Q.  What is AQUAPLATE® poly coated steel?  

AQUAPLATE® is a corrugated steel similar to Colorbond, and it has a polymer coating bonded to the inner surface. It is made by Bluescope Steel, and has been specificaly developed for manufacturing long lasting steel rainwater tanks. This product has a 20 year materials warranty and is approved for drinking water under Australian standards AS4020 and AS4070.

Q. What kind of base should I have for my tank?

An economical base for round tanks is a level bed of 7mm crushed bluestone to a depth of 100mm. Allow at least 100mm more then the diameter of the tank. Use something to retain the gravel. We recommend treated pine boxing that is staked in place and fastened. 

Because the base of an Aquaplate steel tank is poly coated, a concrete slab is also recommended, although it is a more expensive option. We recommend that the concrete base for a tank should be a screeded level slab of 25mpa and 100 thick with F62 reinforcing placed halfway through the mix.

For Slimline tanks with a width of 700mm or more, we recommend compacted and levelled FCR retained by boxing. Slimline tanks less than 700mm wide sould be placed onto a concrete base.  

Keep in mind that 1 x litre of water is 1 x kilo in weight, so it is important that the base is above all level with no protrusions, and completley supporting the entire base of the tank.