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Planning a Bottomless Stock Tank for Remote Livestock Watering
A bottomless stock tank uses assembled galvanized steel wall sections and a separately prepared watertight base rather than an integrated steel floor. This makes large watering reservoirs practical for ranches where livestock need access to stored water supplied by a well, pipeline, windmill or solar-powered pump. The tank's usable capacity depends on its selected diameter and wall height; review the capacity chart and available options before ordering.
Choosing a Site and Preparing the Base
Begin with a stable, level site that can support the filled tank and accommodate livestock traffic around the perimeter. A bottomless tank must have an engineered, watertight foundation or liner system appropriate to local soil and installation conditions. Follow the manufacturer's assembly and foundation instructions rather than assuming untreated soil will seal reliably. Plan overflow drainage so escaping water does not undermine the foundation or create persistent mud around the drinking area.
Water Supply and Capacity Planning
Estimate the herd's peak daily water demand based on animal class, weather, feed and management. Then compare that demand with the tank's usable storage volume and the replenishment rate of the pump or pipeline. A large tank offers a buffer when supply is intermittent, but it does not replace regular checks of water quality, supply equipment and actual water level.
Assembly and Leak Prevention
The listed 12-gauge galvanized walls use double-bolt seams and Permatite sealing tape. Read the linked assembly manual before beginning, inspect mating surfaces, apply the specified seal correctly and tighten fasteners in the recommended sequence. Fill and inspect the completed installation according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid unsupported claims about permanent leak resistance: foundation movement, incorrect sealing and damaged components can affect performance.
Maintenance and Livestock Access
Check water level, debris, algae, seam condition and ground erosion regularly. Keep access points clear, and manage surrounding footing to reduce mud and slipping. Provide appropriate access for different animal sizes and consider winter freeze protection where required. For a system with a separate impermeable base, compare the bottomless stock tank with liner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bottomless tank hold water without site preparation?
No. It relies on a properly prepared watertight foundation or liner system; the galvanized ring alone is not a complete reservoir.
Can it be used with a solar or wind-powered pump?
Yes, provided the water supply, controls and storage volume are appropriately designed for the herd and location.
How do I get a delivered price?
Choose the required tank size and contact Barn World with your delivery ZIP code, quantity and unloading details for a freight quote. Compare bottomless stock tank options before ordering.
Stock Tank Capacity Chart
Bottomless Tank Features
Bottomless stock tanks are the ultimate water storage vessels for large groups of livestock. They're especially valuable in remote locations, and with their large capacities, they can store a lot for when variable watering from a windmill or solar panel system becomes variable. Your cattle and farm & ranch animals drink directly from the tanks as a water supply, or they can be used as water storage for later use.
- 12-gauge galvanized steel sidewalls
- The formed top flange is made from one piece, 12-gauge steel, the same as the sidewall.
- Two rows of double-bolt assembly offer twice the strength of single-bolt lines and the assurance that the tank will serve longer.
Keep your cattle growing and healthy with faster gains with a constant supply of clean, fresh water at all times with a bottomless stock tank!
How to seal a stock tank wall
The bottomless stock tanks have an easy seam sealing system that uses a Permatite Tape that simply sticks onto the inside seam of the tank and is compressed to form an air and water-tight seal when the tank walls are assembled. It is also designed for joint movement and allows for expansion and contraction without compromising the water-tight seal. The service life is a minimum of 20 years, and the service temperature ranges from +220 F to -60 F for a long-lasting seal in outdoor elements.
Bottomless Stock Tank Description
A bottomless stock tank is made up of steel rings that create a very large contained water supply used to provide drinking water to livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep. Unlike traditional stock tanks that have a bottom, bottomless stock tanks are designed in easily transportable and assembled ring sections to hold very large quantities of water. They are traditionally set in concrete or on land that's been prepared with limestone to create a waterproof bottom.
How a bottomless stock tank is used to provide a very large source of drinking water for livestock:
- Installation: The tank is placed directly on the ground on flat and level ground where it can be accessed by cattle or other livestock. It's important to ensure that the tank is stable and securely positioned.
- Water Supply: A water source, such as a well in remote areas, is used to fill the tank with water. In very remote areas, a wind vane connected to a well pump can continuously provide water to the tank. It is necessary to check it frequently to ensure the water source's supply side keeps the tank full.
- Accessibility: The absence of a bottom in the tank allows it to be transported in sections and set up where needed. Typically, it is set in a cement pour, or the ground is prepared with limestone to create a waterproof bottom.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the tank clean and free of debris. This may include cleaning the tank periodically, checking for leaks, and ensuring a continuous and clean water supply.
Bottomless stock tanks are popular with ranchers with large herds, especially in remote settings. These large tanks eliminate the need for frequent refilling and provide long-lasting access to fresh water that is crucial for animal health, hydration, and overall well-being.
Video Gallery
Watch this installation video for a bottomless stock tank system. This video gallery provides clear, step-by-step instructions for proper setup, installation, and long-term use in livestock watering applications.
Designed to help ensure proper drainage, durability, and reliable performance in agricultural environments.
Remote User Tank Review
As a rancher with a large herd of cattle in a remote area, the bottomless stock tank has been a game-changer for our operation. The tank, filled remotely with a windmill pump and pressure system, ensures our cattle have a reliable water source without constant oversight. We only need to check it occasionally to ensure it's full, significantly reducing our labor.
Transporting the tank to our remote location was surprisingly easy. The tank ships in sections, allowing us to transport and assemble a very large capacity tank without any hassle. This modular design made it possible to set up a substantial water source in an area that would have been difficult to access with a fully assembled tank.
The water supply efficiency of the bottomless stock tank is remarkable. The constant availability of clean water improves the health and hydration of our cattle, which is crucial for maintaining a productive herd. Additionally, the labor-saving benefits cannot be overstated. We take many fewer trips to check the fill level of the tank. Due to its large capacity, even if the pump stopped working, we'd still have days of water available for our cattle. We can allocate our newfound time to other essential tasks on the ranch.
Overall, the tank has been a fantastic investment for our ranch. Its ease of transport, efficient water supply system, and labor-saving design have made managing our remote herd much more manageable. I highly recommend this product to any rancher looking to improve their water management system.
Call Barn World today!