Why Your Poly Tank Colour Is More Important Than You Might Think

So, you’ve decided to buy a water storage tank. Once you have chosen your tank size, type and location on your property, it’s time to choose the tank colour. It turns out, there is so much more to poly tank colours than just the aesthetics; although these are important. 

In fact, there’s plenty of science involved in poly tank colours. Tank owners can leverage this science to their advantage when it comes to their water storage. 

We want to help you make an informed, well-rounded decision when choosing your poly tank colour. So, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of considerations to help you choose the best poly tank colour for your property. We’ve broken it down – first diving into how poly tank colours work, then functional considerations and lastly the aesthetic considerations of poly tank colours. 

Read on if you want to make an informed decision when choosing your poly tank colour. 

How Do Poly Tank Colours Work?

Let’s first dive into how poly tank colours are made. 

What Poly Tank Colours Are Made Of

The colours that are used in poly water tanks come from either one pigment or a mixture of pigments. There are two main sources of colour pigments: chemicals created in a lab, or mined minerals. Each production method yields different pigments. The pigment can then be combined with uncoloured polyethylene which is then eventually utilised in rotational moulding.  

How The Colours Are Added 

The polyethylene, colours and additives are initially processed through an extruder. This creates a masterbatch or encapsulated colour. This colour is then added to a carrier resin. 

To create a colour compound, the masterbatch is again combined with the natural coloured polyethylene in an extruder. After, the mix is processed through a mill. This results in a coloured polyethylene powder, which is utilised in the roto-moulding process. 

When adding colours to polyethylene, they must be durable enough so they will not fade when exposed to the high temperatures that occur during the roto-moulding process.

The colours must adhere to the following requirements:  

  • Maintain colour at high roto-moulding temperatures.
  • Resistant to fade in harsh outdoor environments.
  • Must not bleed out onto the mould.
  • Food and water grade plastic where necessary. 
  • Contain no heavy metals.
  • Economical price.
  • Sustainable impact on the environment.

What Poly Tank Colours Are Available

Tanks made from polyethylene generally accommodate the widest range of colours. At Global Rotomoulding, we offer tanks in plenty of colours across the COLORBOND colour range. 

Regulations

Many paints may contain solvents and other materials that could leak into the water supply. Therefore colours used in tanks need to comply with government standards for the safe storage of water.  

Functional Considerations

Now we’ll dive into why you should care about your poly tank colour from a practical perspective.  

Algae Contamination

Algae thrive in sunlight. If a tank was painted with an inadequate amount of pigments, this can let in enough sunlight that facilitates algae growth. This can have troubling health concerns. Some forms of algae, like the toxic blue-green algae, are highly dangerous to humans and animals. 

This does not mean that light coloured tanks are a breeding ground for algae. When they are manufactured with an adequate wall thickness by an established manufacturer, algae is effectively prevented.   

It is important to note that algae could be present in a tank with adequate wall thickness if the water is sourced from areas already contaminated with algae. Or, it may occur if the lid of the tank has been left open, letting sunlight in. 

Water Temperature

The colour of the tank can affect the temperature of the stored water too. Pigments will absorb light from the sun and convert the energy into heat. Darker colours will lead to a hotter tank as the day progresses. The tank will also climb to higher temperatures when it is empty.  

Carbon black, which is a pigment used for black or grey tanks, will reach the highest temperature among all of the tank colours (unsurprisingly), reaching up to 63 degrees celsius. 

Other darker colours like phthalocyanine blue and phthalocyanine green can reach between 60-62 degrees celsius. 

Hence, a lighter water tank will store water at cooler temperatures. Generally, this is better for tank owners – especially those caring for livestock. Livestock are more likely to drink cooler water. When our livestock drinks more, they will consume more food, hence increasing their productivity.   

Cooler water may also be necessary across other industries, such as industrial sectors. Here, cooler water is especially pertinent for concrete mixing. It is also required when washing and processing food products. 

UV Protection

UV protection may be a requirement for some tank owners. A process known as photo-oxidation is the primary cause for faded water tanks. Therefore, opting for UV stabilised water tanks that utilise high quality, durable poly resins will help to prevent any damage caused by UV light. 

Choosing an established manufacturer that sells UV stabilised poly tanks is critical to ensure protection from sun exposure.   

Aesthetic Considerations

Once you have considered the functional requirements of your tank, it’s time to consider your aesthetic preferences.

Make It All Flow

If you don’t want your tank to stick out like a sore thumb, opt for a colour that will blend seamlessly with the environment it is placed in. For example, when placing a tank outside a neutral cream or beige coloured home, why not try Classic Cream or Paperbark for the rainwater tank? 

Make A Statement

Perhaps you want to make a statement with your colour choice? You could opt for complementary colours for your house and tank. Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. When together, they pop in a fun and bright way. Common combinations are red and green or orange and blue. We particularly love Mountain Blue, which compliments earthy reds and oranges.  

Pick Up On Accents

If you have accent colours on the eaves, doors or window sills of your home, perhaps choose the same colour for your tank. This gives a seamless finish, without looking too uniform. Rivergum is a common accent without being too bright.

An Aerial View

Alternatively, you may choose to match your tank to your roof. An exact match is easy with Global Tanks COLORBOND colour matched tank colours. 

This makes for a stunning aerial view for those living on a farm where helicopters and planes tend to pass. A common colour choice is coupling a Heritage Red COLORBOND roof with the matching tank.  

When it comes to choosing your poly tank colour, there are perhaps more considerations to make than you’d initially think. This can be overwhelming. But, as long as you’re addressing the functional and aesthetic requirements for your poly tank, you can rest assured you have made the right decision. At Global Tanks, we stock tanks for a diverse range of applications, including Domestic tanks (Slimline, Underground tanks), Rural tanks and tanks for commercial systems (fire services, chemical storage). Our tanks come in up to 30 beautiful, rich colours. Find out more about our range of tanks here, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions. 

Aussie Country Town Tour – A Country Man’s Guide Through Mildura

G’day everyone, Uncle Garry from Global Rotomoulding here. Welcome to my first post of Gazz’s Aussie Country Town Tour, where I’ll take you through some of my favourite rural towns and show you the best things to do there. 

This week I was sitting on my porch, looking out onto the pink skies at sunset. My mind started to wander, and I recalled a trip I took to the beautiful Mildura pink salt lakes some time ago (back when it was still pink). 

It’s hard to forget the red earth and mighty river of Mildura. This Victorian town revolves around the Murray River. There are always people fishing, boating and skiing on the water. 

Bursting with history and fresh agricultural produce, this vibrant town is a refreshing oasis surrounded by desert landscapes. There’s so much to see and do. Mildura is famous for its oranges, grapes and wines. It’s a perfect spot to stop for some fresh citrus-based foods and sip on fruity beverages.

It’s honestly one of the most colourful natural landscapes in the country and a fantastic holiday destination. So if you’re stopping for a day or a week, make sure you check out some of these fantastic places. 

Much To Do On The Murray River

Mildura is positioned beside Australia’s longest river. The Murray River is a huge attraction all-year-round. You can partake in or spectate things like the 100 Ski Race, the Malibu & Axis Boats Wakeboard State of Origins, or the Mildura 24-hour Mega Swim.

If you want a truly unique rural town visit, I recommend hiring a houseboat and spending a week cruising the river. It’s a great way to wind down and live in a way that few other towns can offer. 

If a day trip is more your style hop onboard one of three vintage paddle steamers and cruise your way on one of the available tours.

Places To Eat In Mildura 

Food makes the world go round, and Mildura knows how to cook up a good feed. Here is my go-to food tour. 

Breakfast 

If you want a simple, but trendy breakfast and some of the best coffee in the town, you’ve gotta stop by Nash Lane. They make mouth-watering breakfast and the staff are as polite as can be. Uncle Gaz’s fave is their Eggs Benedict. 

Lunch

Stop by The Wooden Door for lunch and enjoy some hearty Australian classics. They put a mean spin on the classic chicken parmy. 

The Brass Monkey makes a great feed too. It’s funky and brings street-food inspired dishes and city laneway culture to the rural town. 

Dinner 

I had a few great dinners on my Mildura trip, but when I stopped by Stefano’s I forgot about every other meal I had. Head Chef Stefano de Pieri’s food resembles art. Stefano uses fresh, in-season ingredients to prepare his simple but flavoursome dishes. Trust me on this one – wow. 

Farm Fresh Produce (And Wines) 

Mildura is famous for oranges! Even if you’ve never heard of the town before, you would have heard the name because of the Mildura Fruit Company, Australia’s largest fresh citrus exporter. It’s like Bundaberg and the rum! Swing by Orange World  and take a tour of 20-hectares of citrus farm. It will be the freshest orange you’ve ever bitten into.

Visit the region on the first or third Sunday of the month and access all the fresh produce the region has to offer in one easy spot. The Sunraysia Farmers Market brings rows and rows of stalls run by local farmers and producers. Set up along the main street, you’ll find everything you need here from fresh meat to pistachios, fruits, asparagus, Murray River salt and more.

If you love wine, the Mildura region is ripe (pun intended) with grape vineyards and local wineries. My recommendations are the Trentham Estate if you don’t mind a drive to the Trentham Hills. Alternatively, the Sunraysia Cellar Door is easily accessible along the main street of Mildura. Here, you can sample wines from dozens of local producers that operate along the Murray River.

Rich History 

Rev heads, you have to check out the Mildura Holden Museum. A collection of 28-35 Holden vehicles which date from the first model made to the recent additions. The whole museum is the effort of Mr Ron Morello’s passion for the car brand. It’s a pit stop I’ve made several times to ogle at the original 1948 FX Holden sedan.

If you love the Holden Museum, you’ll be interested to see the massive prime mover, Big Lizzie, which paved the way for settlement in the Red Cliffs. She now proudly stands in Barclay Square Red Cliffs. You can find history at every turn in Mildura; you just need to look. 

Explore The Most Colourful Desert Landscapes

The Victorian town is an explorer’s dream. To the south-west is the famous Pink Lakes in the Murray Sunset National Parks. The unusual coloured water source has a pink hue. While it has lost most of its vibrancy in the past decade, it’s still a massively popular stop. 

Mildura is surrounded by vast deserts and rockscapes. Just 30 minutes drive from the town will take you to the Perry Sand Hills where you can admire the looming dunes and maybe spot an emu or two. On the edge of town is the Australian Inland Botanic Garden which is a pleasant splash of colour and greenery. Just 16km south is the Red Cliffs, a town named fittingly after the mighty red rocks surrounding it. 

Alright, that’s it for Mildura, and I’ve only just scratched the surface. I’d love to hear about your favourite parts of Mildura, so be sure to leave a comment on our Facebook. Working for Global Rotomoulding has allowed me to travel across the country. I’ve made plenty of stops in plenty of towns. Where should I write about next?

Have Peace of Mind with Our Quality Management System

When you buy a water tank you want to be sure that it is the best quality possible. That’s why at Global Rotomoulding we’ve implemented an in-depth testing and management system which has given our thousands of customers peace of mind. 

We promise the best quality service in the market for Water Tanks and all other rotomoulded products – from manufacturing to delivery. When you buy with us, you subscribe to durable poly products plus superb communication and delivery.

Our Process 

Your water tank and your specification are linked with your sales order, manufacturing, and the delivery of your tank. 

We use a unique serial number for every tank we create, so if you have any inquiries or issues down the line, we can find the exact information about your water tank. This enables us to perform custom quality checks on all our products. 

To ensure the highest quality product possible, all our production and quality control is paperless within a web app. Don’t worry about storing receipts because we will keep reference of your purchase in our files permanently.  

Global believes in honouring quality control at every step in the process:

  1. Clients are asked the correct questions to make sure they get the exact item they need. 
  2. High-quality components and plastic that meet strict batch checks by our suppliers are sourced. 
  3. Moulds are quality checked before the product is loaded. 
  4. The Global team performs several checks to ensure all components, plastics and special instructions are followed before loading it. 
  5. Unloaded products go through a first-pass QA check to ensure they meet the quality standard. 
  6. Once a product is finished we complete a custom QA check. This check is Global’s custom list that ensures each product meets our specific requirements. Examples may include:
    • Visual inspections of defined key areas.
    • Leak testing.
    • Ultrasonic thickness testing.
    • Drop testing.
  7. Custom-built trucks used to safely transport and deliver tanks to customers. 
  8. Serial numbers allow traceability of manufacturing processes and any warranty issues. 

At Global Tanks, our committed team is always ready to challenge conventional practices and find new, innovative ways to master our trade. We’ve helped land-owners across Australia get quality agricultural equipment without any stress on them. If you want a durable, and long-lasting poly water tank, get in touch with us today! We have a range of premade products, or alternatively, we can customise a tank to better suit your needs. 

How Global Helps Customers Fertigate Efficiently on the Farm

Are you looking to achieve more with less on your farm? A fertigation system may be something that can help massively improve crop productivity and significantly lower the chemicals you need to achieve those results. 

Fertigation is the combination of irrigation and fertilisation, but it’s capabilities are much more beneficial than just multitasking. Fertigation allows farmers to increase nitrogen efficiency and in turn, apply less fertiliser while getting better growth results. 

Global Rotomoulding has been called to assist in several fertigation systems with our custom Polyethylene parts and tanks that are cheaper to produce than metal or rubber parts and unreactive to the chemicals you will be using. 

Fertigation – The Basics 

Fertigation supplies crops with dissolved fertiliser through an irrigation system. It takes a fair amount of research and preparation. Still, this technique allows farmers to customise and alter nutrient and water levels to obtain the crop’s maximum production yield.

Broadcasting fertiliser onto the surface comes with many variables. Things like rainfall or heat can influence how much of the fertiliser gets absorbed into the soil. This method leaves a considerable amount of fertiliser on the soil surface that never makes it into the root zone. This means the nutrients are inaccessible for the crop and doesn’t promote growth at all. 

Fertigation has proven to be a more effective and consistent application method and takes less time and man-power once a system is installed. But the initial cost, need for a quality irrigation system and labour cost to mix and measure solutions is the main deterrent for farmers. 

Broadcasting fertiliser onto the surface is the most common means of application. The Australian Bureau Of Statistics showed that nine Australian Agricultural Environments broadcasted fertiliser, while drilling below the surface was the most common method in eight. Only agricultural businesses in the Arid region category used the fertigation method as the primary fertiliser application.

Regular applications of soluble nutrients is a proven way to dismiss the main issues tied to surface broadcast fertilisation. Fertigation places nutrients around the plant roots and allows for rapid intake. It also saves labour time, application time and lowers field compaction. 

To capitalise on these benefits, extra care should be taken when selecting fertilisers and injection equipment as well as in the management and maintenance of the system.

How It Works 

A dissolvable fertiliser solution is mixed into a suitable container and combined into an irrigation system. 

Popular Irrigation Systems With Fertigation: 

  • Sprinkler system – Applies solution evenly across plant and soil. 
  • Drip irrigation – Precisely targets roots and stem area of plants. More efficient for fertilisation, but does not provide water to leaves. Can be subsurface or above ground. 
  • Surface Irrigation – Most popular irrigation system used by farmers worldwide. Less even distribution of nutrients compared to the other two.

Once an irrigation system is found, the fertiliser is applied by different methods. 

The following are generally used: 

  • Continuous application – Fertiliser is applied at a constant rate from beginning to end. 
  • Three-stage – Irrigation without fertiliser starts. The fertiliser is injected once the ground is wet. Irrigation process ends without fertiliser solution. 
  • Proportional – Injection rate is proportional to water discharge (1ltr of solution per 1000ltrs). 
  • Quantitative – Solution is calculated depending on the size and demand of each irrigation block. (20ltrs to Block-A, 50ltrs to Block-B)

What You Need To Know 

Fertigation is a great farm practice that will ensure plants optimal crop nutrition and boost the crop yield while minimising environmental pollution. But you must understand the requirements of your crop and land before taking on the project.

Make sure you: 

Consult the experts for the right equipment.

Global Can Help 

Fertigation receives a great deal of interest because of the potential to save water and nutrients, while at the same time increasing agricultural productivity. Global has partnered with plenty of farmers and Agri experts in their efforts to conduct efficient fertigation. 

Your system will need a range of chemical supply tanks and pressure differential tanks to inject your fertiliser solution into your irrigation systems. According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, your fertigation system will consist of

  • “One or more tanks to dissolve dry fertiliser into water or store pre-made liquid fertiliser mixes.”  
  • “A means of injecting the dissolved fertiliser into the irrigation line.” 

How you choose to inject fertiliser into your irrigation line heavily depends on the variables of your farm. But the tanks can be a simple fix once you figure out how much solution you need. 

We have a range of tanks suitable for fertigation mixing and can create custom Polyethylene parts to fit your needs perfectly. Building an irrigation system is different for each farm, so if you need bespoke fittings on your tanks, our expert team can help from design to construction. 

Global Rotomoulding is proud to supply Australian farmers with rainwater tanks, fertigation tanks and spray tanks. We work with over 30 OEM’s making critical components to supply the agricultural industry. 

Best Images of Rural Australia 2020

The new year has come, and most Aussies can agree that it was great to wave off 2020. Wildfires, a global pandemic, drought and plenty of other struggles. It wasn’t an easy year, but here we are at the other end. 

Despite all the struggles, there was beauty in 2020. 

It’s a mantra that every rural worker knows; with the bad comes good. So while we look forward to what 2021 brings, let’s look back at the year that was and see some photos that encapsulate what it means to live in rural Australia. 

Mansfield, Victoria – Angus Cattle at Golden Hour

The rules that came with COVID-19 were tough on every industry, but this rural photographer was proud of her fellow Victorians for obeying the rules and coming down from one of Australia’s highest spikes. 

Booligal, New South Wales – Massive Duststorm In NSW

Life on the planes brings about some “epic scenes” like this massive dust storm captured by farmer Jessie Palmer. 

Mansfield, Victoria – Spring Snowfall 

Seems like a different country, but no, this winter wonderland is located in the small town at the foothills of the Victorian Alps. 

Oberson, New South Wales – Thick Snow in NSW

This frosty pic among rows of pine looks like it could be from an arctic adventure. Photographer Dan Farr captured a truly mystical moment that inspires exploration.

Lambs Valley, New South Wales – Country Road 

A stunning photo of the rolling hills along the Hunter Valley. Everything about this photo perfectly highlights the sights of rural life. 

Port Lincoln, South Australia – Balancing Kids

These two baby goats are showing their balancing skills by standing on this rock which is only two inches at its peak. 

Barney View, Queensland – Sunrise Over A Pasture 

The cattle are all looking at the photographer like they’re posing for this photo. Amazing shot. 

Perenjori, Western Australia – Tractor Stirring Up Dust 

Photographer Ellie Morris did a fantastic job of capturing the beauty and ruggedness of rural Australia. The dust being stirred up by this tractor made for some beautiful pictures. 

Riverina, New South Wales – Fun In The Mud 

Growing up rural means you’re used to mud. These kids get that. 

Broad Leaf Santa Gertrudis, Queensland – Dogs At Work 

Working with cattle isn’t easy. Photographer Trina Patterson captured the powerful confrontation between this cow and two working dogs. 

Harden, New South Wales – Rural Gallery 

Photographer Rachael Lenehan’s work captures every aspect of rural life. A fantastic gallery filled with emotion. 

Alexandra, Victoria – Rodeo In Action 

Being ring-side at a rodeo is an exhilarating experience, as this photographer found out. She captured this powerful trestle between bronco and man seconds before the horse crashed into the barriers. 

The Grampians, New South Wales – Harvester Convoy 

A fantastic image of four tractors harvesting crop. 

Kununurra, Western Australia – Long Exposure In Lighting Storm 

This rural photographer got lucky during a lightning storm when the rain stopped long enough for him to get this long exposure shot. The result is breathtaking. 

Kensington Grove, Queensland – Inner Milky Way 

A stunning shot of the Milky Way Galaxy from a rural pasture. Read the description for a better explanation of how this fantastic shot came to be. We couldn’t do it justice. 

Broome, Western Australia – Blue Waters, Red Earth 

The contrast between the water and sand in this aerial shot is something you could only find in Australia. The beautiful earth tones made for a truly great photo. 

Cootamundra, New South Wales – Lamb And Its Herd 

A simple yet fantastic shot of a lamb in front of its herd during the golden hour. 

Bridgewater, Victoria – Work Dog On Lookout

Dogs and farms go together like salt and pepper. This pup looks very proud in this field.

Victorian High Country, Victoria – Bushfire Smoke

It’s hard to believe that this tranquil picture was taken during the Victorian wildfires which ravaged the country early last year. What seems to be fog in the photo is actually smoke captured in the early morning. 

Kangaroo Island, South Australia – The Grip Of Survival

The emotional moment of a koala gripping onto a singed tree during the dreadful fires which ripped through Kangaroo Island in January 2020. 

Murringo, New South Wales – Lone Angus Cattle 

You can feel the brisk air in this photo just from the crisp dew on the grass and the vapour gathering on the cow’s breath. It’s easy to imagine the feeling of the winter air after seeing this shot. 

Penola, New South Wales – Grazing Cattle

A simple, yet fantastic shot of this cattle’s snout as it munches on some grass. 

Tamborine, Queensland – Windmill Infront of a Red Sky

Gorgeous colours of a sunrise, mixed with fog on a country property. Reminds us why we love the rural way of life. 

Longreach Queensland – Lighting Strom Over Rural Area 

Ominous storm clouds bringing much-needed rain to a regional Queensland town.

Our Global Rotomoulding team love rural photography, and our delivery drivers aren’t too shabby at it themselves. We always stop to take some great shots on our journeys to deliver a range of agricultural equipment across Australia. We can set you up with everything you need; from water tanks to vehicle-mounted containers to troughs and feeders plus much more. Get in contact today to find the perfect item for your property.