Being an avid gardener, I have always wanted to get the best of the best tools for gardening. And for watering the lawn, we all know it is daunting to store water in a barrel or bucket.
A friend of mine suggested that I should get a plastic water tank. And I was amazed by the plenty of water this tank could hold with that rock-solid durability.
As a gardening enthusiast, I know that having the right tools is essential to success. That’s why I decided to review some of the best plastic garden water tanks, so you guys don’t have to suffer. In this article, you’ll find everything from how much water your garden needs to what types of containers work best for your particular situation.
Top picks: Best Plastic Water Tanks Available
Plastic water tanks come in different sizes; you can choose one that best suits your needs and budget. The following are a few of the best plastic water tanks available today.
1. 100 Gallon Emergency Water Storage Tank
So as I unpacked this 100-gallon emergency water storage tank, I came to know it was made from UV-stabilized plastic, and I am hoping it won’t degrade over time. It would still be there when you need it.
From the size, I was sure that It could store up to 100 gallons of water with its 30″D x 42″H dimensions. It also came with a lid size of 8″ and inlet and outlet sizes of 0.75″ and because of this reason, the water supply was quite convenient. Additionally, the tank out of the box was colored blue, most probably to match other emergency equipment.
What I liked here was that the material of this water tank reduced algae growth inside the tank, which made it ideal for storing water for drinking purposes. Also, I like how the whole construction was rock solid, which provided protection against leaks and breakage during transport or installation.
I also installed one in my yard for irrigation purposes. Still, I am pretty sure it is perfect for any purpose.
I noticed that this water tank had a class 300 pallet weight, which means that it’s not too heavy to move around on its own or with help from another person. At 45 pounds, this water tank was the perfect size for storing water in my garden. It literally didn’t take much space and was very convenient for me to move around in case of any emergency.
The only thing that bothered me here was how narrow this water tank was designed. Because of its narrow dimensions, I struggled to maintain and clean it. If you are looking for something more convenient and portable simultaneously, check out the Gallon Flat Bottom Utility Tank.
2. 5 Gallon Flat Bottom Utility Tank
For those just starting with gardening and who don’t want to purchase huge water tanks, go for the A-SP0005-RT five-gallon flat-bottom utility tank. This is a great choice for anyone looking to store water up to 5 gallons and wants a beginner-friendly pick to start with.
When it arrived, this flat bottom utility tank had a weight of around 5 lbs only with dimensions 10″L x 22″W x 8″H. There were no extra accessories in the box except its lid. At this affordable price tag, I wasn’t expecting something extraordinary.
I liked how this tank had an innovative design that combined metal fabrication and molding to create a durable and affordable product. The flat bottom allowed this tank to sit upright on its own. Thanks to its flat bottom, I had no worries about having enough space in the garden.
The plus point for me here was the indicators featured on this gallon. I often forget how much water I have to use because I am lazy at calculations. But with this water tank, I had such an amazing time. Also, it’s see-through, so I was able to see how much liquid was inside at any given time.
This water tank came with a 5″ lid out of the pack. For me filling or emptying the tank was a tad easy task. The special feature of this lid was that it featured an integrated vent that helped prevent spills during transport.
Lastly, as this product is made with FDA-compliant polyethylene resins, this means it is safe for use with food products and drinking water! You can choose from various colors or add additional fittings if needed.
Everything with this water tank was amazing, except that it had this flat bottom that couldn’t get rid of water completely. But I don’t think that is a huge issue at this moment. If you still want portability but in a different shape, then the 250 Gallon Underground Water Cistern Storage Tank would work for you better.
3. 250 Gallon Underground Water Cistern Storage Tank
This 250-gallon cistern water storage tank is a great fit to store rainwater or your garden’s excess runoff. At the time of arrival, this water tank weighed around 78.52 lbs with 47″D x 56″H dimensions and a 20″ Lid.
Out of the box, the tank didn’t come with any outlets. The tank was made of polyethylene and complied with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations 21 CFR 177.1520 (c) 3.1 and 3.2. Because of this reason, it was safe to use for food and drinks!
So, the manufacturers mentioned that this water storage tank was made of polyethylene. I tried having this buried in my garden soil to check whether any corrosion prevails. Since polyethylene is unaffected by soil chemicals, the tank did not rust or corrode even after months.
I would advise everyone who purchases this tank to ensure it is properly vented (at least an inch should be left between the lid and the top of the cistern).
As it doesn’t come with accessories, make sure you buy an appropriate outlet plumbing kit separately—they’re available in various sizes!
When you’re ready to install, just remember. This product is only rated for temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you live in a very hot climate, I recommend installing it in an underground location that stays cool all year long!
However, if you have this one installed underground, remember you have to take extra care in maintaining this one.
4. Fol-Da-Tank 25 Gallon Potable Pillow Tank
If you don’t want to spend much but still want to purchase the best plastic water tank for gardening, get the Fol-Da-Tank 25 Gallon Potable Pillow Tank. This portable, foldable water tank is perfect for fire fighting, construction sites, and anywhere you need to store and transport water. When I filled this one with water, it weighed only 10 lbs with 24″L x 36″W x 8″H dimensions.
I loved how this water tank was portable, much like a water pillow tank. And I am happy that the material can resist chemical contamination, mildew, rot, and solar heat. Here the credit goes to the fabric this plastic water tank is made of.
It was NSF/ANSI 61 standard. Additionally, it also came filled with polyurethane foam with a capacity of 25 gallons. The seams were RF welded, which is going to aid in extending its life in the longer run, and I am pretty sure I will use this one for years.
If you look online, you will find that the Fol-Da-Tank is available in eleven standard sizes. Regardless of the size you pick, they are all compact enough to store easily—folding down to 18”x18”x18” when empty. Plus, I loved how it can be easily filled and emptied in minutes by pump or gravity flow.
Because of the Large 4” fill opening, the filling process was very easy for me. The 1-1/2” ball valve included on tanks under 2,000 gallons also included female threads for your convenience—it’s attached directly to the tank, so you don’t have to worry about buying it separately!
You can rely on this portable pillow tank in all weather conditions. But one thing I was uncomfortable about here was the weird texture of this pillow tank. Like it would roll over on the uneven ground, it was a bit of a hectic process for me to manage.
5. 130 Gallon Bushman Polyethylene Slimline Rain Tank
Looking for the best plastic water tank that’s easy to install, simple to use, and super-high quality? You’ve found it.
The Bushman BSLT-130 Polyethylene Slimline Rain Tank is a 130-gallon tank with a lid size of 16″ Vented Manway. Its dimensions when unboxed were 49″L x 17″W x 50″H with a weight of 127 lbs.
Upon receiving inside the box, this tank came with an auxiliary port, two 1″ lower threaded outlets with plugs, two inlet filters, and an overflow assembly with mosquito mesh. Additionally, it also had this female threaded outlet fittings for the bottom outlet (one on each end).
I could easily access the tank and clean it without removing too much equipment (or risking getting wet). The lid also came with an inlet filter and cover, so I had easy access to clean water when needed.
The bottom outlet fitting had two 1″ female threaded outlets on either end—one for water drainage and one for accessory port installation. My lawn had a lot of mosquitoes in the evening, and I was worried about mosquitoes breeding in this water tank. Thankfully with the mosquito mesh, this tank covered the whole water tank and kept them out of the way.
Now comes some of the drawbacks of this water tank that I don’t think are of much concern, but for me, they mattered. So first of all the price was too much! I could have been much more capable of water storage at half price with the 250 Gallon Upright Doorway Water Tank.
6. 250 Gallon Upright Doorway Water Tank
Looking for a water storage tank that’s as sleek as it is practical without breaking your bank account? This 250-gallon upright doorway water tank is perfect for you with its 62″L x 29″W x 40″H dimensions.
Made with FDA-approved resin, it’s 100% potable and safe for drinking, so I was able to use it to store water or rainwater in my yard. Made with rotationally molded polyethylene, it weighed 98.34 lbs. This also made the tank strong enough to withstand pressure without cracking or leaking.
It had this specific gravity of 1.0—the same as water—so there were no worries about weight distribution. And since it had this seamless and durable construction, there were no worries about broken seams or cracks from mishandling or moving the tank on your lawn.
The tank was designed to fit through doorways easily (up to 36″) and came with a cap at the top that made it easy for me to fill this container. If you’re looking for an easy way to keep water in your garden without wasting too much space, this tank is the way to go!
One thing that made me say no to this water tank was how insatiable it was during heavy wind. This made me do additional construction and pay more cost.
How Did I Test These Products?
I am an avid gardener, and previously I have tried and tested a lot of tools in my garden to formulate some of the best results.
first, I started checking out each water tank’s accessories. Many of the water tanks came with a lid only, and I had to purchase additional accessories from a hardware store which had me paying additional costs.
However, some of the picks were just way too amazing! They included various inlets and lid outlets; some even had mosquito protection meshes. Oh, and also, some of the picks had these female threads that made handling those water tanks much more convenient for me.
So, I started by finding out each water tank’s material. Because I wasn’t sure whether I would be using these tanks only in my garden or for drinking purposes, I ensured that the material was FDA-approved and had no chemicals.
The next thing I checked was whether they were stable or not and were able to stand in my uneven garden or not. Because my garden has a lot of uneven spots, I was worried the water tank might be blown away by the wind. Some of them were able to pass the test, while others failed.
Apart from all of these, I also looked for capacity and portability. I never wanted anything too huge to handle or too light to not hold even a few gallons of water. So a mid-tier weighted water tank was ideal for me.
Another important factor to test for me was how each tank was filling water. I tried to see whether the filling process was as hectic as it seemed. I also checked if the tanks were easy to maintain and remove the water.
Lastly, I wanted something to survive in the scorching heat and coldest winters. So I made sure to have each of the water tanks remain in the sun for days and check whether they were affected by the heat or not. I also checked for corrosion and other damages because durability was as important as portability.
Buying guide: Ultimate Guide to Buy the Best Plastic Water Tank
Choosing the best plastic water tank is not an easy task. However, if you know what to look for, it won’t take too long.
Capacity
The first thing that you need to consider when choosing a plastic water storage tank is its capacity. This tells you how much water can be stored and is usually measured in gallons or litres. The size of your garden will determine how big of a tank you need. If you have a medium-sized lawn, a 1,000-gallon tank would be more than enough for your use.
Color
Another thing you should consider when choosing a plastic water storage tank is its color. It does not matter whether it is blue or white as long as it does not leak and holds up well over time. Make sure it blends well with your home’s exterior and garden so it doesn’t stand out too much.
Durability
Durability is the first thing to consider in your quest to find the best plastic water storage tank. The material and design of the tank will determine how long it lasts. The most durable tanks are made from polyethylene or polypropylene because they are resistant to corrosion and breakage. A good storage tank should withstand pressure of up to 15 pounds for several years without damage.
Number of Layers
Another factor that determines the durability of a plastic water storage tank is its number of layers. Tanks with three-layer walls are more durable than those with two-layer walls; however, this doesn’t mean that a two-layer walled tank cannot last you for several years. You can also choose tanks with extra thick wall thickness if you want them to last longer than usual.
Installation
Another thing you need to consider is the location of the installation. This will determine the size of the tank, and also its capacity. If your property is in an area with insufficient space for installing a large tank, you need to go for a smaller one. However, suppose there is enough space available on your property, then it is better to go for a large capacity tank so that you can store more water during emergencies and save money as well.
Warranty Period
Another important factor that needs consideration is the warranty period. It means how long does the manufacturer give a warranty on their products? The longer the warranty period offered, the better it would be for customers as they can get a free replacement if the product fails within a specified period after purchase.
Price
Water tanks can be expensive if you buy them from a plumbing store. However, if you look around for deals or order them online, you can save quite a bit on your purchase.
Why do gardens need a water tank?
Gardeners need a water tank because it saves money and resources. A water tank is a large reservoir that collects rainwater from your roof, which can be used to irrigate your garden. This is especially useful if you don’t have access to city water or live in an area without a reliable supply of rainfall. Here are the reasons why gardens need a water tank:
Water tanks save money and resources
Gardens need a water tank because it saves money and resources. Instead of purchasing expensive water from the city or other sources, you can collect rainwater in your backyard and use it to irrigate your plants and trees.
Water tanks reduce waste
A garden water tank reduces waste by recycling rainwater that would otherwise flow down drains into sewage systems that treat wastewater before releasing it back into rivers and lakes, where it can contaminate drinking supplies. Gardeners can reduce pollution caused by runoff into local waterways by using rainwater instead of tap water for irrigation.
6 Reasons You Should Consider Buying Plastic Water Tanks
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to store water, plastic tanks are an ideal option. These tanks are made from a tough plastic material that is resistant to corrosion, which means that they are long-lasting and durable. However, before you buy a plastic water tank, there are some things that you should consider. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying plastic water tanks:
1. Durability
Plastic water tanks have been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and are built for daily use. They can be used indoors or outdoors without any problems. This means that you will not have to worry about replacing them anytime soon if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or if you use your tank frequently.
2. Affordability
Plastic water tanks do not cost much compared to other storage systems such as metal or concrete ones. If you want to save money on your purchase, then this is something that you should consider looking into before deciding on what type of tank to buy for your home or business.
3. Plastic Water Tanks Are Lightweight
One of the biggest advantages of plastic over steel is that it is lightweight. This makes it easier for you to install your plastic tank and move it around if necessary. Its lightweight factor also makes it easier to transport the tank if you need to move it from one place to another.
4. Easy To Clean
Another important reason you should buy plastic water tanks is that they are very easy to clean compared to other types of tanks available today. You don’t have to hire professional cleaners or help from anyone else as these tanks can be cleaned easily with just one swipe of your hand or a soft cloth. This makes them more convenient than other types of tanks, which require special care and maintenance before cleaning them properly.
5. Ease of installation
You can purchase a plastic water tank that is already assembled or one that is made up of separate parts that you have to assemble yourself. Either type will be easy to install when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. You may need a friend to help you lift the tank onto its stand, but the rest is easy once it’s up there.
6. Safe plastic for drinking water
The most important thing about a plastic water tank is that it must be BPA-free and lead-free so that it doesn’t leach chemicals into your drinking water as it ages. A good quality polyethylene or polypropylene has been tested for these chemicals and found not to contain them in any concentration high enough to harm humans or animals who drink from them.
Conclusion
Gardeners, landscapers, and farmers always look for good ways to save money. You can use one of the above Garden water tanks for all sorts of things, like water storage on your lawn. If you have a small farm or large garden, I suggest buying one or more of the 5-gallon tanks featured above; you’ll be saving money & time when using them. Not able to decide which plastic water tank for gardening to buy? Have a look at some of my personal favorites:
Best Pick: 100 Gallon Emergency Water Storage Tank
Best Budget Pick: Fol-Da-Tank 25 Gallon Potable Pillow Tank
Beginner Friendly Pick: 5 Gallon Flat Bottom Utility TankIf you want to explore other options for watering your garden, then here are the best watering wands, soaker hoses, and reels to help you with that.
When she is not busy writing or working on her latest gardening project, Duaa can be found watering her houseplants, experimenting with DIY balcony and urban gardening creations, or cookingin the kitchen with ingredients she has grown in her own garden.
With her passion for nature and her wealth of knowledge and experience, Duaa is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with the world of gardening.
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