What material should the tank be made from?
Rainwater tanks are manufactured in a number of different materials. Before purchasing a tank you should make sure that you have the right tank for the job.
Colorbond Steel
| These tanks come with corrosive resistant coatings to prevent rust. There should be at least two metres of plastic pipe between a steel tank and copper, brass or bronze fittings as they can cause corrosion. Alternative steel tanks to Colorbond include Galvanised and Zincalume which are both prone to rusting, or copper and stainless steel used in specific situations. |
 |
Fibreglass
Often more expensive, fibreglass tanks are durable and resist corrosion. Water that is subject to sunlight can allow algae to grow. Some forms of algae may be toxic for both humans and mets, so purchasing a tank which is manufactured with sufficient pigment to prevent light entering the tank is recommended.
Concrete
These tanks are strong and heavy which means they can be installed underground. New concrete tanks may need to be flushed clean because they can release excess lime leading to a high Ph in the water. Some concrete tanks require a lining to be installed.
Polyethylene
| Plastic tanks respond well to bumps and are non-corrosive. These are often the cheapest tanks. Their advantage is that they are lightweight, easy to transport and are available in a range of colours. |  |