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Tuff Tanks FAQ's

Tuff Tank User Guide

1. What types of materials are tanks made from?

Most "plastic" tanks are manufactured of High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or Polypropylene. (PP). Our tanks, from 55-1000 gallons / 208 – 3800 Litres are manufactured of LLDPE; larger tanks are manufactured of HDPE. Polyethylene is the most inert of polymers, thus, it is the most commonly used material for storing chemicals.

2. What does FDA mean?

The FDA is the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. This agency is responsible for ensuring that products or packaging that are used to store products for human consumption is SAFE. All our material is FDA approved. PLEASE NOTE that FDA materials are more expensive than non- FDA material.

3.What is Health Gard ® ?

Health Gard ® is our registered trademark used to promote the fact that our tanks are manufactured using a two-part process. Our tanks are manufactured using an outer skin of black-pigmented polyethylene, while the inside of our tanks are lined with a natural (virgin) lining.

The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) requires that water storage tanks meet this requirement. Many other manufacturers do not do this as the natural (FDA approved) material is 100% pure, it in no way contains any recycled materials, this manufacturing method costs more than using a single skin process, however, we go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are safe.

4. Why is a tank black?

Tanks are manufactured using black-pigmented polyethylene to keep out and protect the product from harmful UV rays. If a tank were manufactured in natural material, within a few years small cracks would begin to appear on the outside of the tank, carbon black is the best inhibitor of UV damage.

5. Do we make coloured tanks? Is it more expensive?

Yes we do make coloured tanks; tanks are available in white, moss green and blue. Yes they cost a premium of 15 %, however, these tanks are made to order and will usually take 5 working days.

6. Do we make heavy duty tanks?

Yes we can make heavy-duty tanks. Tanks are available in medium duty (50%) more material, and heavy duty (100%) more material.

7. Can we manufacture custom tanks?

Yes we can, either by the production of a new mould or using the plastic welding process.

8. Why are our tanks cylindrical?

Cylindrical tanks are stronger by design than a square or flat-faced design. The strongest shapes are spheres (like our 500 septic), if we had to manufacture a 400-gallon square tank, we would require 3-4 times the weight of material to stop it from bulging.

9. What size fittings do we carry? Are there different types of fittings? Can our fittings work with most chemicals? Or do we need special fittings?

We carry a range of fittings from 3/4 inch right up to 4-inch fittings, regular & heavy-duty fittings.

10. What other accessories do we offer?

We offer water level gauges, both mechanical (external clear hose) and a new type that is in testing, an electronic model. We also offer various types of closures such as injection moulded screw type closures with and without vents in sizes ranging from 8 inches to 24 inches.

11. How long does a water tank last?

Our standard black water tanks have been known to last more than 20 years! However, this really depends on where the tank is located in relation to direct sunlight, tanks that are not fully exposed to Ultra violet light will out last tanks that are in direct sunlight.

12. What is the warranty on our tanks?

Our Water tanks carry a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee. This means that we will repair or replace tanks that are defective through the fault of the MANUFACTURER ONLY. Our guarantee does not cover defects or damage that occurs beyond our control such as, tanks that are badly installed and/or are used for applications that they were not designed for (transport of water, burial, chemical storage etc).
Tuff Tank User Guide

13. Can we recycle our water tanks?

Yes we can and do. There is a limitation on the age of material that we can recycle, if a tank has been exposed to direct sunlight for more than 10 years (approximately), the material would have been severely damaged and weakened by the UV light. A manual inspection is usually required to determine if it can be recycled.

All are recycled materials is used for non-food applications, products such as septic tanks, garbage bins etc can used recycled resin. We offer a service of retrieving "discarded" tanks; we have a social and environmental responsibility for the products we manufacture. We will pick up a tank any where on the island!

14. How do you install a water tank?

Tanks can be installed using a gravity flow or a pressure system that utilizes a water pump.

Gravity systems are usually those water tanks that you see on an elevated tank stand or above the rooftops of houses. This system is cheaper to install than a pressure system, as no pump is required. However, the flow pressure is usually a lot less than a pressurized system. Along with less pressure, adequate water pressure from the mains is required to lift the water to the height of the elevated stand. For gravity to work, the tank must be situated above the highest outlet in the building i.e.: shower heads, faucets etc.

For pressurized systems (those that utilize a pump), it is important that the proper SIZE and TYPE of pump be used. Factors that need to be considered are:

  • What height does the water have to be pumped to? I.E. is it a single or two/three story building? This is known as the head.
  • How much water pressure is required?
  • How many outlets are to be serviced by the pump?
  • What volume of water is to be moved? (Gallons per minute)

Tuff Tank User Guide

15. What type of surface is required for placement of vertical water tanks?

Inspect the surface to ensure a smooth, level area that will supply full bottom support. A properly constructed concrete pad that is capable of supporting the contents of the tank is the best support.

16. Do water tanks explode?

Yes absolutely! And when they do run….

No they cannot explode any more than you will explode. The explosions that people hear in 100 % of the cases are caused by an IMPROPER installation! The loud explosion is usually the tank falling; remember a tank of 400 gallons weighs 4000 lbs, a lot of weight and water that comes crashing down.

In nine out of ten cases the tank is installed at an angle (there is a slight tilt to the installation) this causes a build up of stress on one side of the tank and it eventually buckles over and… a loud explosion.

Another common mistake is the placement of a tank on an uneven or not fully supporting base, such as bricks, or steel bars with wide spaces. The weight of the tank is eventually going to case a rupture and once again, the tank falls over and " explodes".

17. Can our tanks be pressurized?

No, our tanks cannot be pressurized.

18. Can our regular water tanks be buried?

Regular above ground tanks cannot be buried. If they are the weight of the earth will make the walls collapse. We design and sell specialty tanks that are designed for burial.

19. What are the fittings i would require for a typical pressurized system?

a. Water pump with a smart head or pressure tank.
b. Optional water filter
c. Stem and valve with float
d. If using a pressure tank a float switch is required
e. Miscellaneous PVC fittings such as unions, ball valves and a length of 3/4 PVC pipe.


Tuff Tank User Guide


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