Installation Guide: Setting Up Your Slimline Camel Tank
Slimline Camel Tanks are a compact, purpose-built solution for storing rainwater on small properties. Storing rainwater is a great way to support sustainable living and cut down your water costs, but we understand that many properties don’t allow wide open spaces to install large tanks. That’s why Slimline Camel Tanks are so popular. They offer generous storage capacity in a narrow footprint, making them ideal for homeowners or businesses with limited space.
Slimline Camel Tanks are constructed from durable, UV-stabilised polyethylene, delivering long-term structural integrity, and a sleek profile that fits comfortably along walls, fences, and domestic service areas. However, if you’re considering one of these tanks, it’s crucial to understand the installation requirements before placing your order to ensure a smooth, compliant installation.
This article will explore everything you need to know to ensure a successful installation, from pre-installation and site selection to filling and testing.
Before You Start: Pre-Installation Checklist
Whether you need a small 550L Camel Tank or a larger 5,000L tank, it’s important to plan for a smooth installation. Follow this checklist before your delivery date to ensure your installation goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. A few hours of preparation now, can prevent costly headaches or compliance issues down the line.
| Slimline Camel Tank Installation Checklist | |
| ☐ Site location confirmed and measured | ☐ Overflow discharge point identified (min. 6 m from tank base) |
| ☐ Concrete slab poured, cured, and level | ☐ Pump location planned (if applicable) |
| ☐ Slab is at least 100 mm wider/longer than tank on all sides | ☐ In-line filter sourced for pump connection |
| ☐ Slab reinforced to carry full water weight | ☐ Flexible couplings on hand for pipe connections |
| ☐ Slab surface smooth and free of sharp protrusions | ☐ Clearance from walls, fences, structures confirmed |
| ☐ Downpipe diverter or inlet connection planned | ☐ Council requirements checked |
Step 1: Select and Prep Your Site
Choosing the right site for your Camel Tank is essential for long-term reliability and compliance. The right site will be level, structurally sound, easily accessible for delivery, and positioned so the overflow can drain well clear of the tank base. Camel Tanks are specially designed for installation in tight spaces along fence lines, side passages, and under-eave installations.
It’s crucial to select your site early to allow adequate time to pour and cure the concrete slab. When selecting where to install your tank, consider factors such as:
- Proximity to the downpipe your tank will connect to – A short, direct inlet connection is always better than a long run
- Access for the delivery vehicle and any lifting equipment – Camel Tanks have built-in lifting points; plan how the tank will be moved from the truck to its final position
- Direction of the overflow outlet – Water must discharge at least 6 metres from the tank base to prevent undermining the slab
- Sun exposure – While our Camel Tanks are UV resistant, it is still recommended to install tanks in shady areas where possible to extend the life of the tank and reduce algae growth
- Local council setback requirements – Some councils require minimum distances from boundaries, stormwater drains, or neighbouring structures for compliance
- Extra space for extensions – Consider whether you may need to add on extensions down the line and leave space for future expansion if necessary
Once you’ve chosen your site, you need to prepare it for the concrete base. The site must be level and free from rocks, stones or other foreign objects that may damage the base of the tank before pouring the concrete. When preparing the site, make sure that excavated areas or loose soil are well compacted.
Step 2: Prepare the Concrete Base
All Slimline Camel Tanks must be placed on a suitable concrete slab to ensure longevity and maintain full warranty. Tanks installed on uneven ground, gravel, or non-compacted soil will be less stable, safe, and not compliant with the warranty requirements.
Dimensions
Concrete slab bases must extend at least 100 mm beyond the tank footprint on every side.
The concrete slab must also be of sufficient thickness and suitably reinforced to support the weight of the tank when full. As a rule water weighs approximately 1 kg per litre. Therefore, for a full 1,000L tank the weight would be approximately 1,000kg. For domestic rainwater applications, a 100 mm reinforced slab is typically sufficient for tanks up to 2,500L. Larger tanks, however, may require a thicker slab or additional reinforcement.
Finish
Concrete slabs must be smooth and level when finished to ensure full support for the tank. Rough or uneven surfaces can create stress on the tank base that can cause damage or cracking over time, particularly as the tank flexes slightly under the weight of water.
The concrete must be fully cured before placing the tank to prevent sinking or movement that can impact stability or integrity. Standard concrete reaches working strength at 28 days, though most mixes reach 70-80% of design strength within 7 days. Do not place or fill a tank on fresh concrete.
Step 3: Receive and Secure the Tank on Delivery
Global Rotomoulding will provide timely delivery from one of our factories. Once the tank arrives at your property it becomes your responsibility to secure it quickly to prevent any issues. Empty Camel Tanks are light enough to be easily displaced by the wind and damaged if not secured properly. Tanks can be secured either by tying them down with rope or wire and anchored to fixed points around the site, or by partially filling them with water up to 10%.
Step 4: Position the Tank
Once the concrete slab is cured and the tank is delivered, the next step is to position the tank on the site. Make sure the slab is free of debris before placing the tank. Always place the Lead Tank first, if you’re also installing extensions, to ensure proper placement of the main inlet, outlets, and overflow fittings.
Make sure to move the tank by lifting only, using the built-in lifting points on the sides or top of the tank. Dropping or dragging the tank can create abrasion damage and failure.
Confirm the tank is sitting level, and check that clearances are adequate on every side. Use a tape measure to confirm a minimum 7% clearance is maintained between the tank wall and every adjacent structure.
Once the lead tank is optimally positioned, position the extension tanks (if applicable) and confirm that they’re all level and positioned with the right clearances. Then connect them using the supplied joining system.
Step 5: Connect Inlet, Overflow, and Outlets
Next, connect the inlet, overflow, and outlets.
Inlet (Downpipe Connection)
Make sure the Lead Tank’s leaf strainer and light guard are sitting at the top of the tank to receive water from your downpipe. Connect your downpipe to the inlet using a short, direct run wherever possible.
All pipes must be independently supported and must not rely on the tank wall for structural stability.
Flexible Coupling
Every connection between the tank and any rigid pipework must include a flexible coupling or hose to prevent stress on the tank wall. The flexible section absorbs minor differential movement between the tank and the structure, prevents stress cracks at connection points, and accommodates the natural thermal expansion and contraction of polyethylene.
Overflow
All Slimline Camel Tanks come standard with a 90 mm overflow fitting. Connect the overflow to a pipe or channel that discharges at least 6 metres from the base of the tank to prevent overflow water from saturating the soil around the slab and undermining the concrete or causing uneven ground.
It’s also important to not direct the overflow toward a neighbour’s property, a stormwater drain without appropriate approval, or any area where pooling water could create damage or a hazard.
Outlets for Pump and Gravity Feed
Camel Tanks come with multiple outlet options, including:
- 550L and 1,000L Lead Tanks: 2 × 2-inch outlets
- Urban Camel (2,200L–5,000L): 2 × 1-inch pump outlets (one at each end) plus 4 × 3/4-inch bucket-height outlets (one at each corner)
Connect your pump to the appropriate outlet (depending on your tank) using a flexible hose section first, then transition to rigid pipework. Make sure to install the in-line filter between the tank outlet and the pump intake to maintain warranty compliance.
Step 6: Fill and Test the System
With the Lead Tank and extension tanks (if applicable) optimally positioned, secured, and all connections correctly fitted, you can then fill the tank to test. You do not need to wait for rain to fill the tank, you can test it by filling it using a hose, which we highly recommend to confirm everything is connected correctly.
Fill it slowly up to approximately 25% capacity and then check the tank for:
- Drips around outlet fittings
- Moisture or drips around connections
- Check where the overflow drains
- Ensure the tank is sitting stable and level
If you notice any issues during the initial fill, stop and rectify them before filling any further. Once satisfied, you can continue to slowly fill it to 50% and then 100% capacity, checking regularly and fixing any potential problems as they appear.
Smooth Installation for Maintained Warranty
Global Rotomoulding’s tanks are covered by a product warranty subject to correct installation and use. By installing your Slimline Camel Tank in line with this guide and specifications, you can ensure that your tank delivers reliable storage and stays in compliance with your warranty.
For more information, you can view our installation guides here, or explore our warranty information here. You can also contact our expert team at Global Rotomoulding for personalised advice.
