How to Build a 550 Gallon Rainwater Harvesting System

In this video, I show you how to build an IBC Tote Rainwater Catchment System. This water harvesting system holds 550 gallons of water and can be upgraded to connect more totes. 2023 Build Guide with Parts List/Instructions Available Below!!
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
How to Build a 550 Gallon Rainwater System E-Guide (2023)
www.naturehacker.com/books
ONLY $10 (download link will be sent to you)
INCLUDES
• Step-by-step illustrated building instructions
• A complete Parts List with purchase links (Home Depot, Amazon, etc)
• FAQ of the most common questions from KZbin viewers
FIND ME AT
My Website: www.naturehacker.com/
Sign Up for my monthly newsletter, blog, special offers, and latest videos!
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:
• Instagram: nature_hack...
• Linked In: / jeff-trapani
• Facebook: / naturehackerr
• Twitter: / jeff-trapani

[@clarapappas1829]

I have been watching this type of videos for over a year. This is the first time that I got a clear explanation of how everything works AND a list of the items I will be needing in order to make this project a reality. Thank you. I have 3 IBC. Totes waiting to be converted into a water collection monster. LOL

[@naturehacker1095]

Wonderful! I’m glad that it helps you. Three years and still going strong! With three totes, you’ll want to place a few supports under the front pipe that connects the tanks since the pipe will be heavier than if you used two tanks. Otherwise, it shouldn’t need any changes.

[@clarapappas1829]

@@naturehacker1095 thank you you are awesome. 👍

[@kaiesping2326]

I second this motion. I finally feel confident to setup my system. We get heavy rains where I live and this overflow system is the best I’ve seen

[@evabaker3974]

Thank you for the detailed description of each item and how to set up. After watching so many videos yours is hands down the most confidence inspiring one I’ve seen. I feel confident to be able to do this myself (with a little help for lifting the tanks. Thank you again from Australia,

[@robertalonzo1569]

Nature Hacker , you ARE AWESOME!!!! in this ‘how to video on rain water’ Kudos to you👍👍👍👍

[@teknotech]

Thanks for a great video, very nicely presented! You gave me great tips for using the Totes' drain fittings and providing an overflow in the top. I didn't really want to cut into the Totes.

[@SunnyBunnyAcres]

Rarely comment on videos but this is such a great one. Your level of detail and breadth of covering this topic is so good. Thank you so much for taking the time to list out your parts and describing them. I know that took alot of extra work - you set the bar for quality how-to videos. This is the ONLY video most people will need to view to build a rainwater system, which I'm doing for my cabin. It looks like you've stopped making videos but I think you could be one of those guys who can make serious $ from KZbin.

[@huggysexcitingnews2558]

No wonder he explained it so well because he's a science teacher

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks! It takes time making the systems and then going through all the steps to share my process. But in the end, it makes the process SO MUCH easier for everyone else. I also have a poor memory so this video will help me when I make another system! Haha

[@speedbuggy16v]

Great video with a lot of good info but can add a few things, forget a handsaw, a circ saw or a reciprocating saw makes quick work of cutting pipe and you can knock the burrs off easily with a common razor knife faster than sandpaper. Also watch which totes you buy, not all have a 2 inch NPT thread in them, and not all totes have the same connector at the valve there are at least 4-5 variations. A pro tip for glue up on PVC, do the female side first, then you can set it down and not get debris on the glue up surface while you are doing the male end. The black plastic is a good idea, But UV will break it down over time. I use landscape fabric on mine then I install vinyl siding over that, it takes 5 sticks of 12 foot siding to wrap one, I still have not come up with a really good and aesthetically pleasing method for covering the top. I also love the paver base idea, I will be incorporating that into my next bank of totes, some people pour a slab, but in the end despite the weight a single tote only has about 1.6 PSI of ground pressure, so unless you have really soft or wet soil that moves a lot, I dont think its needed. As I said, great video, I hope you dont feel that I am picking at you with this, I am just trying to offer some advise from someone that has done this kind of thing before.

[@BenfromFlux]

Thank you!

[@pgannon1948]

@speedbuggy16v Thanks for the tips. Why do you prefer landscape fabric over black plastic since both will deteriorate from UV? I was thinking of wrapping and topping the IBC with wooden siding. What do you use to top the IBC?

[@speedbuggy16v]

@@pgannon1948 the landscape fabric, at least the stuff I am using is a woven heavy duty type it just seems like it will hold up better in the long run, though I have no proof of that. But either would probably work especially if your vinyl siding over it like I am. In the end I just put steel roofing panels on the top of mine

[@naturehacker1095]

So far, it's been about 3 years and no sign of degradation from the Sun. EVENTUALLY the day will come. They now sell IBC tote covers on Amazon and other sites that may be a better way to cover the totes, but some appear to be made cheaply and may not last as long as what I am using.

[@speedbuggy16v]

@@naturehacker1095 Impressive, now that you mention it, I have some black plastic over a transmission that has been setting outside about that long that has not shredded either. Glad its still working, cheaper that still accomplishes the goal is always the best in my book!

[@i_amduckie5320]

Easy enough! Thanks for showing us how to do this. I’m actually trying to start the same exact system but for a camper

[@latherrinserepeat8615]

Excellent information. I have never heard of the first flush diverter. Love the detail sir. Thank you so much.

[@DE2borknot2b]

OMG!! Thank you so much for explaining the set up for the IBC totes.... you're right, I too watched tons of videos & most are so long winded that I click off & then I started watching Australian videos since they have been rain harvesting for many years. I came across your video...thank you, thank you!!!! Very, very helpful. Be well....

[@naturehacker1095]

You're welcome!

[@AmyStreetLife]

Great video! I love that you labeled everything. You have a new subscriber and I will definitely recommend you to anyone looking to set up their own system.

[@KLU421]

Thank you so much! Best and most comprehensive plan and list!

[@emilywilliams6108]

This is an outstanding video, definitely the easiest to understand and best explained video about rainwater catchment ive come across. And this system will be perfect in my allotment here in the uk. Thank you

[@jessicabrantley-hoyes9935]

This video is fantastic! It has everything I was looking for and you explained everything so well! Thank you so much!!! I can't wait to implement my system!

[@naturehacker1095]

Awesome! You will appreciate the rain much more once you get the system. It’s such a great feeling watching the rainwater enter the system!

[@yesdeere1376]

Outstanding video sir. Got 2 of the same tanks today. This helps a lot.

[@danielsipes9682]

Awesome educational video! Thank you for your time and effort you put into it.

[@bradlafferty]

Best rain water collection content I’ve seen! Thank you for the detail on pieces and process! I can do this now!

[@IceNdice93]

Thank you for the precise instructions!

[@naturehacker1095]

You're welcome. 😀 The water runs very clean. I run it through a Berkey filter though and drink it and use for cooking as well..

[@3bouldersurban653]

Thanks for a detailed setup with parts list! Good job! 👍

[@Ricky16317]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on rainwater collection, got some good ideas for when I finally get around to installing my own system!

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

It is a crime that you don't have a million views on this. Good information and description! Just found a deal on IBC totes, and this video was a great help for our rainwater system down at the cabin.

[@homesteadpilgrim]

Very thorough! Thanks for the parts list

[@carissanelson4495]

So helpful!! Thanks so much!

[@Eric-gi9kg]

I enjoy watching any video that shows/talks rain collection. I put together a 16 - 55 gallon system several years ago. And currently I am swapping it out for 4 - 275 gallon system, which will be expanded to another 8, totaling in at 3,300 gallon capacity.

[@naturehacker1095]

That’s impressive! Have fun with the new project. 😀

[@kendrakurihara3117]

The most informative KZbin video I’ve ever watched, and I’ve seen many. Thank you so much! We are building our system next in Moab Utah.

[@naturehacker1095]

You could definitely use a system like this in Moab! Good luck with your system. :) I use the water daily for drinking and run it through my Berkey filter. The system is almost a year old and still working great!

[@oilspeculatorhater]

Thank you for your great descriptions and overall very informative video.

[@larrisalewis8558]

This was awesome thanks for the video

[@kansasgardener5844]

Great video! It's almost exactly how my system is built. I might add that sitting rain water can become stagnant and start to smell horribly. I used small fountain pumps inside each tank to remedy this. They run 24/7. You need to make sure to make sure they are at the bottom of the tank and if the tank gets low on water to unplug them or they will burn up! I also installed an RV 110 water pump in line after the tanks to hook up to my water hose. I now have a watering wand hooked up to my tanks with the same pressure you get from your house spigot. The pump turns on when you squeeze the lever on your wand or spray nozzle and turns off when you release it. The pump is hooked up to a light switch so I can turn it on and off as needed. My system also has several inline filters to keep the watering wand from plugging up. I really need to do a video on my system. Maybe this coming spring !

[@lauram1145]

Please do a video showing your setup. That would be do helpful!

[@michealnelson5179]

Yes, please. Sounds great! I’m building our system soon at our new house & will add these details. Thanks!

[@naturehacker1095]

Yes! That’s the next step to building a better system. A vortex inside the tanks that keep water moving to prevent any pathogens fro multiplying and to keep the water from freezing.

[@kansasgardener5844]

@@naturehacker1095 Anything particular?

[@sdlangdon7468]

@@kansasgardener5844 I know my brother in-law has horses and he has a small machine that sits at the bottom of the water tank and stirs the water to keep it from freezing. It sits at the bottom so the horses won't stick their noses deep enough to grab it and pull it out. It would keep your water in a "vortex" pattern: stirred and unfrozen.

[@bliz75]

Best explanation and step-by-step video. Thank you

[@pauldent3059]

Nicely described, thank you, so many people just skip by the fittings and stuff. Good job.

[@heidilarkin3074]

I love this video. Very detailed. Thanks for sharing

[@michelelandry6739]

OMG Thank you for listing everything! I'm totally diy with no previous experience.

[@naturehacker1095]

You’re welcome. It’s been a year later and the water is still running clean. I recently added a drip irrigation pump for timed watering of the garden. I’ll post a video soon!

[@dallashill23]

Nature Hacker yes please!!

[@TheTravelingTracker]

*Well done Jeff great installation* 🏗🙏

[@naturehacker1095]

jort Thanks!!

[@aaronsalvesen4553]

Great job! I use a compound Miter saw to cut the PVC, way easier and dead square!

[@robertschreiber2211]

I will 100% be using this system for my off grid cabin! Only 2 engineering changes I’ll be adding to it will be a 30gallon sand, charcoal filter after the first flush diverter and then a series of progressively finer spin down filters at the outlets and a 12v UV light filter…..of corse this is over engineered but it will be my only source for drinking water.

[@naturehacker1095]

Sounds great! Yes, this system does a good job filtering out the sediment but adding a natural filtration system for drinking water is the missing piece. My advice is to reconsider adding the sand and charcoal filtration unit after the first flush because they may drastically slow down the flow of water into the totes and you'll end up with a lot of potential drinking water going out the overflow. You want to collect the rainwater as FAST AS POSSIBLE! If the rain collection totes are above your filtration containers, you can use the force of gravity to send the collected water through your filters. You will have to raise your system a few feet higher than the one I built to get the gravity feed going. Depending on the amount of water you need to filter daily, you may choose to use 5 gallon buckets or go big time and use 55 gallon drums which can process 300 liters daily. Check out www.aqsolutions.org/charcoal-biochar-water-treatment/ for inspiration. I hope to add a small filtration system with 5 gallon buckets but if you beat me to it with adding a filtration system, let me know! Share photos. :)

[@sourcecreator2222]

@@naturehacker1095 wow, this link was SO HELPFUL! This is gold for learning to filter water!

[@nickkailey7682]

YOOOOO IM OUT OF ORLANDO AND JUST STUMBLED ACROSS YOUR VIDEO!! I'm literally doing this myself and have been doing some research. Holy cow this video made me so excited lmao

[@naturehacker1095]

Nick Kailey Wonderful! I’m happy to help out. If you need a local contact for food grade totes, message me. The system is a year old and still works great. I’ve tried out several systems and this one is the most reliable for me. I”ll be posting an update soon on how I use the system for drip irrigation and filtering for drinking water. I do recommend adding another level of cinder blocks to raise the system higher for more water pressure, but it won’t matter much if you use a small pond pump for running irrigation.

[@nickkailey7682]

@@naturehacker1095 That's awesome! I wish you luck. Actually, I'm getting the totes donated to me by a friend who buys them in bulk. The totes should be here within a week or two. Next step is repair the gutters and then get the system down! As a Florida native, I think everyone should have one of these

[@Marvinthecoinhunter]

Add a $150 harbor freight jet pump....

[@TC10394]

Great installation!!!

[@stephenmahlstedt7276]

This is an excellent video and my wife and I are using your design to build out our own collection system now. Thank you for creating such an informative video and for providing such a detailed parts list. It’s incredibly helpful!! One thing I wanted to point out is that you have a quantity of 1 listed for the 2” female PVC adapter in the parts list. I believe two are needed for the this two-tote setup, right? One per tote spigot?

[@anthonydooley3616]

This should be something that homeowners in the west should be using. Florida gets plenty of rain without the need to collect it.

[@naturehacker1095]

I have built several systems. One system collects water for an off grid rainwater shower. Another is for backup drinking water for hurricanes, other emergencies. I also use it for plant Foliar sprays that require no chlorine. So these systems are very useful here in Florida. But I agree about having a system like this out West. The people who watch this video are largely from that area and I’m probably getting about 20,000 views a month right now. So the desire for rainwater collection is growing! Thanks for watching.

[@g3745]

We need more videos like this!!!

[@Yupmoose]

Beautiful work! You did an excellent job instructing us on how to make this wonderful harvester! I really appreciate the time and effort y'all did! and a parts list catch me I'm fainting......

[@naturehacker1095]

I’m glad to help out! I watch too many videos where they skip some important steps. Let me know if you have questions. 😀

[@alexfoit9273]

What a great video! Wonderful job. So very helpful

[@michaelking42]

Great job with lots of great information, thank you.

[@johnriggs6427]

I have a question about the overflow. You mentioned loosening the caps on the top to allow air to leave while filling. Once full, wouldn't the water just flow out of the loosened caps instead of the overflow above?

[@naturehacker1095]

There’s a few options. You can put the caps on and then twist a few times to keep them from coming off and that lets the air leave the tanks. An alternative is to cut a hole on the side of one tank near the top and insert a rubber grommet and then insert pvc pipe. 1.5 inch is all you need and that will take the overflow wherever you want to go. So the water level will stop at that hole and the water will flow out and never touch the top caps. I’m going to try the second way on a new system I built just to show how it’s done. But the method I used in this video has been working for 3 years now. I’ll do an update video with popular questions answered soon.

[@johnlee7085]

@john - Yes. Screw them on tight, then drill a hole to insert a water tight fitting to extend a standpipe higher than the overflow. Add a lose cap to keep mosquitoes out.

[@GaiaCarney]

Thank You, Nature Hacker & Orlando Permaculture 💚 for so generously sharing this helpful information

[@falalah81]

Thank you for the detailed information and steps. Just subscribed.

[@kyletruman8790]

Great video, very helpful! Thank you!

[@ashleyd.6386]

Any update on when we can expect your next video? Looking to build our system soon and would love to see how yours has been working and any changes you may have made

[@nickhayden]

man - what a great informative video - thanks for the sharing

[@danielnigra1922]

Great informative video. Thank you!

[@jorgeaguayoc]

This is tue BEST video!! Thank you so much!!

[@TheRealDonLayton]

Nice detail in your video. You explain things that others assume their viewers will know.

[@jefferytrapani9700]

Thanks! I hope it helps you with your future water projects.

[@_tor]

Thank you Nature Hacker. A very organized set of instructions.

[@naturehacker1095]

You're welcome!

[@davidgillis3807]

Just what I was looking for! Thanks so much

[@absolutelyyouhomeandgarden5612]

Thanks so much for this very informative video! This will help me out so much😀

[@iamthewelcher]

Dang...what I could get done with that many helpful friends!!

[@phillipg7315]

This was one of thee best videos diagramming a rain catch system! Nicely done, great graphics and instructions!

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it informative.

[@taylor3014]

JUst a Great Video ! Covered everything really well with detail ! Many thanks !! Rainwater is a wasted redource !Can't wait to start my setup

[@mariecoleexperience4494]

Great catchment info. Thanks for the details.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

For a more accurate water level check, take a 2'in T at output and place/fix into place a clear plastic tube to the top of the tank. A sight glass.

[@naturehacker1095]

Putting a clear tube on the side of the system is a great idea but as you probably know, it also exposes the water to the sun and algae will quickly grow. So an important tip to share is to cover the clear plastic tube with a foam tube or something that will cover the clear tube when it’s not being read.

[@ozkar1017]

Beautiful video thank you so much 😊

[@richardturner6340]

As you mentioned finding a way to connect the totes and the plumbing has taken many hours. Many thanks for describing the connections and where to find them. My plan is a little different. I'm planning to collect rain water and store it in 2 totes in the ground below the greenhouse. I'd be interested in your thoughts about putting your totes under ground. Again, thank you for the detailed explanations.

[@naturehacker1095]

Hello! I don’t have personal experience burying IBC totes but the walls are thin so I would be cautious about it. Some people report having the walls cave in when the tote runs empty, but this may be due to not having some type of vent or tube that comes to the surface to suck in air to replace the vaccuum created when water is sucked out by the water pump. Also, if your water table is high, it could crush the tank from underneath of its covered up or it could float up out of the ground. So be sure to determine how high your water table can get after a rain storm. Either way, if you do decide to bury them, keep them in the cage and maybe add some more reinforcement to protect from pressure from dirt/sand. And make sure to keep the tank covered at all times. If sunlight hits that water and algae forms, it will be tough to clean out.

[@michealnelson5179]

Can wrap the frame with concrete/mortar wire. It’s like chicken wire, for supporting mortar. That would help keep dirt from crushing in. Might take several layers & might take mortar to be hell for stout. Maybe a small frame over the top. Using a pallet would be temporary since it will rot. Recreate a pallet shape with concrete boards? To put a sturdy “roof” over the IBC?

[@Off-Grid]

We have 5000 gallons of rain water in our system. I'm posting videos of the system build now.

[@naturehacker1095]

Nice! I’ll have to check it out.

[@livingoffthegrid6956]

Thank you so much and I subscribed! 💜😊

[@elperron5261]

This is amazing, will definitely follow you guys

[@megatherium99]

Excellent job and I enjoyed the anole who photobombed - and apparently was inspecting the system - around the 7:32 mark!

[@greyresort9339]

Many thanks for this great tutorial video ! I subscribed to your channel.

[@lilcriz1]

Cant wait to start my system

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Great instructional vid! Having built several of this type of catchment systems, I find that painting the totes to be longer lasting, and easier. Here in the islands, the plastic eventually weathers out and becomes brittle due to the sun and weather after a few months time - even if shaded, it doesn't last as long as a painted tote. YMMV.

[@naturehacker1095]

I agree that it's easier and longer lasting but I am drinking the water (After filtering with a Berkey) and I just don't want to risk having any paint chemicals getting into the water. Plastic is semi-porous. I don't have any research to show either way that it is an issue. I just do what works for me. They sell covers now on Amazon.com to cover totes which may last a lot longer. As for the plastic I'm using, I'm on three years and counting with no degradation. But I'm sure it will happen eventually.

[@michaelking42]

What paint are you using for the totes? I like this idea and think I will go that route as well.

[@naturehacker1095]

@@michaelking42 I cover with a thick plastic instead of paint to avoid any chemicals leaking through. It’s precautionary but the decision is up to you. I include the plastic I used in my material list. The plastic I used is going three years strong with no sign of degradation in Florida heat and sun.

[@michaelking42]

@@naturehacker1095 I did see your plastic wrap and was thinking I'd do the same, but then I did see the covers they sell on amazon and started leaning that way; then at the mention of paint....I really like that idea and will research some more before I commit to it. About 10 years ago I stored a 24 pack of plastic water bottles for hurricane preparedness in the cupboard under the bathroom sink with some cleaners. When I took a drink out of one of the bottles, it tasted just like the perfume from a soap dispenser in the cupboard. So first hand know how porous these things are. I'm in FL too, BTW, and thank you.

[@johnlee7085]

@naturehacker - It’s interesting that you are worried about chemicals from acrylic leaching through all the chemicals that make up the plastic to contaminate your water. Glad to hear you use a Berkey - we have one too, though that would have been really good precautionary comment to include in the video.

[@bemorebetter5343]

Best video on setting up a rain collection system! I appreciate you explaining it in a way that a newbie like me can understand. Not sure what the pavers cost in 2019, but 100sq is over $250. It's $11 for one paver. Thanks again for the video!

[@naturehacker1095]

Haha Yeah. I realized this AFTER I made the video. I brought the box of pavers to the register and the employee must have scanned ONE of the pavers and it rang up to $12. I guess we both had no idea that it was only for one paver!! I bought two boxes this way for the same price for each system that I built and they made the mistake both times. Honestly, I had no idea the pavers were $12 each.

[@84nomas]

great vid man!

[@AshleyWragg]

Top video on this topic. Thanks!

[@scottkeeports2308]

Absolutely Brilliant! Suggestion: Make a video 'how to build a windmill' for a well.

[@RAfA95]

Thanks GREAT video

[@nicolasknight1300]

Wish I could like this video twice... Exactly the instructions I needed. Thanks! Question, is the plastic wrap necessary if the totes are out of direct sunlight?

[@naturehacker1095]

Yes. My rule is that If you can see your hand in front of you, there’s enough light to make algae inside the tank. So, in other words, you want something blocking the sun. Plastic wrap was the best solution for me at the time because I was nervous of painting the plastic totes and possibly getting some toxins seeping through. Amazon sells tote covers now but mixed reviews. There may be a few high quality tote covers out there though. That would make the covers removable if needed which can have benefits. Some covers are also insulated for colder climates. Have fun taking one more step toward resiliency!

[@KellenChase]

This is a great video. How do you determine the amount/length required for the first flush? Does it correlate to impermeable surface / roof square footage?

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks! The length and width of the first flush diverter depends mostly on the size of the roof and amount of pollutants in the area. The main reason for a first flush is just to get rid of the nasties on the roof first before filling the tanks. If I found that I needed to flush more water, I would have bought a few more pvc attachments and ran a few more pipes parallel to the one I installed to double or triple the first flush water collected. If you have a high roof, you can always get away with just having a longer or wider diverter pipe. Here’s a great resource to help you do the calculations. rainharvestingsupplies.com/content/documentation/pty/first-flush-diverter-brochure.pdf

[@Dtella55]

Nice... 💯💯

[@queentishay85]

Thanks for the upload

[@Redhackle]

Good video. Thank you.

[@brycehibbard5475]

You mentioned a video about a pump system- I'm interested in seeing that

[@jacobdachauer4377]

Thank you for the great video! How is this system working a few years later? Have you had to make any updates or adjustments?

[@dwightrivera3281]

Amazing videoooo, easy to follow instructions!!!!

[@MelixDesigner]

Very informative. Thank you. If I were to build a system with only one IBC how would you go about to install an air outlet to release the pressure when it fills up?

[@jennifertaylor4227]

I love this idea wish I can do it for my garden

[@naturehacker1095]

Rainwater collection is fun and can be done on any scale. I’ll be showing a smaller 55 gallon system soon! I have to admit that I stood outside the first time it rained after I built the system to watch it fill up! 😀

[@ericnorton4045]

Very cool video I live in a 55 and up community and we are purchasing a home here and I'm looking for some water catchment that is kind of inconspicuous HOA will allow it as long as it Blends in with the surroundings this is one of the best videos I've seen

[@naturehacker1095]

The aluminum cage is perfect for attaching boards or other types of covering to hide the system. You can attach a few thin boards vertically to the front of the cage with zip ties and and then screw larger boards horizontally to them. Or you could attach trellis board and grow flowering vines or other vegetation over the system. Or just build a false wall in front of the system. Easy to hide!

[@mojavebohemian814]

Excellent. Tks

[@TheGlobalTravelr]

This is excellent breakdown!

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks!

[@utubestalker.dotcom]

If you are lazy, you can use a black plastic pallet bag to cover it (the pallet cover bags are rated for one year in direct sunlight and cost about $3 each. If you buy the thinner ones, just be careful when you slip it back into the IBC cage, so that you don't rip the bag. You can buy them in a roll of 50 from commercial supply stores like Uline. Much easier to wrap than to cut a large sheet and fit to size. With that many bags, you can slip one on from the bottom and tape to the tote, and then slip one on from the top and tape down.. that way when water comes in from the top it won't fill up the bottom bag.

[@naturehacker1095]

Good tip! There’s also IBC covers out there now made specifically for this purpose. They weren’t available when I built this system but they go for like $40.

[@utubestalker.dotcom]

@@naturehacker1095 just looked that up. there's a ton of those specific covers on Amazon, if anyone is looking for them.

[@GhostedStories]

This is awesome, thank you! Instead of leaving the top cap semi-open, you might want to consider putting a breather. Awesome system, love it! Thank you! Edited: Question: Regarding the black plastic/tote you used to cover the tanks, I am wondering, can't we just paint over it? Black paint? Thanks!

[@johnboylong40]

I know your post is older but just thought I’d say plastic is a fickle medium to paint and have it adhere and stay bonded. I’ve seen black tanks for sale so we’re getting those ,

[@GhostedStories]

@@johnboylong40 still an awesome system! 😊👍

[@johnlee7085]

We painted ours with an exterior acrylic and doing great. Some plastics don’t accept paint well but I don’t think it’s the type used in IBCs.

[@ukgardener973]

thanks

[@IlIlllIIllII]

What a coincidence, I had you as a science teacher way back in the day... so far back I can't quite remember if it was Stonewall Jackson middle or Boone high. The hazy memories I have are more ghetto flavored so I'm thinking maybe Jackson... those little heathens were pretty disrespectful. Looks like making these videos is way more fun.

[@naturehacker1095]

Hello! I remember Jackson. Being stuck in a classroom is not the best way to teach science. Being outside building systems and showing people how to grow food is where I have the most fun! 😀

[@EddieHJJJ]

what a brilliant informative video! May I ask where to source the 6.5'' IBC cap with 2'' threaded plug?

[@EddieHJJJ]

Found it from the given links thanks

[@greg227]

Great video, thank you. However I have two suggestions. One is get only food grade totes, and make sure they are. I have bought a bunch which even when the seller said they were clean, ended up having herbicide or some other chemical in them - you don't want that in your water. I used them for waste products like engine oil to use for heat. There are some very nasty chemicals in these totes so do your Due Diligence. The other is to use on the output manifold where they hook up to the bottom of the tote, don't cement them to the valve through the coupler, instead use a 2" union with an o-ring (get the one with the o-ring), no leakage and it can be disassembled where cementing them together you have to cut something to disassemble. While they are not cheap - $20 or so - they save a lot of time and hassle in removing the manifold say to move the system or to replace the tote. They will take the pressure too.

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks Greg. I just moved this system to a new house and I’ll probably take your advice and get a union to put them back together.

[@intosound913]

And now we have forever chemicals you can't get out of the water, yay!, Really did like the system.

[@naturehacker1095]

Well, those PFAS chemicals are nasty and costing water treatment facilities millions of dollars now to filter them out and they still can't get it all out, like you're saying. Thankfully, we have a natural solution- BIOCHAR- that comes from burning wood in low oxygen conditions and makes a special activated charcoal that can filter out most contaminants- including PFAS. I hope to add a natural filter system to my water tanks that includes sand, pebbles, and biochar. But it may take several months before I get a design that I can share. But there are some videos out there now on You Tube going in that direction. Just not a simple and natural home system design that can be added to rainwater systems. But it can be done!!

[@FlorianSchatter]

Last video from 2 years ago? Is this channel still alive? Regards from Germany 🇩🇪 ✌️

[@naturehacker1095]

Yes. Sorry- I moved a year and a half ago and had to rebuild the garden and move my systems. I’ll be posting a lot more soon!

[@jakx2828]

Awesome video! Thank you! Just wanted to say that PAVERBASE Panel price you're refering to is PER PANEL that covers 5 sqft not 100 sqft (100 sqft costs over $200)

[@naturehacker1095]

The WHOLE package is only like $12. They are the black foam pavers. Not cement pavers. It’s a great deal. www.homedepot.com/p/PAVERBASE-20-04-in-x-36-in-Black-Brock-Paver-Base-Panel-PVB5B/205663180?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-205663180-_-N&

[@milomidesign]

Nice work

[@NEWNATURE777]

Thank you! Idk about FL , but here @ NJ there is a rainwater harvesting conserve rebate program up to $2000 credit Maranatha 👍

[@naturehacker1095]

I wish we got that down here but things in Florida are a little backwards. lol

[@NEWNATURE777]

@@naturehacker1095 yes indeed, even when it comes to solar panels system as well 👍

[@pthomasgarcia]

Subscribed

[@Livn-4-Rapture]

Amazingly detailed yet clear instructions for a beginner to follow! Excellent video! How much did this project cost? Thanks again!

[@naturehacker1095]

Thanks! It really depends on the price you can get for the IBC totes. This varies widely. It may cost you $100 for a food grade tote that didn't have chemicals in it. Mine had fruit juice in them before they were sold to me. My system probably cost me around $400 and since then, I probably made ALL the money back from a reduced water bill and of course- revenue made from ads on this video. Lol It was a win-win for me.

[@Livn-4-Rapture]

@@naturehacker1095 I appreciate your time to reply. I got a IBC tote on offerup for $80 and I'm going to be making like a gravity fed water tower from my downspout that will water my raised bed gardens. I figured about $150 in wood for the tower and I'll be setup nicely 👌

[@miqbad70]

Can you attach a "store bought" water filter to this system? Sorry for the blasphemous question. I know you are a nature hacker, but I want added purification if possible. Awesome video!!!

[@naturehacker1095]

@@miqbad70 Haha I used a Berkey filter for a year with no issues. I don't know about using a cheaper one though like a Brita filter. It may not protect you against bacteria if you are thinking about drinking it.

[@miqbad70]

@@naturehacker1095 thanks man! Looking into a homemade distillery. I'm new to this, but very interested. Thanks for your reply

[@mikohlfl]

Do you have any thoughts about stacking totes 2 high for added capacity? Would you then make a manifold for the top tier (like you did for the totes in the video) and connect that to the middle top input on just one of the lower tier totes? Thanks for the great ideas!

[@naturehacker1095]

Sorry I missed this! There are people who have put one on top of the other. I haven’t done it myself but it is possible.

[@johnlee7085]

Be careful stacking totes. That is a ton of water per tote. While the totes are designed to be stacked, they are also stacked perfectly plumb (the level of vertical orientation) and I think they are also restrained. If it were to get out of plumb or other lateral pressure, the results could be catastrophic.