When it comes to the storage and transportation of water, two product options top the list. These are intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and water tanks. Both IBC totes and water tanks are popular choices that are used across various industries, by manufacturers, business professionals, farms, residential property owners, and more. Both have their unique benefits and best use-case applications, so let’s compare IBC totes and water tanks.
Capacity
IBC totes have a standardized capacity that ranges between 110 to 793 gallons. The poly caged IBC tote is the IBC type commonly used for water handling and is often available in 135, 275, and 330 gallons in new, rebottled, and reconditioned models.
Water tanks, on the other hand, can range in size from small 3.5-gallon jugs to large tanks capable of tens of thousands of gallons. Therefore, the water tank product category has a significantly larger range of choices in terms of capacity compared to IBC containers.
If you require a larger storage volume, such as for whole home supply, at-scale rainwater harvesting, livestock supply, or industrial processes, water tanks are often the best route. Alternatively, several IBC totes could be used together to provide a larger storage volume.
Water Capacity and Use Insight
To give some insight into the volume we’re discussing, for IBC totes, 275 gallons is approximately the same as filling 2,081 standard 500ml water bottles or nearly 3 standard bathtubs. This is a sizable amount of water and, when used conservatively, could support a small group of people for a respectable period, such as during an emergency. With this said, then a much larger container, such as a 20,000 gallon galvanized steel water tank would supply a substantial amount of water.
In an emergency situation, given the standard guideline of one gallon of water per person per day for both hydration and sanitation, a 275-gallon IBC tote or a water tank could theoretically sustain a family of four for almost 70 days (275 divided by 4). This is a substantial duration and could make a significant difference in a crisis scenario.
Material & Durability
IBC totes are made from robust and durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and steel. The poly caged IBC tote features an HDPE inner tank and a galvanized steel cage and support frame. These materials work together to provide long-term compatibility with water and resistance against rust, outdoor weather, and rough working conditions.
Water tanks are made from the same materials as IBC totes, such as HDPE plastic and stainless steel, but water tanks are also made from galvanized steel and fiberglass. All these material options are highly durable and well-suited for water storage. This means the best water tank choice will depend on the total amount of water needed as well as any specific requirements set by the application or installation location.
When considering and comparing material choices and total water volume, galvanized steel water tanks and fiberglass tanks provide the largest volume capacities among water tank products.
Portability
Portability in a water tank refers to the ability and ease of a container to be moved or carried. IBC totes are intentionally engineered to optimize portability. Due to their built-in pallet base and cubical shape, IBCs can be easily moved with a forklift or pallet jack, transported by vehicles, as well as stacked, stored, and organized. These features make IBC containers a leading choice for scenarios where frequent water transportation or container maneuvering is required.
In contrast, traditional water tanks, especially larger ones, can be challenging to move once installed and are not built for transport when filled with water. On the other hand, some water tank models are engineered for portability similar to IBC totes. Such water tank models include leg tanks, pickup truck bed tanks, low profile tanks, and utility tanks. These portable water tanks have design features that differ from traditional water tanks and have been built to provide portability.
If portability is critical for your application, IBC totes and portable water tanks both make a suitable choice.
Versatility & Applications
Water tanks and IBC containers are both recommended and commonly used in many industries and application scenarios, including home use. Examples include agriculture, rainwater harvesting, food and beverage production, industrial and manufacturing, construction and roadwork, landscaping and power washing, well water treatment and supply, fire protection and fire fighting, aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture.
Although we are discussing containers used in water storage, IBC totes can also be used for storing liquids, granulated substances, and more in larger quantities if the need arises or the application changes.
Specified water tanks, while they have the same versatility for different applications, are predominantly used for storing potable and non-potable water. A specified water tank product is often labeled as “Water Only” and can be determined by its specific gravity rating as it will have a 1.0 SG rating.
Note, however, that water tanks are available in a range of styles, from cylindrical vertical tanks to horizontal leg tanks and cone bottom tanks, from rectangular doorway tanks to box-shaped utility tanks. Many of the other water tank options have a specific gravity rating greater than 1.0, meaning they can also be used for alternative applications should the need arise, similar to IBC totes.
Reusability
When used for water applications, both IBC totes and water tanks have a high reusability value. Both IBC tote containers and water tanks can be easily cleaned and reused for as long as their durability and integrity hold up against handling or damage.
Longevity
Longevity is an attribute and consideration that is both relative and variable. The lifespan of an IBC tote or a water tank will depend on four primary points: manufacturing material, manufacturer quality, storage conditions, and work conditions.
- Manufacturing Material: All material options — poly, fiberglass, and steel — can provide a service life of decades and more. However, the expected service life versus the actual service life of a material will depend on quality and handling conditions.
- Manufacturer Quality: The quality of the manufacturer can affect how long a tote or water tank will last. A reputable manufacturer with high quality control standards, modern equipment, and techniques is more likely to produce higher quality products capable of providing a longer service life.
- Storage Conditions: The proper storage, or improper, conditions will affect a container’s lifespan. Storage conditions such as temperature and sunlight exposure can affect their durability, making it so adequate protection measures are necessary to maximize longevity. Even though most water containers built from HDPE poly are made with UV stabilizers to inhibit sunlight damage, minimizing sunlight exposure is of primary importance to the lifespan of a poly water tank or IBC.
- Work Conditions: Work conditions refer to how the IBC tote or water tank is regularly handled and the environment in which it is handled. Ensuring the container is not damaged by equipment, is properly secured, such as during transport, and that rough handling is limited will help to maintain its overall strength and integrity, and thereby prolong its service life.
Takeaway
Both IBC totes and water tanks provide a strong, adaptable solution for water storage and transportation where one can offer specific advantages over the other depending on your unique application. Both container options are reusable, easy to clean, and provide a respectable service life when the right product is selected and properly cared for. Whether you are looking for portability, capacity, or versatility, our extensive range of IBC totes and water tank products are sure to meet your needs — review our products today and find the perfect solution for your water storage and handling application.
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