Water Storage Tank

Marco S · Oct 21, 2018

So, I am almost ready to order my tank so I figured I would get the rock and water storage out of the way this week. Looking at storage tanks I narrowed it down to the following two tanks:

Norwestco 65 Gallon Vertical Tank:

Or Norwestco 65 Gallon Horizontal Tank:

I have found both these tanks locally at a Tractor Supply store, but after talking to the sales person there they say that this tank is for transport only and not for storage. They claim that the white tanks will grow algae and I need to purchase a dark green, blue or preferably black tank for storage. That's all fine, but they do not carry those colors so I would have to purchase it online and the shipping alone on every site I have found is well over the price of the tank.

My question to you is, Do any of you have white storage tanks? And if so, do they grow algae and do you need to clean them often? Should I just bite the bullet and order one online? Finally, does anyone know of a site that has free shipping or at least shipping lower than the price of the tank?

Thank you in advance,
Marco S

wesman42 · Oct 21, 2018

Marco S said:
So, I am almost ready to order my tank so I figured I would get the rock and water storage out of the way this week. Looking at storage tanks I narrowed it down to the following two tanks:

Norwestco 65 Gallon Vertical Tank:

Or Norwestco 65 Gallon Horizontal Tank:

I have found both these tanks locally at a Tractor Supply store, but after talking to the sales person there they say that this tank is for transport only and not for storage. They claim that the white tanks will grow algae and I need to purchase a dark green, blue or preferably black tank for storage. That's all fine, but they do not carry those colors so I would have to purchase it online and the shipping alone on every site I have found is well over the price of the tank.

My question to you is, Do any of you have white storage tanks? And if so, do they grow algae and do you need to clean them often? Should I just bite the bullet and order one online? Finally, does anyone know of a site that has free shipping or at least shipping lower than the price of the tank?

Thank you in advance,
Marco S

I have seen a TON of people using these tanks. My LFS even uses large versions for premixed water.

I do believe the sales person may have been talking about algae in the context that if the tanks are exposed to CONTINUOUS light (the sun, or being outside and holding water) then it would grow algae.

So, that being said I do believe these are an excellent choice unless you decide to blast them with radeons.

cromag27 · Oct 21, 2018

those work great. might grow algae if left in the sun.

Ron Reefman · Oct 21, 2018

I have a 45g version of the upright tank for about 10 years now and I've never experienced any algae growth at all. Now my tank is in the garage which is dark most of the time. If you set this tank up outside, I'd wager that algae is a good possibility. I can also attest to the fact that I've stored zero TDS water in this tank for several months (when I was between tanks) and it was still zero TDS when I used it. I also set mine up on a 2x4 platform so I can drain the water into a 7g bucket even when the water level in the tank is very near the bottom. I also try to use all the RO/DI water in the tank before I start to make more, but then I have a 1000 GPD RO/DI system from Cirqua.

Reefpuck · Oct 21, 2018

For what you're gonna use it for... you don't have to worry about algae buildup.

dbl · Oct 21, 2018

Agreed with others. There are tons of us using the white tanks without issue. Buy them local and save the shipping!

vetteguy53081 · Oct 21, 2018

I had poly tanks in the past and they are pricey but worth it and maintain decent temperature hold but best is no condensation and holds up well with salt if added

TroyClark · Oct 21, 2018

Are you using it for water storage for future water changes? If so, I used to have a 300 gallon version of that tank. I had a heater in it and wrapped it in reflectix insulation and set it on styrofoam to help it keep it from losing heat. Also helps light from hitting the tank.

Marco S · Oct 21, 2018

TroyClark said:
Are you using it for water storage for future water changes? If so, I used to have a 300 gallon version of that tank. I had a heater in it and wrapped it in reflectix insulation and set it on styrofoam to help it keep it from losing heat. Also helps light from hitting the tank.

Yes, I plan on using it to store RO/DI water for water changes and ATO tank refills. I have a 50 gallon black tub that I bought to cure my rock and I plan on using that for mixing salt water a day or so before the water change and will have a heater and power head in that container.

Eventually, when I clear out some room in the garage, I plan on having two of the 65 gallon tanks to store fresh water in one and saltwater in the other, but for now I have to have them in the house and decided to just have the freshwater storage and mix saltwater the day before I need it.