Choose the right storage tank for its intended use

poly storage tanks
If storage of materials other tank water is required, it is important to choose tanks that are rated to safely store the material.  Many chemicals have a specific gravity of higher than one and thus more robust chemical tanks with thicker walls should be chosen.

Need a tank for rainwater harvesting?  There are many suitable tanks for rainwater harvesting projects; the capacity depending on the size of the roof and local rainfall patterns.  A small domestic ‘hobby’ rainwater system may only require a few hundred litres of rainwater storage capacity.  An industrial-sized rainwater system (for instance, rainwater harvesting from warehouse rooftops) may require a number of large-capacity water tanks in the 10000 litre, 15000 litre or even 20000 litre tank range.  There are some water tanks, such as JoJo Tanks’ 750 litre Slimline range of rainwater tanks that are aimed at small urban domestic rainwater harvesting systems.

Is the water tank or chemical tank to be used in a stationary/permanent position or is it to be used for transporting the liquid?  Stationary storage tanks are designed to be installed on firm level surfaces and once installed and filled, should not be moved around too much.  Vertical or standard poly or plastic water tanks are in this category.  If the tank is to be mounted on a trailer or vehicle and used for transporting the liquid, then a purpose-made transporter tank should be chosen.  In South Africa, these are generally known as horizontal tanks.  These tanks are reinforced and are designed to withstand being moved around.  Their lower profile also keeps the vehicle’s or trailer’s centre of gravity low to improve road safety.

Sometimes a tank is require to store certain chemicals and other materials but with easy access to dispensing the contents.  An example would be grain or molasses that needs to be dispensed regularly for animal feeding.  Here, a silo tank (or conical tank) would be ideal.

Above-ground storage or underground storage?  Whether water or another substance needs to be stored underground or not, the choice of tank is important.  Standard vertical aboveground water tanks or chemical tanks should never be buried underground with earth pushing up against the sides. These tanks are not designed to withstand the surprising pressure that is exerted by the surrounding soil – while the tank may appear to be fine when filled, if emptied the tank walls will often buckle and/or the tank will be squeezed upwards.  Underground tanks are designed to withstand enormous pressure and usually are cylindrical in shape (a inherently strong shape) and have reinforcing ribs and thick walls.  JoJo Tanks’ 6000 litre underground tanks are incredibly strong and can even be buried beneath driveways if properly installed.

If sewage, grey water or other waste is to be stored then conservancy tanks should be considered.  These types of tanks are usually designed to be buried and can withstand external pressure.

There are other specialised tanks and drums for various agricultural and industrial uses.  An example is JoJo Tank’s 710 litre Fish Breeding Tank which has an open top, specially designed for breeding fish such as tilapia bream.

Whatever type of storage tank you require, if you are in South Africa, be sure to check JoJo Tanks’ range of polyethylene tanks and other poly products, as well as their engineer-designed and made steel tank stands (water tank stands and silo tank stands).  Click on the links below for more information.






