Late, because late, but we are finally learning to waste less and use raw materials more sparingly, in which their rising prices play a certain role. One of the expressions of this trend are rainwater tanks, which are becoming more and more popular.
The best rainwater tanks
There are two basic types of rainwater tanks - aboveground and underground. We will show diplomatic indecision, but we will not clearly indicate which of them are the best . We will present the features of both solutions, leaving the choice open to individual decision. Meanwhile, we present selected models of tanks of both types from the Graf company's assortment.
Above-ground rainwater tanks
An above-ground tank is certainly easier to implement. Just place it next to the house, run the gutter from the roof and there you go. It takes up space, but relatively little, and you can always access it - you can approach it, take water and water your favorite bush. Naturally, you can also equip it with a pump and water it with a garden hose . It can be moved if necessary, and the overflow system with a water collector equipped with a filter and the option of closing the valve makes overfilling and overflowing impossible.
A potential problem in the case of above-ground tanks is heating from the sun, which favors the development of bacterial flora and algae inside . The solution is enzyme and biological preparations from the Bio7 group, used to maintain water freshness. They are safe for pets.
Antique Amfora above-ground rainwater tank 250 l
Do you dream of a bit of Mediterranean climate in your garden? This 250-liter GRAF above-ground Antique Amfora dual-function tank is for you! It is just over a meter high and about 70 cm in diameter, and when empty it weighs only 15 kg, so it takes up little space, and when you need to move it, you can do it easily (although after emptying it). At the bottom there is a tap for filling the watering can , while in the upper part there is an integrated flowerpot, thanks to which the entire tank plays a decorative role on a daily basis without sacrificing its practical value.
Barrica above-ground rainwater tank 260 l
If not an antique amphora, then maybe a GRAF above-ground Barrica 260 l rainwater tank as a classic wooden barrel with rims? Here you go! With a height of 93 cm and a diameter of 65 cm at its widest point, it has a capacity of 260 liters, and when empty it weighs only 10 kg. There is also a 420-liter version, 12 cm higher and 13 cm wider, and 4 kg heavier. As befits a barrel, it is covered with a lid, but in a modern way equipped with a safety lock. Water can be drawn in through a tap or connection kit, or by taking it out after lifting the cover.
Linus above-ground rainwater tank 220 liters
120 cm "height", diameter from 40 to 58 cm, 8 kg of own weight and 220 l of capacity are the basic parameters of this dual-function above -ground rainwater tank GRAF Linus . It also serves as a flowerpot, so it is practical and aesthetic at the same time. As with other models, water is supplied via connection to the gutter, and water is drawn in via a tap at the bottom. Simple and functional!
Natura 2 in 1 above-ground rainwater tank, 350 l
GRAF Natura 2-in-1 above-ground rainwater tank, 350 l Natura is also a decorative flowerpot. Its aesthetic and modern style makes it timeless. It has a diameter from 50 cm at the base to 62 cm at the top, 150 cm in height and can discharge the collected water through a tap or a connection set. It is offered in four subdued, discreet colors : arctic, beach, sahara and ocean. This makes it easy to choose a variant that suits your own taste and the tone of the surroundings.
Stone 2 in 1 above-ground rainwater tank, 350 l
350-liter Stone 2-in-1 above-ground rainwater tank , as the name suggests, it looks like it is made of stone. Its dual function means that it is also a flower pot, which makes it a garden decoration. It has a diameter from 50 cm at the bottom to 62 at the top, a height of 150 cm and a net weight of only 15 kg. In tanks of this type, two brass threads are installed, and water is drawn through a tap or a connection set. Two color versions are available, both in shades of gray.
Check out our offer of above-ground rainwater tanks
Underground rainwater tanks
First of all, underground tanks have much larger capacities because underground you can afford to take up space without disfiguring the landscape. Maybe moles or earthworms would have a different opinion, but it's hard. Secondly, when overflowed, they disperse water in their surroundings, irrigating the soil "from the inside". Of course, you can also connect a pump with a hose to them for convenient watering, and the whole thing is an elegant solution, hidden from view. Defects? The need to dig an excavation and the impossibility of inspecting the tank, which over time will begin to accumulate impurities flowing from the roof with water. On the other hand, the water has a constant temperature, so it stays fresh longer. Something for something, you have to weigh the pros and cons.
There is one more challenge: selecting the optimal capacity of the underground tank . We don't want to run out of water halfway through watering the garden, but there is no point in keeping a strategic H 2 O store underground. So what is left? The appropriate parameters can be easily calculated using the calculator available on the Graf website.
Flat M 5000 l underground rainwater tank
Who said that excavation for an underground rainwater tank must be done by a professional company? Models from the Flat series, with capacities from 1,500 to 5,000 l, are designed for self-burying. This is all thanks to the fact that - despite their considerable capacity - they are flat, so shallow excavations are enough for them to be made manually, without the use of machines. The GRAF Flat M 5000 l rainwater tank set includes a rotatable superstructure with a child-proof lid.
Carat 2700 l underground rainwater tank, with MAX superstructure
Carat is a tank where collecting rainwater is just one of the possible applications - it is also suitable as a wastewater tank in a home sewage treatment plant system . The capacity is very specific - from 2,700 to 6,500 l (plus 8,500 and 10,000 l on request) - but it is not worth getting caught up in the numbers and buying the largest one right away. It is better to use the previously mentioned GRAF Carat 2700 l rainwater tank capacity calculator and choose a variant that actually suits your needs.
Cristall rainwater tank 1600 l with cover DN 600
GRAF Cristall rainwater tank 1600 l with cover DN 600 . As in the case of Carata, Cristall is also a tank that can also store wastewater, depending on the application. The offered capacities are 1,600 and 2,650 l, but there are also Duo, Trio and Quatro variants (sets of connected single tanks), capable of collecting 5,300, 7,950 and 10,600 l of rainwater, respectively. For the latter, you need to dig a hole so large that in clear weather it can be seen from Earth's orbit. This is of course not true, but without heavy machinery we advise you not to install such a tank .
Platin 1500 l underground flat rainwater tank, without superstructure and cover
Speech is silver, silence is gold, and this rainwater tank is Platinum. And although it holds from 1,500 to 7,500, 10 and 15 thousand. up to a maximum of 65 thousand l, this joke is so dry that no amount of rainwater will help. Like Carat and Cristall, this model can also be used to collect sewage .
For selected tank models, such as Carat or Cristall, a complete Garden Comfort package is available, which includes a submersible automatic pump (it turns on and off automatically when the valve or spout is opened and closed) and a draw-off point with quick connectors for garden hoses . The manufacturer recommends purchasing an external filter with an emergency overflow to drain excess water.
Progressing warming means that bans on watering gardens with mains water are becoming more and more common during the peak summer season. Over time, the rainwater tank will certainly become a regular feature of Polish backyards , preventing green lawns from turning into yellowed steppes. Well, that's our climate.