Best Stock Tank Reviews 2018

Having a well-planned budget of how much you’re willing to spend is a good place to start when buying an item. It’s also important to have a clear-cut idea as to the purpose for which the object is intended, so that you can know the features that ought to have priority. The two factors mentioned above go a long way in determining the cost of the time you'll eventually buy because prices vary with some features that come with a product.

For an item like the stock tank, it goes without saying that one of its cost-determining features is the size. The larger the size, the costlier it's bound to be.

The stock tanks we reviewed covered the price range of around $25 to $95 which includes different products of varying sizes from reputable brands. In the course of our research, we came across several cheap stock tanks whose poor design and inferior material made us strike them off as we are committed to featuring only top quality and trusted products.

Knowing the main reason why you need the stock tank will go a long way in helping you make the right choice and certainly contribute to narrowing the search down to products with your specifications. Other important features to look out for include:

• Design
• Size and weight
• Capacity
• Manufacturing material
• Other extra features

Stock tanks are manufactured from either plastic or metal materials. The plastic stock tanks made from FDA approved plastic materials that are UV-protected and guaranteed to withstand the harsh outdoor weather for many years. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of plastic materials but still want a plastic stock tank, then you should go for stock tanks made from 100% recycled LDPE plastic that is recyclable. Metal stock tanks are made from galvanized zinc or steel. A metal stock tank has the advantage of not absorbing odors, unlike the plastic ones that may retain odors of its content, mainly animal feed, over a period of prolonged usage.

Different manufacturers build their stock tanks with various designs aimed at improving their aesthetics and functionality. Some of them, especially the metal stock tanks, have rigid sidewalls and corrugations for maximum strength and durability. Most of the metal stock tanks also feature bottoms made of sturdy galvanized steel which withstand impact and doesn't leak easily from constant contact with rough grounds.

The plastic stock tanks on the other hand, usually come with an attractive step design that also serves the purpose of providing convenient hand-holds when you need to lift the tank. Almost all the stock tanks available on the market feature the traditional oval shape irrespective of the manufacturing material.

Most times the size of an object has a direct relationship with its weight, but this is not so in all cases, as can be seen in the case of the stock tank. Here, the size doesn't affect the weight as much as the manufacturing material. Stock tanks made from galvanized zinc are the heaviest, followed by plastic ones. Stock tanks made from galvanized steel are extremely lightweight, although this fact does not impact negatively on its longevity.

A large size stock tank has more versatile applications than a smaller one and it’s recommended to go for sizes bigger than what you currently need it for in case you might be expanding your enterprise in future. Also, bear in mind that heavier stock tanks, although they may appear sturdier, are quite difficult to maneuver and handle, single-handedly unlike the lighter ones that you can easily tip over to empty. So you should make sure to check the weight of the stock tank you wish to buy to be sure that it’s suitable for you.

Stock tanks are easy-to-use. There's no setting up needed before you can use the tank. Cleaning and maintaining the stock tank is also a breeze and depends wholly on the manufacturing material and the purpose it's serving. Plastic stock tanks have a tendency to absorb odors so you will need to wash it out well with dishwashing liquid, thoroughly rinse out and air dry.

The stock tank capacity varies according to its size, the bigger the tank, the more content it can hold. There are stock tanks that can hold as much as 700 gallons of liquid content while others are smaller versions that hold may be around 10 - 15 gallons. This wide range of varying sizes is part of its allure as an extremely versatile container that is used in different scenarios.
Most metal stock tanks have handles which give secure and firm grip for lifting the tank, round-ended edges that are safe for animals and to keep the contents off the ground, some of them feature offset bottoms. A few metal stock tanks also have wire-reinforced and rounded rims for safety and additional strength.

The plastic stock tanks have a seamless, single-piece design that eliminates leakages as is obtainable in some metal stock tanks where leakages are likely to occur at the bottom seams. Metal stock tanks are quite shiny and eye-catching while plastic ones come in a variety of colors that are, for the most part, muted.

Some stock tanks have drain plugs drilled into the bottom part of it for natural drainage, so you don't have to lift or tip the tank in other to drain it. If you're looking for a large-size tank, especially if you'll be using the tank for liquid substances, then you should consider a stock tank with a drain plug.