Custom Holding Tank

[rkmarcks]

I am having a custom holding tank made by a local tank builder. It will be about a 24 gal tank. The last decision I have to make is to use 3/8" or 1/2" walls. The tank will be built from polypropylene.

The 1/2" wall will reduce internal volume by about 1.2 gal and weigh about 10 lbs more than a 3/8" tank, thus weight and volume are not a big issue in the decision. I will need to properly support the tank whether its 3/8 or 1/2 thus the structural integrity, although somewhat of an issue, is not a huge issue. Thus I see odor permeability as the primary issue. The difference in cost is $140. Not alot of money, but enough to make the question worth asking.

Any thoughts about what wall thickness to use?

RKM

 

[Rich Stidger]

From what I've read and been told by tank builder Triple-M in Maine, anything 1/4" and up is fine.

I would go with the 3/8" walls unless the mounting would be superior with the 1/2". I don't think that permeability is an issue with either thickness or even 1/4".

Perhaps Peggie Hall will comment on this issue.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

3/8" is more than adequate

For a 24 gallon tank...for anything up to around 40 gallons, in fact.

However, before you pay a high price for a custom one off tank, you might want to check the Ronco Plastics catalog http://www.ronco-plastics.net They make TOP quality rotomolded tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non rectangular...and they install fittings in the sizes and location specified by the customer when they make the tank. The sbo.com online store here is a now a Ronco dealer and discounts Ronco's already reasonable price...so find a tank that fits the space, then call Dave to place the order.

 

[Johnb]

What about internal baffles?

Do either the custom or ready made come with internal baffles, 40 gal is a lot to have sloshing around.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Baffles aren't necessary

40 gallons really isn't that much weight shift...only the equivilant of two rather small people who decide to be on the same place in your boat at the same time.

 

[rkmarcks]

Sorry for not responding with a thank you much earlier. I did go with the 3/8" walls and will finish installing it today along with a Lavac Head.

Unfortunately, I had already committed to the custom tank. I did not know about Ronco but I did check out the Raritan semi-custom tanks. As many as they had, there wasn't one to fit efficiently in the space I had.

Thanks for the advice