My wife asked for a rain barrel for her flowers. Our water bill has added up again and again, so I started checking craigslist for possiblities. As luck would have it, I found a polytank that was original used for similac baby food storage. That was great, since I didn't want to worry about chemicals in the tank killing the plants and garden. The seller offered to deliver for the $35 purchase price. Great deal!!
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The first thing I did was to go to the hardware store and get connections so I could hook up my downspouts. I found black plastic tubing that was cheap and useful.
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items from flowing into the containment tank. Especially for
'closed' head tanks with just holes cut into them.
One problem with rain water systems is mosquitoes getting into the
containment system and breeding in the water.
I would suggest putting the appropriate screens/netting in both the incoming and outgoing (overflow) pipes. This is to say screens/netting with holes small enough to keep mosquitoes (and other) bugs out.
It is entirely possible for bugs to fly down the gutters/pipes and into the
containment tank.
Personally, I use a pool filter net with a fine mesh.
But this may cause another problem. the screens/netting can get clogged
and may have to be cleaned.
A very simple type of this is as follows:
Get a piece each of two different diameter pipes, and some screen.
Cut one end off of the larger diameter pipe, at an angle.
Cover the angled end of the pipe with the screen.
Install the other end of this pipe straight downward into the top of the rain barrel.
Have the rain from the roof pass through the smaller diameter piece of pipe, and then fall straight downward, through the air, to land in the middle of the screen.
Most of the water will go through the screen, while the debris will get washed aside.
You can keep insects from entering through the overflow simply by putting a flap over it, so it will only be open when water is flowing out.
http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/bcd/pdf/3660.pdf
Nice setup!
Check craigslist as that seems to be a great resource.
thanks!
I have one of these tanks as yet not installed..you have motivated me.!
A couple of my ideas have been to add some cedar slats to the metal frame and make a trellis for either perennial vines or annuals, to make it more attractive and help keep the water cooler with the shade they would make; here in the south , the water will get so hot by late afternoon, I think it might be a might bit hot for sensitive , especially young garden plants. I am curious what some people who know more about algae than I think about that, and also curious if anyone has any coments o the bleach idea. I think it a good one, as it is my understanding the bleach will dissipate rathe quickly into the air, but does it leave harnful residuals?
Another thought, I am planning on building a 6"x6 timber frame that would allow me to set the cube up about 3-4 ft off the ground for better gravity flow, also would allow for one or two 50 gallon barrels for overflow, or even another cube, set lower,
oh yes, the trellis idea could be modified to a collection of containers for attaching to the sides and top to make a cube garden, grown from interesting and attractive containers.
Agaon great job, thanks for motivation. we all need to help build a better world or mitigate the harm our species does to it!
To add to this, for some that may not have lots of space, consider putting the large tank partially or totally underground. I am planning to set one down in the ground and put a shed over top of it. This enables me to keep a pump in the shed and not take up valuable space for the tank.
Our garden requires watering regularly, and in between rain days, it is great to supplement water needs with out spinning the water meter.
Just a reminder to check your local laws.
In some areas rain is considered "state owned" and some people have been prosecuted for collecting it. Collecting rainwater may also be contingent on your "water rights".
I think it is ridiculous, but check the rules to keep yourself out of trouble.
BUT....If you have a rebellious streak... just make sure you conceal it well.
:-%
PS. Love your name and avatar.. I miss the Stargate shows.
Then I got creative and hooked up a used ($10) swimming pool pump for some real pressure.
Then I hooked up a float valve to keep the tanks filled with at least 50 gallons (been a dry summer) and a timer for automatic watering ...
Can't help but feel like I've gotten myself a giant hydroponics setup at this point :-)
It's near CRUCIAL hence to have some system for total tank emptying & cleaning. Failure to address this WILL lead to outlet clogging & a possible health & safety issue- especially if the water is used in an emergency.
I've just in fact put in many hours at an Auckland home (where city water is often scare in summer & metering is used), working on restoring flow to a ~500 litre garden tank installed ~20 years ago. The owner reported it'd soon clogged up & had annoyingly NOT run at all for the last 15 years. Plumbing quotes at the $$$ level to "fix the problem" had been too costly, but my rural background and handyman skills eventually came up with a fix. Yes- thirsty work! Stan.