Prevent 55 gallon water tank from going stagnant

[Derekwit]

I have created an automatic waterer for my chickens. We have about 60 birds. I am trying to find a way to keep fresh water in the tank. Looking for suggesitons.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Kevin565]

I'm sorry I have no clue but

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Are you looking for a way to keep it full or keep the water in the barrel fresh?

If you are trying to keep it fresh, keep it cool and in the shade if you can. Could also add a little apple cider vinegar or Oxine to the water to retard the growth of the yucky stuff.

 

[Den in Penn]

Welcome.
Need more information. Whats the tank made of? How big? Is it in shade or sun.

 

[Derekwit]

It is a 55 gallon plastic barrell. It stays in the house it is shaded most all day. I would like to be able to keep it 3/4 to full whenever I fill it up but my concern is that the water will stagnant.

 

[leadwolf1]

This may sound crazy but, can you put a fish tank bubbler in it? That would keep the water moving and wouldn't allow it to stagnate.

 

[Den in Penn]

If its a translucent plastic painting it to further cut the light will help to slow the algae and slim growth.

 

[Derekwit]

It is opaque in color

 

[Chris09]

How far away is your water souse?
If it isn't to far than I would use a smaller barrel then add a float in the barrel so that the barrel self fills its self. The barrel will fill more often and there will be less time for algae to grow or the water to go stagnate.

Or if you are using a nipple type watering system you have a pump that circulates the water through the pipe that feeds the nipples then back to the water barrel. Much like the one shown here



Chris

 

[Derekwit]

I have a 55 gallon barrel with 1/2" pvc that is hard piped with 10 watering cups