Water Storage Tank - How Big?

[Jaime]

We have a 1000 litre tank which doesn't last too long when the water gets cut off. In anticipation of a drought this coming April, and following on the topic of the thread on water shortages, what size tanks do folks recommend or have at their properties?

[Super Joe]

We have a 1000 litre tank which doesn't last too long when the water gets cut off. In anticipation of a drought this coming April, and following on the topic of the thread on water shortages, what size tanks do folks recommend or have at their properties?

Hi Jaime,
We've got two 2,000 stainless tanks, started off with one originally but felt we needed to add one after about a year, not re: the shortages, but cos more people in the house at times. Personally I'd think about putting a 1,800-2,200 litre tank in series with your existing one, space permitting, then add same later when your 1,000 litre one's days are numbered. You might see out a 2-3 day 'cut-off' without noticing. You could adapt later for rain collection & usage.

Or if just the one, something like a 2,500 or 2,800 litre, they get much cheaper, the more expensive they are

Personally wouldn't get stainless one's again, but the 'sandstone' poly one's. Big Kiang's got different shapes per size, colour etc. About a year ago paid 8,000B for 1,800 ltr and 9,000B for 2,200 ltr. Different manufacturers though, that's why prices so close.


SJ

[hhfarang]

The builder that started our house put in 4000 liters per home standard and that seems to be about right for a small to medium home with 2 to 4 people. Since we had a larger garden I had a second 4000 liter tank installed and that has served us even in times when they were cutting off the water for the most part. We had to order trucks a few times during shortages but not often.

[PeteC]

This year it almost sounds like a good idea to get a free standing tank regardless if you have a hook up prepared or not. Just get it filled by truck or garden hose when your water is on and use it by the bucket full from the bottom tap for dishes, laundry, garden etc. You can always do a more formal hook up later on. Pete

[Nereus]

How many people living in the house, are they kids or adults, how big and what type of garden are a few things to consider. A swimming pool can be topped up separately when required.

As mentioned, do not even consider a "stainless" steel tank, they are just rubbish, more so if you have to start using groundwater. Where are you going to stand it? A 2000 litre tank of water weighs 2000 kg, plus the tank, and should be placed on a strong enough base to carry the weight.

An underground tank is a much better option, but will probably be a big problem to install after the house is built. I have said before, people spend around 800k Baht on a swimming pool, but do not consider a decent size water storage tank. A shortage of water around Hua Hin is not something new.

[buksida]

While we're talking about water tanks, is it ok to bury one? I don't like those big blue unsightly things above ground so we were thinking of getting one of the round ones and burying it. DO we need to reinforce the hole with concrete or can they just go in the ground?

[splitlid]

you can purchase 2 types of blue tanks, one for above and one for below ground.
the below ground type is stronger.
for the smaller water tanks (1000 ltrs) it is ok to just dig a hole and place some reinforced concrete at the bottom (100mm thickness is sufficient).
make sure that the tank acess panel is above finished ground level (this prevents surface water and rubbish entering the tank when it rains etc).
if it is a bigger tank i would do the same as above except build a wall around the tank before placing it in the hole,once the tank is placed in the hole, fill the tank and back fill the surrounding internal area with sand. and extenal area with soil.

[Nereus]

While we're talking about water tanks, is it ok to bury one? I don't like those big blue unsightly things above ground so we were thinking of getting one of the round ones and burying it. DO we need to reinforce the hole with concrete or can they just go in the ground?

Unless the the natural water table is very shallow, no problem, and this is unlikely around Hua Hin. Just make sure that there are no rocks or sharp bits of rubbish buried with it that could damage it. It also needs to be vented to atmosphere, and have access to the top to be able to open it to service / replace the float valve. It would not hurt to have a small concrete area around where the access cover is, but this could be also be below ground level with a removable slab in it. Then just sit a pot plant on top of it.

[fach3003]

Hi all

we learnt too late about tanks no one mentioned it
when we were renovating our house...
it has never been lived in
So now the drains have went in
the front and back have all been retiled
we are nearly ready to move in...
A neighbour mentioned it if i was pumping direct
from the main drain or using a tank...
Tank what tank ???
Now its either dig up the ground and sink a tank in
or a orrible blue tank in the front...as its all a rush now..

Getting a 600 litre one as a starter....if the water goes off
ill just smell for a few days

[PeteC]

The below ground blue also has about an 18" metal top over the access hole. Not too pretty but you can disguise it with a big flower pot with something growing in it. We've also planted some of those golden pothos vines around it and it's now completely hidden. Pete

[PeteC]

Hi all

we learnt too late about tanks no one mentioned it
when we were renovating our house...
it has never been lived in
So now the drains have went in
the front and back have all been retiled
we are nearly ready to move in...
A neighbour mentioned it if i was pumping direct
from the main drain or using a tank...
Tank what tank ???
Now its either dig up the ground and sink a tank in
or a orrible blue tank in the front...as its all a rush now..

Getting a 600 litre one as a starter....if the water goes off
ill just smell for a few days

Seriously Fach, don't waste your money on an above ground blue tank. The water will get algae in it and you'll be miserable and eventually throw it away. Look at below thread for better options for above ground tanks. Pete

http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... 20&t=14432

[fach3003]

HI there

cheers for that advice i have seen one of the sandy ones
in 700L on my travels...thanks pete

There area im putting it will be covered over would that
make a difference???

Think i just get a sandy looking one now mind...

regards.

[Super Joe]

HI there
cheers for that advice i have seen one of the sandy ones 700L on my travels...thanks pete

There area im putting it will be covered over would that make a difference???

regards.

Hi fach, the proper 'sandstone' effect, medium-density poly tanks like in Pete's pics is ok in direct sunlight as mentioned. We had to get a 700 litre one last year for a small space. It was 4,500 Baht in Big Kiang before asking for a discount, which won't be much. Think the skinniest one they had was 700mm or 750mm dia.

SJ

[JimmyGreaves]

These are excellent tank manufacturers.

http://www.dos.co.th/product/index.php?cat=2


Got a 2000 litre one for 10.5K last year and just bought a 3000 litre one, not from dos but P&B (sandy) for 9000K. The lady in Jontun on Petchakasem always does good prices. Near Bagueete I think it is.

[Jaime]

Thanks to all - great advice gratefully received. I like SJ's idea od getting an extra tank to run in tandem with the existing one and then eventually replacing the old one.

I've never noticed any algae in the blue tank we have mind - maybe because the water never stays in there long enough!