thanks bws!..i just came on to read thru all those!
i have a screen over the barrel not only to keep the trash out and whatever local critters might want to make a meal of the fish but also to keep them from washing out when the barrel overflows.
we have had some heavy rain in the last few days.the water is collected in used orange juice and milk jugs to water the indoor plants. three thirty gallon plastic drums under the basement steps are a back up.the drums by the way are one of the best "free-take it" items i ever hit the brakes for!