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Rich Hampel
 
Posts: n/a
Default Water Tanks - Custom - good material?

Probably the best (for a custom shaped tank) is to use a fiberglass
tank lined with polyethylene (pre-scrimmed) sheeting. The polyethylene
sheeting has impedded fiber structure on one side so that it can be
mechanially bonded to the fiberglass; the seams will need to be welded
and then spark tested for integrity. The 'pre-pegged' sheet is very
hard to find but many tank buildrs have access to it.

All metal and fiberglass tanks can be lined with a 'potable water' NSF
rated epoxy for leachables consideration .... but you have to buy a
minimum of 3 gallons @ $100/gal. The ratio of surface area to water
surface is 'just over the limit' on leachables (NSF) so you will have
to think about a recirculating carbon 'stripper' filter to pick up the
stray monomers.

Stainless is horrendously expensive due to the recent price escalation
of the world price of metals and the sinking US$.

For easy cleaning and good sanitization chemicals compatibility I'd go
with a blow or roto-molded polyethylene tank. Ronco Plastics is
probably the largest marine source.





In article om, Da
Kine wrote:

I'm in the Miami area and need to make a tank for under a v-berth.

What I found is that most people don't like epoxy because of leaching.
Polyester is not so bad but you need to gell coat the thing really well
- twice. Plastics are hard to weld and you need to buy a hot gas welder
- and you need to do it in a small area. the soft tanks are what I have
now and I will be glad to give mine to someone when I am done, if they
want it.

I have found some places that will custom make a tank but the cost is
higher then I would think it should be. Does anyone know of a place
that makes tanks for less then $300?

Also, does anyone know of a good liner material to line a glass tank.
It seems no-one wants to claim their product does what it is meant to
do.

Thanks