CHOICE OF A DECORATIVE RAIN TANKS

Choice of a decorative tank

In the case of small gardens or the desire to water only potted plants or flower beds, it is worth considering the purchase of an above-ground decorative tank. There are various colors, capacities and models of such solutions on the market. This allows it to be adapted to any garden arrangement. The tanks can imitate wood, stone or ceramics, making a very effective decoration. The capacity of decorative tanks usually ranges from 100 to 500 and even 1000 liters. However, it should be remembered that the larger the tank, the more space it takes, so before buying it, it is worth checking whether you have a large enough space for its arrangement.

Connecting the tank to the gutter

In order to collect water in our tank, it is necessary to connect it to the gutter, therefore, the first thing to do is to measure the size of the gutter we have and check whether it is a round or rectangular gutter. Most collectors are universal and fit several sizes of downpipes.

There are different types of pickers on the market. The first requires drilling a hole in the gutter and inserting a water-collecting rubber insert through the gutter. It is a simple, economical solution that does not require complicated assembly procedures. The second solution is to install the collector on the gutter by cutting out a fragment of it and inserting the collector in its place. Such solutions are usually more efficient and may have more functions. They are selected depending on the color of the gutter.

It is worth making sure that the gutter collector has a filter to prevent leaves or larger contaminants from getting into the gutter. Of course, there are also devices with more precise mesh filters to prevent the entry of even fine particles. Some collectors are also equipped with a valve that closes the overflow to the tank. It is a very practical solution, especially in winter.

From the collector, the water is directed to the tank through a flexible hose. This is called connection hose. Usually they are about 20-30 cm long, because it is best if the tank is placed as close to the gutter as possible. Usually, decorative tanks do not have drilled connection pipes, so as not to impose on users how the tank is to be set. Thanks to this, the connection can be covered with an appropriate setting. To drill holes for the hose are used jigsaws with a diameter such as the hose.

Water intake is through a tap or valve. In the case of small-capacity tanks, it is particularly important that the tank is raised, cause they usually have low water intake points, to the so-called the dead zone from which extraction is impossible, was as small as it could be. In such cases, the use of a stand will enable,  putting for example,a watering can. Make sure if the tap is already installed in the selected tank or if it is an additional element. A drain hose is using to empty the tank for winter, its outlet should be as low as possible in the rainwater tank. It is particularly useful in the case of larger capacity tanks, as they usually do not have stands, and the tap is mounted several cm above the ground, preventing the drain from the tank completely.

The assembly of the entire system is very simple and everyone can do it on their own, all you need is a few hours of free time. The installed system can always be expanded if the water demand is greater than initially assumed. Just drill two holes with a jigsaw and use the connection kit. This will allow for simultaneous filling of several tanks from one collector and increase the storage capacity of the water.

Operation of tanks

After selecting the desired tank and selecting additional elements for it, you should think about how to take care of the entire set so that it serves us as long as possible. It is worth remembering to empty the tank completely after the first frosts appear. Most tanks have removable hatches or inspection hatches, so it is worth looking inside to clean the inside of the tank. Depending on the model selected, it may be necessary to completely remove or only empty the filter cartridge. Selected in this way set will give our garden or balcony charm and make it more beautiful.