temperature swing that will stress the fishes. If you have raccoons or herons in the neighborhood, add a fish cave for the fishes to hide.
Achla Designs C-55 Large Oval Galvanized Steel Tub
This is a very functional oval steel tub. You can use it to store and carry firewood. It’s pretty enough for you to put it next to the fireplace. There are also some people who use it as a bathtub. No, not for an adult.It’s only 30.5 x 15 x 9.5 inch in size so adults won’t fit in it but for babies or small dogs, it works pretty well.
In summer, it holds plenty of ice and beverages for when you throw a barbecue party in your backyard. When the ice melts the water won’t make a mess because it is water sealed. There are two tough handles on the long end of the tub with double spot-welds each. They are sturdy, secure and very useful for carrying this steel tub when it is full with whatever you put in it. The tub’s size is not too big so you can pick it off the ground and carry it around easily. The handles will not snap off when you need them.
The tub itself is very durable. Even though it is not intended for farm use the galvanized steel is able to withstand the elements for years to come. It’s perfect for outdoor use because the steel tub resists rust pretty well. This tub also usable for a raised plant bed albeit a small one. It’s only 9.5 inches tall and not suitable for long-rooted plants but for herbs and spices this tub will do just fine. There’s no drainage hole on it, so you need to drill some first. Since it got handles you’ll be able to move the tub along with the plants and treat it like a portable mini garden. Put it next to the kitchen window and you’ll have fresh herbs and spices within arm’s reach.
Behrens 3GS 17 Gallon Round Galvanized Steel Tub
This galvanized steel tub is made in America by Behrens. It’s sturdy and well-made tub. The tub is ribbed and there’s a wire runs along the top rim to reinforce the strength. The offset at the bottom keeps it off the dirt, which means less cleaning to do after you finish using it outdoor. The galvanized steel does not rust easily or change color when left outdoors for prolonged time.
With sealed seems it won’t leak and cause a mess all over the place. You can use it to wash and rinse your laundry when water is limited. Washing by hand uses much less water than machine washing. It also works to dye clothes, use as a planter, keep cold drinks, store garden hose, and definitely usable as water trough. The firm handles make it easy to carry, empty, and wash this steel tub.
Make sure 17 gallons is not too big for your needs. To give you an estimate of its size some parents use this as baby bathtub on hot summer days. Yes, it’s big enough for that. Your dogs will love it too if you let them play with water in it.
Behrens claimed that the zinc from the steel will not leach into food. No need to line it with wax paper or aluminum foil as precaution when you use this tub to keep fresh vegetables that you have just harvested from your garden.You can also use it to keep flour, nuts, berries, and other edibles. That doesn’t mean it’s safe to keep acidic food or liquids like lemon juice, tomato juice, vinegar, or soda in it. The acid may corrode a bit of the galvanized layer and some will leach into the liquids. Depending on how long you keep the liquids in there the amount of metal leaching may be substantial. Remember, galvanized tank don’t play well with acidic and basic substances. If you still have worries, just stick to stainless steel or aluminum cooking utensils.
The advantages galvanized water trough has over plastic tank are :
- Better durability. It’s a much better alternative over plastic or HDPE stock tank. Some animals, especially goats, will chew plastic and water tank like it’s their food. It’s a waste of money and potentially dangerous for the animals.
- Does not absorb odor. Plastic is porous and it easily absorbs odor.
- Rodent proof. Rodents cause major problems in many farms but they will have a hard time trying to make a hole out of a metal tank.
- Weather resistant. Plastic gets brittle when exposed to the weather for a long time.
- Plastic tub, or what’s left of it after years of use, have very little value for recycling so most people won’t even bother to bring it to recycling center.
- Does not contain petroleum. If you’re going to use a container to water your livestock you don’t want it to leach pesky chemicals.
- Easy to clean.
- While arguably heavier than the plastic counterpart it is still light enough and easy to move around the farm.
Over time, people realized just how versatile these water troughs are and now they have found their way out of farmlands and into the backyards of urban and suburban homes.
Speaking of fire, there’s an issue about using galvanized stock tank for cooking food or boiling water. People are concerned that the heat will cause the zinc to leach into the food or water. Some people also said that heating causes the coating to burn off and generate fumes that cause serious health problems. The truth is zinc intoxication is very hard to achieve. You can consume more zinc by eating red meat and chopped liver than drinking water boiled in a galvanized tank. As for the dangerous fume stuff, well, unless you can get your firewood to burn as hot as welding torch you have very low chance of turning the zinc coating into fume.This is a misconception that’s widely spread over the internet. Welders take extra precaution when dealing with galvanized stuff because their welding torch can and will heat the zinc well over its boiling point. The real danger for heating comes from low-quality water trough that has various other metals like cadmium in the coating. Unless the manufacturer specifically says that it’s safe and that the metal won’t leach into food you should not use it for cooking. Stick to reputable brands when you buy a water trough.
Conclusion
Okay, those are the four best galvanized water trough you can find in the market.Whether you’re Planning to use them on the farm, ranch, or home you can be sure all of them are up for the task. Behren Country, Achla Designs, and Behrens all know how to make high quality galvanized trough. Remember to double check the size and capacity before you order so you don’t end up with a tank that’s too big or too small for your needs.
