Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Apr 13, 2011 1:07 pm Hi there, I haven't seen mention of it here, and there's only very scant info on the net but this is what I'm considering. I have 3 1000L plastic IBC tanks (secondhand clean tanks that were used for food grade materials). I'd like to interconnect the 3 tanks and use them in place of a commercial underground storm-water tank, then with an overflow to a normal concrete soak-well. The tanks come in a fairly lightweight cage, and I'd like to wrap each one in galv sheeting before burying them in sandy soil, approx 700mm below ground level. for extra strength I'll put some concrete across the tops, with mesh reinforcing. So my question is, has anyone else done this? Is there anything that I should be aware of? Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Avion Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 2Apr 13, 2011 1:39 pm sounds dangerous. How do you not know they will cave in at some point. What if some one drive over it with a vehicle or bob cat. I wouldn't do it. To go to all the trouble and risk for only 3K liters. Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 3Apr 19, 2011 10:38 am I don't see it as dangerous, but thanks for the comments. It's food for thought. To clarify, we are building on a very small block, with very little extra space for storage, so a 3 or 4 thousand litre tank would be the maximum that we would have space for ( above or below ground. The area where I would bury the ibc tanks is not trafficable, nor could it be accessed by a vehicle of any size once the fences and the walls of our (yet to be built) house go up. Although the tanks are plastic, they are contained in a metal cage, and if they were wrapped securely in galv sheeting, I don't see that there would be a risk of collapse. I guess I am looking for comments from anyone else who has a similar arrangement. Any tips? Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 4Apr 20, 2011 4:45 am A 3 meter long 1m diameter plastream (storage safe) pipe from Rocla will do that for you safely. http://www.rocla.com.au/Products.php?id=12 Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 6Apr 26, 2011 9:34 pm We use the IBC tanks underground as part of our aquaponics system - they aren't completely underground, need to get to the fish somehow! Anyway, we did a similar thing where it has the metal cage and to give it extra support in the ground, metal sheeting all around it. If you keep it in an area where there is little to no (vehicular) traffic but you can access it easily if you need to, then there should be no problems. It wouldn't be drinking water though? That would be my only concern but if you use it to flush toilets, or water plants, it should be ok (but you should double check that!). You may also want to put on some plans, where the tanks are located so that there are no surprises years later. Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 7Apr 26, 2011 9:44 pm Thanks GD. Yep, strictly for plant watering.... Or maybe growing marron underground. Agreed re marking it on a set of plans. Also the access is such that there is absolutely no way to get anything heavier than a dingo in to the yard. Have you had any issues with the walls bowing in under the weight of sand when the tanks are emptied? I'm assuming that you have the same WA sand as us. Thanks for the feedback! A. Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 8Apr 28, 2011 1:04 am Oh yummy! Make sure they get real big! But they do like their territory so you may find there are none left or they are at least missing a claw. It'll keep the water at a reasonably constant temp but I think they like to get out of the water occasionally. The tanks haven't been emptied since they've been put in so I can't say that they cave in or not. The metal grating and sheet should be keeping that issue at bay. Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 9May 06, 2011 9:24 pm Hi Avion, The steel cage of the IBC will rust very quickly, leaving the plastic tank only, which would be fine when they are full. When they are empty is when you will have an issue. They will collapse on themselves and give you all types of trouble. Best to spend the cash and go for a product that is designed for this purpose. Good thinking on the re purposing aspect though, I work in Moomba (oil fields) and we are using the IBC's (cut down) as enormous mice traps at the moment (mice plague). Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 11May 07, 2011 8:42 pm Hi Redman, Here's a link to some photo's of the device http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1929665797959.2111248.1131638950&l=8dcf2ce3a1 Re: Using IBC tanks for underground water storage 12May 08, 2011 5:10 am That is excellent. Forgive me but it makes me laugh seeing that. Lemmings on the march! I had mice in Sassafras and I used a bucket with 800ml water (deep enough to prevent feet touching the bottom) with a bottle waxed in peanut butter in the middle weighted down, a ruler cleverly balanced to tip the mouse in but not able to fall in itself. If the mouse got the end and was too light it could jump to the bottle and slip in. I caught dozens with it. Not the most humane because, well - they drown exhausted. But its a simple thing to do. That thing is a machine, If it had a motor.....I am impressed! That was always going to be a challenge and a test of patience. Full marks to your mate. Did you discuss the wet area near the trampoline? 16 17361 Hi JW I just read your post and I find this situation quite strange. When we build, we get a temp pole for construction which becomes the permanent pole for one of the… 1 3944 |