You can collect and store rainwater in a water container for later use in the garden or in the house. There are different variants, from the large IBC container to the practically collapsible water tank. We will tell you what to look out for when buying a water container.
Rainwater is practically easy to store in water containers
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THE BOX FACTORY IBC container 1000 liters NEW | on PE pallet | Filling opening: 225 mm | Sliding tap valve 50mm | IBC Tanks | water tank | rainwater tank
299.00 EUR To the product| Type | IBC container |
|---|---|
| material | HDPE, galvanized steel tube |
| capacity | 1000L |
| filling hole | Ø 225 mm |
| Weight | 59kg |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 1200x1000x1163mm |
The natural-colored IBC container from DIE BOX FABRIK is Made in Germany and is therefore of high quality. As a food-safe water reservoir, it can be used not only for service water, but also for drinking water. There is nothing to complain about in terms of quality, which is also confirmed by the reviewers on Amazon, who describe the water container as "really good". Due to the high capacity of 1000 liters and the robust workmanship, the model weighs around 59 kilograms.
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Rain barrel square rainwater tank Multitank 250 liters gray made of UV and weather-resistant material. Rain barrel or rainwater barrel with two different sides and high-quality connections
179.90 EUR To the product| Type | rainwater tank |
|---|---|
| material | PE |
| capacity | 250L |
| filling hole | n/a |
| Weight | 15kg |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 790x380x1005mm |
The rainwater tank from 3P Technik Filtersysteme has a capacity of 250 liters and has an attractive stone look on one side. Due to these features, it takes up comparatively little space in the garden and blends in perfectly with it, even though it is made of polyethylene. The advantages also include the low weight of only 15 kilograms and the simple installation on the rain gutter. The Amazon reviewers are mostly positive about this model. There is repeated talk of a “beautiful bin” that should be “top for the price”.
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ECD Germany rain barrel foldable 500 L with tap - Ø80 x 98 cm made of PVC black - rain water barrel water barrel rain water tank rain water barrel water tank rain tank rain barrel water storage tank cistern
102.99 EUR To the product| Type | rainwater tank |
|---|---|
| material | PVC |
| capacity | 500L |
| filling hole | Ø 75 mm |
| Weight | 4kg |
| Dimensions (ØxH) | 800x980mm |
The functional highlight of the rain barrel from ECD Germany is its practical foldability. This water container with a capacity of 500 liters can not only be stored in a space-saving manner, but is also easy to transport - the low weight of just four kilograms makes a significant contribution to this. In terms of quality and handling, the black rainwater tank seems to be convincing if you can trust the reviews on amazon.de.
Purchase Criteria
Type
IBC container: Intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs for short, are large cuboid tanks in which liquid or free-flowing substances can be stored and transported. Such an IBC container generally consists of a plastic tank and a simple lattice cage as a "frame". If you do not attach great importance to an attractive appearance, but want a high capacity and want to spend as little money as possible, you have made the right choice with this type of water container.
rain barrel: In addition to the purely functional IBC containers, classic rainwater tanks or rain barrels (€53.99) are also available, with designs ranging from simple to creative. For example, you can buy a plastic water butt in imitation wood or stone to match the natural ambience in the garden. Functionally designed models often seem like foreign bodies and disturb the ambience in the green oasis. They should only be used if they can be placed hidden.
material
Most water containers are made of sturdy plastic, more precisely polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or HDPE (high density polyethylene). In the case of IBC containers, a metal or steel grid is added. In addition, water storage tanks without a lattice structure but with a high capacity of over 500 liters are usually made of steel themselves, as otherwise they would not be able to carry the enormous load.
processing
Basically, the water tank should be very stable and of high quality. If you want to use the water stored in the tank for your plants, the washing machine or even for personal hygiene, you have to make sure that you buy a container that is absolutely non-toxic and food-safe.
capacity
Depending on how much rainwater you want to store, you need a water container with a greater or lesser capacity. With the large water tanks, the volume ranges from 200 to 1000 liters. In addition, however, smaller canisters are also available for mobile use.
filling hole
The filling opening is an important criterion when choosing a water container. The larger it is, the faster the water container fills with rainwater - however, leaves, branches, blossoms or insects can easily penetrate through a large opening and contaminate the water. Tip: An opening with a sieve closure prevents unwanted dirt particles from getting into the rainwater tank.
Assembly
IBC containers are usually delivered fully assembled and ready for use. To collect rainwater, all you need to do is place the IBC tank in a convenient spot in your garden and remove the filler cap. Classic rain barrels are usually connected to a rain gutter or the pre-filter attached to it. Such a coupling is of course also possible with an IBC water container using the right connecting elements. You often have to install the outlet tap yourself.
scope of delivery
With some water containers, a drain and a water tap are already included in the scope of delivery; other versions only have the drain tap for the garden hose quick coupling, while an outlet tap has to be ordered separately if required. It is also practical if a protective hood is included. However, this happens less often.
frequently asked Questions
What is a water container and what is it for?
A water container, also known as a water tank or rainwater tank, is a large container for storing water - usually rainwater. For this purpose, the rain barrel has an inlet or filling opening. In order to be able to remove the stored water without any problems, water containers are equipped with a drain and an outlet tap.
Which brands offer good water containers?
The best-known and most popular brands for IBC containers include Rekubik, DIE BOX FABRIK and Werit. Classic rainwater tanks of good quality are available from 3P Technik Filtersysteme, ECD Germany, Graf Garantia and Kreher, for example.
Where is the best place to buy a water container?
Inexpensive to high-priced water containers are available in large hardware stores and garden centers. You will also find what you are looking for online, for example at amazon.de. There you will benefit from a considerable selection - even in terms of size and capacity - as well as a generally pleasant shopping experience.
Are used water containers also available?
Yes, in some hardware stores and garden centers you can buy used water containers at lower prices or sometimes rent them out temporarily if you only need the rainwater tanks for a certain period of time. Be sure to check in advance whether it is worth paying the rental fees. It may be more profitable to buy.
How is a water container delivered?
This depends on the relevant conditions of the seller. Models that can be packaged, such as those that can be folded or smaller versions, come by post. Large water containers are usually delivered to you by a freight forwarder, but often only to the curb. The forwarding agent will contact you in advance to arrange a delivery date - often a time window of several hours.
equipment
outlet tap
If it is not already included in the scope of delivery of the water container, you should order an outlet tap. This makes it easier for you to drain the collected rainwater into the watering can or into another container. Be sure to buy a faucet whose connection harmonises with that of the water tank.
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Schlauchmeister24 outlet tap IBC 3/4" for IBC tank 600/1000L coarse thread S60x6 matt chrome-plated professional quality
10.54 EUR To the productProtective cover/tarpaulin
In order to protect the water container from the effects of the weather, whether in use or when not in use, we recommend covering the rain barrel with a durable protective cover or tarpaulin. Decide on a protective cover whose dimensions match the size of the rainwater tank and which can be attached as easily as possible.
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