Goldfish in a water trough for steers?

[QChickieMama]

I had goldfish in my livestock water tanks for years. So did my boss on the dairy where I worked as a milker. In fact, he is the one who gave me the idea. The fish kept the water clear and clean. I lived in the San Joaquin Valley in California and temperatures of over 100 degrees are not uncommon. My goldfish thrived.

There are two things I did for my goldfish that my boss did not do. I dropped in a gallon bucket that I filled with soil. I put pebbles on the top of the soil to keep the dirt in. I planted a water plant in the soil. I forget the name of the plant, but it is a common aquarium plant, and I think the name of it starts with an A. It grew enough to provide shelter for the fish. Sometimes I threw in a 12" square of plywood, and it floated to provide shade. I don't know if it was really necessary.

Interesting! So I wasn't being crazy!

I stuck a cinderblock in there for shade. I'm in NC so it's hot but not as hot as your location.

 

[Squawkers]

I take it you have no personal experience with fish in the water tanks. I kept goldfish in my water tanks for years and they did a fine job of keeping the tanks clear and clean. I learned about goldfish from my neighboring stockmen and dairymen. I also learned that if asked, the local farm advisor's office would provide mosquito fish free of charge for the same purpose.

Nope! I had a beta once, but I was around six and I wasn’t the one who took care of it. Thats cool!

 

[cassie]

Interesting! So I wasn't being crazy!

I stuck a cinderblock in there for shade. I'm in NC so it's hot but not as hot as your location.

The cinderblock is a great idea. I wish I had thought of it.