Global’s Water Tanks for Aussie farms

Water storage tanks are the favoured way to cut down on water bills and ensure a reliable water source all year round for most Australian farmers. Water tanks for farms are precious assets for irrigation systems and livestock watering systems. 

Living on a farm means you need to be conscious about your water storage and supply. It’s something you probably don’t want to worry about, but something you always need to be aware of nonetheless. Over the years, Global Rotomoulding has created a range of durable tanks that take as much hassle out of water storage as possible. 

Global Rotomoulding has a range of water tanks that cover a diverse variety of applications. If you’re on the hunt for water storage options for your farm, we have a product for every job. All Global tanks are manufactured in polyethylene that complies with AS 2070 (plastics materials for food contact use) and AS/NZS 4020 (products for use in contact with drinking water). This material is 100% recyclable. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of affordable and durable water storage, you can’t go past poly tanks. 

Above Ground Water Tanks 

It’s common for rural properties in Australia to not have access to the main city water supply. Instead, farms rely on water tanks for all their needs. Filling these tanks can be done by storing rainwater, carted water, groundwater or surface water. Carted water is often seen as a last resort when existing storage options go dry because it is costly and inefficient compared to the other water filling options. 

Water tanks for farms bear several responsibilities from watering crops, providing drinking water to livestock, running household appliances, cleaning and more. Above-ground tanks are the most common system for farmers because it’s cheaper and easier to install than other options. It can also reach higher capacities than underground tanks and transportable tanks. 

Some Options

Urban Tanks

While these smaller tanks are mostly installed in residential, suburban areas, they still can add value to a rural property. An urban poly tank is perfect for a guest house or smaller facility that you want to provide with an independent water source. They are tall and flat and fit nicely against the side of a building, barn or house. 

Some Options

Underground 

Global Rotomoulding’s underground water tanks are the perfect option for farms that want to conserve space while still having quality water storage. Underground tanks have better insulation than above-ground tanks and have better security. Because they are out of the elements, they stay cool all year round, whereas the water in outdoor tanks is usually cold in the winter and warmer in summer.

Some Options 

Rural Tanks

Rural life requires a lot of water. Global Rotomoulding have several above and underground tank options for rural landowners. Our above ground tanks work their way up to 45,000ltr capacities and 5000ltr underground tanks. 

Global Tanks have several options that are UV stabilised for Australian conditions. These products are made to withstand both blistering heat and chilling colds without being damaged. We’re so confident in our product that all our above and underground tanks come with a 10-year quality guarantee. 

Some Options 

Commercial System Tanks 

Our tank range has options for commercial purposes like chemical storage or fire extinguisher systems.   

Fire – Global’s water systems can be attached to a pumping system that provides a flow of water to fire extinguisher systems. 

Chemical Storage – Global Rotomoulding has a listed group of tanks that are moulded with diesel-grade, chemical-resistant linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and feature heavy-duty stillage. At Global Rotomoulding, we manufacture polyethylene (plastic) products that comply with the AS/NZS 2070 Australian Standard. Any product that we promote as chemical-resistant or chemical-storing has been through rigorous testing.

No matter what your tank specification is, Global Rotomoulding has a quality poly tank that is perfect for the job. For more detailed information on what type of water tank is best for you, reach out to us today.

Why Plastic Parts Are Rapidly Overtaking Metal

Plastic vs metal – it’s a long-debated topic in agricultural, mechanical, automotive and several other industries. While metal parts and assets have been king since the first machines were created, new science has made a new (better suited) successor. Enter plastic. 

Traditionally plastics struggled to compete with the strength and durability of metals. However, current plastic technologies have allowed this substance to perform as well as, and, in some cases better than, metal. 

So when both substances can perform the same job at the same level, it boils down to cost, weight and efficiency – to which plastic is the clear victor. 

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start rethinking where you’re using metal parts and consider if you could benefit from a cheaper and better tool. 

Plastic – Stronger Than You’d Think

Plastics excel at having a high strength-to-weight ratio. It can withstand more stress before failure while weighing less than a metal part. Combine this with better tensile strength and a higher ability to resist being deformed under mass density and plastic makes a good argument against metal enthusiasts. 

The below diagram shows a broad performance range of several plastics (categorised in Polymer and Composite categories) and how they compare to metal options. While the strongest metals rank higher than plastics, the plastic options aren’t far behind and have a lower density. 

Better Chemical Resistances 

Plastics are generally less susceptible to damage from chemicals or chemical reactions. Metal water storage tanks can cause zinc to leak through your water supply, leaving an unpleasant metallic taste. 

Worse, a study by the Public and Environmental Health Service in Tasmania found harmful lead levels in some stainless steel tanks. Steel tanks are used commonly in the mining industry to store sulfuric acid. At a high concentration (98% or above) steel can handle the acidic qualities of the acid for years. However, once the solution is diluted (Lower than 93%) the formula becomes highly corrosive. Poly liquid storage tanks, which we specialise in, can dependably store this acid at most concentrations. 

Poly Plastics, The Lightweight Champion 

More weight means more power is needed to move it. One of the best reasons to replace your heavy steel products with lightweight plastic products is you significantly lower your load. 

Our poly agricultural equipment is easy to roll, lift and reposition. Very rarely do we rely on heavy machinery when it comes to installing even our largest products. If you’re looking to replace a vehicle-mounted item with a plastic one, you’ll have improved fuel efficiency and no problem lifting them on or off your ute.

Faster Fabrication Times To Meet Strict Deadlines

Time equals money! When you’re in a pinch and need a replacement part fast, utilising plastic manufacturing will have you back on your feet long before a metal replacement can be created. 

Plastic’s design flexibility allows for designs to be created in one part, whereas metal parts often require assembly or welding to create one piece. Because of a more simplistic design process, you save time, labour and cost compared to what metal manufacturing would take. 

Heat Resistance

The biggest argument against plastics is it’s lower melting point than popular metals like steel or iron. However new high-performance thermoplastics technology has a melting point of 3593.333°C where carbon steel melts between 1425 – 1540°C. Still, most common plastics will melt somewhere in the 200°C range.

Know When It’s Right To Use 

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority at Global. While we love the benefits plastics offer, sometimes metal is the right material for the job. Consider these cons when planning your replacements.

Limited Wear Resistance

Plastic’s low resistance threshold means it may be affected by high temperatures, acidity and other corrosive elements. However, there are higher-resistance plastic options better suited for handling chemicals. For example, our rotomoulded cartage tanks are suitable for transporting diesel and a range of other substances. 

Lower Structural Strength

Plastics are unsuited for supporting structures and replacing high-weight bearing parts of heavy machinery.  

If you feel that lightweight plastic will benefit you, the team at Global Rotomoulding can help out. We create a range of tanks, parts and other agricultural equipment. If you want a custom plastic piece to help you out, call us today to see how we can help. 

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. 

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. 

Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

At Global Rotomoulding, we believe that rotational moulded plastic is infinitely better than wood, metal, or concrete.

 And, we’re not just saying that because we use plastic every day in our workshop — it’s been scientifically proven!

Here are 3 research-backed reasons that prove that plastic and rotational moulding are the best tools for custom product design:

1. More flexibility

One of the main advantages of rotational moulding with plastic is the design flexibility. The process allows for complex shapes that are very difficult to make with other materials. It also allows for products with a variable wall thickness without retooling (something which can not be achieved with other processes like injection moulding).

Unique properties

Plastic itself is also a very flexible material. It can be used to achieve a wide variety of products for a wide range of industries. For example, you can use it to design products like flexible office folders, drinking straws, garden hoses, bendable pipes, squeezy tubes and bottles, bendy rulers, flexible storage baskets, and more!

In fact, you can even 3D print flexible plastic products. “The specificity of the material allows you to create objects that are very flexible but strong at the same time,” says expert Arthur Cassaignau.

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane
Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

2. Better for the environment

Okay, we know what you’re thinking. “How could plastic be better for the environment? It’s made from synthetic materials that are derived from fossil fuels”.

The answer? Plastic can do more for less.

For example, mining metal ores is very energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Deforestation is also one of the most destructive activities on the planet, with a huge impact on plant and animal species. And, don’t even get us started on the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production and transport of concrete!

Scientific breakthroughs

Plastic is lightweight, recyclable, and becoming more and more sustainable as researchers develop new ways to produce it using renewable resources, like corn, methane, and bacteria. According to Du Pont, “Scientific breakthroughs have made the promise of carbon neutrality, renewability, and independence from petroleum a real possibility.”

In other words, custom designed plastic products are the way of the future! Some examples of custom plastic products that are making waves in the sustainable design field include:

Global rotomoulding is leading the way

Global Rotomoulding is doing their part for the environment too. No chemicals, gases or dangerous toxins are released into the atmosphere during our rotational moulding process, and there is no material wastage. We are also proud to have a low carbon footprint and to be custom designing rotational moulding products which are 100% recyclable.

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane
Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

3. Super resistant to bacteria and fungi

Plastic products are also easy to clean and incredibly fungi resistant. This is because the “closely interconnected molecules are too large for microbes to get their biters around, never mind digest”. As a result, custom rotational moulded products like our septic tanks, water tanks, and livestock feeders have a longer lifespan and are easy to maintain.

 Are you interested designing custom rotational plastic products? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Maintaining Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank may be the most overlooked and undervalued appliance on your property. Most homeowners tend to have an ‘install it and forget about it’ approach.

Failure to provide proper care and servicing of your septic tank, however, can degrade the environment, reduce the value of your property, and cause serious health problems for your family. Here’s some must-know tips on maintaining your septic tank:

Cleaning

Your septic tank has multiple parts which require cleaning at different times. It’s a good idea to keep a log or record book of these times to ensure that you’re always on top of everything. The filter at the rear of your septic tank, which stops floating elements from blocking up the discharge pipe, should be cleaned out annually. The tank itself should be pumped out regularly by a professional, and thoroughly washed out approximately every 4-5 years.

Household products

When it comes to maintaining your septic tank, there are a number of products that should not be disposed of down your household drainage system. These items include coffee grounds, fats, grease, oils, large volumes of beer and wine, milk, sanitary napkins, tampons, baby wipes, dental floss, medical pills, disinfectants, tissues, paints and varnishes. It’s a good idea when cleaning your home (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), to use products that are specifically made for septic tanks and won’t kill the important bacteria that breaks down the waste in your tank. It’s also recommended to avoid products that contain ammonia, chlorine, pesticides, caustic solutions, and antibacterial substances. When doing the laundry, try to use liquid cleaners as opposed to powdered cleaners, and spread your loads out evenly across the week.

Wastewater disposal area

Your septic tank’s wastewater disposal area is a single-use area only, and should not be used for other purposes like parking cars, keeping horses and livestock, play for children, or growing vegetables. The micro-organisms in your soil neutralise the pathogens in your wastewater, so it’s important to keep the soil as healthy as possible and regularly mow your lawn. At the same time, try to clear away any plants that were not recommended by your provider. Dosing your septic system with a product like actizyme once every 12 months is also a good way to improve your soil’s health.

Warning signs

It’s important to have your septic tank inspected for problems every 3-10 years, depending on the size of your tank. However, if you ever notice any sewage backups in your home, slow draining toilets and drains, sewage odours, sewage surfacing on your property or lush, green growth over the drainfield, you should contact your plumber as soon as possible. You should also never make or allow repairs on your tank without obtaining the required health permits, or attempt to fix your system on your own without the proper knowledge. Always use a professional contractor when needed.

Looking to upgrade or install a septic system on your property? Contact Global today, or give us a call on 1800 666 333.