mechanically deficient/need help

[MaKettle]

Had gutters installed on garden shed so I could capture rain water, figuring to use the two (one for each downspout) 72 gal livestock watering troughs DH bought for the goats, but then realized the goats would climb in and drown, These troughs have a drain hole on the bottom of one side. The plug can be removed by inserting a very large screwdriver. The idea was to install a hose to the drain, and use that to drain the water for watering the garden.

Years ago I attached a spigot to a metal garbage can to use for a drip irrigation system, but do not remember how. Anyone know of an on line visual aid and directions to do this?

[agmantoo]

Go here and look at the BKF 344 fitting
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../6885/cid/1895

[Windy in Kansas]

Have you thought of partially covering the tank to keep the goats from falling in but still allowing them to drink?

[Beeman]

HGTV's show Gardening by the Yard had a tutorial on building a rain barrel. I use a hose faucet with a 1/2" plastic nipple, a 1/2" PVC fitting and washers. I drill a hole in the barrel just large enough for the 1/2" nipple. Then screw the nipple into the hose faucet. I coat the flange on the faucet with silicon sealer and insert it into the barrel. On the inside I use a rubber waher and then a metal washer then screw on the PVC 1/2" fitting. I have used the nut that retains a kitchen faucet on the inside which eliminates the need for a metal washer inside as it has one built on it.

[mamajohnson]

I would cover the trough even just for water collection, you dont want to get mosquitos in there. Some window screen would help.
on my trough the hole is so close to the ground I dont think a faucet would fit there. Is yours that close?

[Missy M]

I once used a trash can for a rain trough. I cut a square hole in the lid so the downspout would fit through it, that way when I needed water (it didn't have a spigot) I could slide the lid up the downspout and it would stay there until I scouped out the water I wanted. No mosquitos with the cover on.

[farminghandyman]

For putting a fighting in a tank or garbage can or barrel (on a drum or barrel cut the bottom out and turn it up side down and use the fittings that are 'in the top head"),
go to the farm store and to the sprayer parts area and look for "bulkhead fittings"

there fittings that a hole can be drilled and put in to a tank or similar so one can tread a pipe or similar in to it,

they come in many sizes,
click on url for picture
http://www.turfeagle.com/products/media/HYP.WBpic.jpg
or here

http://www.spokeinjector.com/store/p...asp?grp_id=131

[MaKettle]

A lot of really great suggestions. Thanks everyone. Oh, and the trough covers will definitely be in place.