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.

 

[MROO]

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.

The "A" plant would likely have been anacharis - a very common, easy-to-grow aquarium plant that goldfish love! A piece of wood works well as a shade cover - but I wouldn't use plywood or pressure -treated because of the toxins - not great for your fish OR your livestock!

 

[cassie]

The "A" plant would likely have been anacharis - a very common, easy-to-grow aquarium plant that goldfish love! A piece of wood works well as a shade cover - but I wouldn't use plywood or pressure -treated because of the toxins - not great for your fish OR your livestock!

Anacharis was the plant I used. I couldn't think of the name. It worked out very well. As for the plywood, I just tossed it in for shade because it was handy. The piece was old and weathered if that makes any difference. Anyway, if I had it to do over again, I would use a cinder block instead. I don't know why I didn't think of that at the time.