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Water tanks

Rainwater harvesting and storage used to be only for people living outside major cities or those seeking alternative lifestyles. Today such systems are increasingly popular all around the country as homeowners become aware of their advantages. In fact, their installation is often mandatory in new constructions or major renovations. Thankfully the range of water tanks has grown to meet demand and there are now many options to choose from and a solution for every kind of home.

Here is a selection of some the best on the market.

The Aussie traditional

Corrugated tanks come in a huge range of Colorbond colours to suit your home. Of course, you can get them in a good old traditional galvanised finish, too. They can be custom made to a wide range of sizes and shapes to meet your site restrictions and remain one of the most durable and cost-effective rain harvesting and storage solutions. With a bit of landscaping, a traditional tank can easily blend in with its surroundings.

Smart and stackable

These clever, award-winning Modtanks could be the solution to your water-storage problems. They look like giant Lego blocks and you use them in the same way – they just clip together to make a complete tank unit. Each module holds 77L of water and measures 600 x 550 x 300mm. Modtanks are great space savers, as they can be stacked in all manner of configurations to make use of available space and can even be run around corners or under decks. The lugs that clip the tanks together provide stability and allow water to flow between the modules. Moulded plastic Modtanks come in a range of colours and cost about $60 per module, plus delivery.

Subterranean solution

If you want bulk water storage without losing any of your outdoor living space, then a Toroid tank from Tankmasta may be the one for you. These high-tech tanks are installed underground but don’t need to be encased in concrete or supported by it, and require minimal excavation. Once installed the only evidence of your Toroid tank is the access port. The tanks are even structurally suitable for installation under driveways. Toroid tanks come in two sizes: the 3000L donut and 5000L bagel (pictured). You can also connect multiple tanks to increase capacity.

Use your head

Here is a simple approach to rainwater harvesting and storage. The 300L Aquarius Watermaster Header Tank is easily cut into your existing downpipes. With just a basic level of skill you can install it yourself. The system also lets you connect extra tanks to increase your storage capacity. The recess in the rear of the tank allows the unit to be simply positioned over the downpipe once a suitable length of pipe has been removed. The downpipe is diverted to run into the tank. When full, the overflow will run back into the stormwater pipe.

Spot the tank

The main concern of many homeowners, especially if they only have a small outdoor space, is the visual impact of a tank. The Water Wall from Tight Spot Tanks is a neat, elegant solution to that problem. The bladder-type tanks are concealed within a corrugated Colorbond shell. They are available in two depths, 220mm and 440mm, giving them a very small footprint. The tanks hold 220L per square metre and 440L per square metre respectively. Water Wall tanks
can be custom designed to fit your backyard or deck. You can have the corrugated shell constructed from any of the colours in the Colorbond range, so you’ll be sure it will blend harmoniously with your exterior decor.

Water wise

  • What can I do with my water? Common uses are watering the garden, washing the car and topping up the pool. You may also wish to connect your system to refill toilet cisterns and supply the washing machine, but this will require mains back-up. If you connect in this way you will need to get a plumber involved but you may also be entitled to government cash rebates. Regulations and rebates vary from region to region, so you should check with your local authorities before installing any tank.

  • So what preparation work is required? Water weighs 1kg a litre, so a full 5000L tank is going to weigh in at about five tonnes. Any support base for a tank will need to be suitably designed and constructed. A professional tank installer can assist you with this process.