How to Create a Low-Cost Water Storage System for Your Vegetable Garden

[@HuwRichards]

Thanks for watching! For those of you asking about algae: empty every year helps, and you can use effective things like barley straw logs, or keep covered :) Video uploads will be a bit more random on the lead up to Christmas! If you fancy treating someone to signed copies of my books you can get them here (with a discount if you buy both): huwrichards.shop/

[@HuwRichards]

@Erin K Yes in the new year, for now payments are paused :D Thank you so much!

[@My_Secret_Sketchbook999]

I am very very impressed. Thankyou watching many of your videos. Where are you please

[@sarahhuggins7217]

How do you protect it against rats.....rats gnawed through my plastic bins that I used for chicken feeds so now I have metal ones

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Hope to get your book for Christmas. Thank you for all the valuable videos. We were badly mis-sold on our garden and house. The blocked off stream was not on the Land Registry. When we get heavy rain the blocked off stream floods the patio next to the kitchen door. Nightmare. I would love help to harvest the water which is being wasted right now. 😊🐝🦋😊

[@baradein8227]

Some (I don’t know how common it is) have a removable cage. Removing the tote from the cage helps in giving the tank a good thick coat of paint can remove the problem of algae. I will be painting mine because it will be a permanent water holding design.

[@ohio_gardener]

It is refreshing for an old guy like me to see a young guy like you so interested in regenerative agriculture! When I grew up on the farm we didn't have electricity, and we had a hand dug well with a windmill that pumped water for the livestock and our in-house use. Many a bucket of water was carried from that pump to the gardens and the house. Water conservation was a way of life.

[@goatgate3815]

Have 17 tots under gutters for gardens and livestock. Set them on 5 pallets high for gravity feed. The pallets began rotting out in four years and were unsightly. Changed over to 3 cinder blocks. Each unit provides for storage underneath. Wash the tanks out as needed. Have added an electric pump for irrigation and transfer. Going green is 👍 👍

[@petegreenway8953]

Swmae Huw, lovely video and thoroughly explained. I've been using IBCs for watering quite abit too and had a few suggestions you may not have tried. 1. We store IBCs for watering inside the polytunnel, this acts as a heat battery equalising temperatures and pre warms the water for watering in the polytunnel. 2. Automatic watering systems and irrigation pipe, i recommend giving the soaker hose a go even for small scale growing, only some automatic waterers will work with less than 1 bar of water pressure though. 3. Ball cocks are a really easy way to automate the IBC filling up, i initially used to turn a tap on but would reliably forget about it and flood the area, also the ball cock meant it would get topped up as it emptied maintaining water temp if in a polytunnel. 4. A simpler way to daisy chain the IBCs together is to cut a length of hose pipe long enough to reach to the bottom of two IBCs side by side (2mish) cut 2 inch lengths of scrap copper pipe and slot the hosepipe inside, this weighs down the hosepipe, syphon from one IBC into the other to make the water connected, this way a daisy chain of IBCS means one output can access however many litres of storage are connected while not needing to put any additional holes in the IBCs. Thanks for all the videos and information you share, keep up the good work a hwyl fawr o Sir Gaerfyrddin

[@c.garcia2363]

@Huw: 1) beard? When did that happen? 🤗 2) allowing even small amounts of light to reach the water inside you container promotes algae growth. Painting the outside of the translucent totes is a common solution. Creativity abounds and I can see you weaving reeds or tender vines onto the aluminum frame to block out the sunlight. Greetings from cloistered California.

[@bjarnegoddik1381]

Thx for your videos. I really like them a lot. When i look at your water system i just have 2 suggestions: a) Covering your tanks so algee don't grow at the inside. b) Make a simple filter before the first tank (can be a blue barrel where the water is coming in tangential at the side and the outlet is taken from the middle oh the tank (this will make the water circulation). This will remove most of both dirt and floating things.

[@huertaagroecologicalashada3199]

Excelente video, es una de las cosas mas importantes, prevenir al hacer un Huerto si no tienes agua cerca. Saludos desde Galicia 🌱🤗🌨⛄

[@niallgardens]

This is just brilliant! I fell into a google rabbit-hole earlier in the year looking at IBC tanks and it’s great to see how you’ve set yours up. Cheers for making this!

[@earlshine453]

I have a T-connector inserted in the rainwater down pipe. It has a screen to keep out larger articles out (leafs and moss continue down) and it sends the water to the first tote. The connector also has a switch to block water entering the tote when it's hard freezing, just to keep the drained totes dry. Both totes have a dual connection with each other (on top below the inlet level and at the bottom). When the totes are full the connector will send all water on to the downpipe. The lids are not fully secured in order to allow the air going in and out of the totes. There are many types of tote exit threads. Make sure to find the right adapters if you want to connect some sort of hose. Both totes are positioned on a pedestal with the outlet emptying in a tub (using a short hose), for quick filling my watering cans. Some winters I have to drain the totes in order to prevent freezing. Hope this helps. Greetings from Holland.

[@PCunningham]

I collect rain water in stand alone IBC's. Raised platform, built a 30 degree pitched - one side roof with colour steel (coro tin), roof gutter at bottom of tin, feeds directly into the IBC. Works very well.

[@MonkeyMagicOohOoh]

I love IBC tanks - I purchased 4 and plumbed them together (at the bottom, not top) so they all fill up at the same time. 4000 litre capacity. A really wet weekend can fill up these tanks. I’m astonished at how much water I can collect after a rain storm. 2.5mm/1 inch of rain equates to 1000 litres for our system.

[@growsoilbiology]

I was getting algae in my IBC's. I emptied it out, (started clean) added a layer of granite gravel to the bottom and put elodea canedensis and elodea densa in there. These are very cheap pond weeds that are strong oxygenators, my water has been crystal clear all summer! I have seen other people paint IBC's black to reduce sunlight, but this warms the water so I'm not sure how useful that is!? I am growing a passionflower on my IBC's for shade, when the plant gets going I hope it'll work out.

[@SolidGoldHedgehog]

That's so smart. The bars are essentially a trellis so the passion should grow well, watering's no issue, and they like constrained root spaces (from what I've read) so a simple pot next to the IBC should suffice. You could also use other vining plants I guess, although maybe nothing too aggressive.

[@chickiewidie]

@LukeHardy Thank you! for your tip Extremely Grateful. May i know where you get your IBC tank/ elodea canedensis & elodea densa please. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I would like to try. Thank you🙏🏻

[@_samuel_6951]

I wrapped my IBC's in 6mm black plastic tarp. In the states, it can be purchased at home improvement places (like home depot or Lowe's). My tanks were a little more expensive than what you're paying across the pond, I bought 5 food grade tanks for $120 each. The plastic tarp was $60 , and was enough to cover all tanks. just take the empty tank out of the cage, wrap in plastic, and place back in the cage.

[@dannythomas9344]

Treat water with apple cider vinegar. It prevents alge growth and keeps water clean and clear. I use this method for my animals.

[@jameskniskern2261]

Bang up system there! You are lucky to have the wet weather stream higher up than your storage. :) I have to use electric pump to move the water from our downhill ponds up to the garden.

[@smithy4121]

Thank you for sharing that. I realised by how quick they filled up when I just put large plant pots I hadn't put holes in yet under a leak in our guttering where just a little of water coming off the garage roof was leaking, that a heck of a lot of water must come off our main roof. I don't have room for ibc tanks but I do intend to do something similar but smaller linking several water butt's along the side of my house to collect water from our main roof. I've then seen pumps that I'm hoping could be linked up to my soaker hose as unfortunately I can't carry the watering can loads of times for watering due to my health. Next spring we're putting in all our raised beds which will cost a bit in compost ect as I won't have enough made but if I see any water butts second hand I'll still probably snap them up. I'm hoping to rig something up for plant food too as I found that hard again due to lugging the watering can. I'm actually hoping eating organic food will help mine and my daughters health as we have the same thing. We still grew a lot of food despite my challenges. I've discovered I can grow things without killing them all lol. This is mostly thanks to people like you and Tony and lots of others doing you tube videos. I've learnt tonnes so thank you so much.

[@anniegaddis5240]

We put our pipes, between each tote, near the bottom instead of at the top. That way they ALL fill up at the same time. We also have them up on cider blocks, so that the water pressure coming out is higher. Hope that helps.

[@thomasnoble1816]

I like your system. My irrigation is pumped and filtered well water- and the flow rate is iffy. So that leaves me with rainwater harvesting. The twin issues there are filtering and rigging something up that my spouse can tolerate the looks of! When I pointed out the IBC tanks in one of your other videos I got a look.

[@neerajkapoor1050]

i am just loving it... cascading effect for organizing water is awesome - the multiple tanks help in sedimentation process and last tank should have cleaner water

[@TheDevonblacksmith]

I have a very similar set up. I have done a couple of videos on how I set up the collection system so I can bring my water over the hill it a silt trap as well.

[@bobbarlow3570]

Hi: At our last home, I collected rain water into two of the 1000 later cube containers such as you use. I connected the outlets with 2 inch pic, and put a hose tap in the end. As the rain ran into one, the other filled also. (Had to drill a small hole in the cap of the second one to allow air to escape as it filled. ) The system worked well, and required one hose outlet.)

[@bobbarlow3570]

correction "2 inch pvc pipe"

[@clivefenn5931]

For many of us taking water from a stream is illegal, you are fortunate to be allowed. I find a car battery, bilge pump and a length of washing machine outlet pipe together with the mdpe pipe I have a great way of moving water around our allotment water storage areas better than carrying buckets.

[@kitdubhran2968]

This was awesome. Thanks for this. Where I am we can’t divert the water flow at all of ground water (being in a watershed we have a lot of regulations to manage it without people taking the water from others further down stream) We’re only allowed to collect water that’s roof runoff. Can’t even divert water flow on your property without the proper permits and whatnot. But frankly it is cloudy/rainy here 9 months out of the year ( a bit Wales/Ireland-ish). So that’s plenty of water to collect. Just need to get the barrels or tanks to store it all.

[@tonysgardensgizmos7164]

Fab system Huw, very similar to mine, except i’m hooking mine up to a solar powered pumping system.

[@harrowbiodiversity594]

Any suggestions for solar pumps. We are developing community gardens in housing estates and very much want to do this. But I cannot find pumps.

[@harunyahyadotorg]

Wow that’s what I was thinking.

[@peterguilliatt]

@@harrowbiodiversity594 ​ @James Pitt I used small pumps for my system. They're 12v ones running off a solar charged battery. Details can be found here - www.instructables.com/How-I-Made-My-Garden-Water-Storage-System-July-202/

[@lauracruz-smith8767]

@@peterguilliatt I couldn’t find the FB group listed at the bottom of the instructions

[@josephkiselica8923]

Huw. Here in Slovakia. I have built a 2k rain water storage system from stock rain barrels with a primary filter / simple check valve for roof debris and primary settling tank. RAIN WATER IS VERY DIRTY FROM ONE'S ROOF..... This gives us around 2k +/- on demand of fresh clean water..... it's a gravity feed system with the connections at the bottom of the barrels which are raised on a platform...... EASY AND CLEAN WATER.

[@TheWelshGardener]

Great video, Huw! I really liked the relaxed, personal format of this video! :)

[@kimallard225]

Hi Huw. I'm thinking of getting IBC tanks. But don't know enough about them. Would you mind answering a few questions? 1) How do you clean an IBC tank? 2) How do you prevent algi in the tank water. 3) can i use them with a hose as well as a watering can? Love your videos. You truly are my inspiration in building my new allotment. As a disabled gardener. Watering cans are simply too heavy to carry to water my beds so a safe alternative is what I'm looking for. Kind regards Kim x

[@thesteviesun]

You've given me something more to think about. I have half an allotment plot, but no structures on my plot from which to gather water.

[@joannthompson765]

We have some rain barrel mostly because in big city but can store 600 gal need to up it to compensate our 90days if no rain we get.

[@oldrooster7084]

Hi Huw! I'M from Croatia and i have discovered Your videos few weeks ago. They are very good and i have learned much from them. I also have an idea to try to cross two very very old apple varyeties that grows near my town. I have never done this before so wish me luck. They are so tasety and have good genetics, both of them are more than 50 years old and i can't wait to see what that new variety would be like.

[@thisorthat7626]

Luka, good luck with your experiment. If you can get grafts that would also help to keep the apple varieties alive.

[@oldrooster7084]

@@thisorthat7626 of course, i would be very happy to spred new variety around the world. Are you from the States? Of course, i have to do it first, i hope it will turn out good from try one... It's so good to talk with someone who like same things as i. If we could somehow stay in touch so we could talk, giving each other informations, and of course some day new apples..

[@thisorthat7626]

@@oldrooster7084 Yes, I am in California. Let me see if I can find a heritage apple organization you can work with. I need to learn to graft as well. I will look around on the internet and get back to you.

[@oldrooster7084]

@@thisorthat7626thank you very much, i hope i didn't make you too much trouble. I will take your advice and try to graft this old apples od mine. Wish you all the best in new year!! Stay safe! Luka, city of Valpovo, Croatia.

[@chrisannm5240]

I have noticed that everything relating to gardening is SO much cheaper in the UK, several times less in cost!! Even buying a 55 gallon rain barrel here runs $60 to over $100. IBC tanks are running $180 to $1500 dollars. I wish I lived and gardened in the UK!!!

[@queenbee7320]

Love that your using a local stream for water. With all the rain though could you not build a roof structure with gutter which would run straight in the tank. We filled 3 tanks from the shed roof here in the North West.

[@lilaclilly198]

Big hello Huw. I am a new sub. I have been searching for inspiration and down to earth advice. On growing fruit and veg. As I have only just signed up for my very own allotment. I found your videos to be one of the MOST informative and helpful and EASY TO UNDERSTAND.... The one on creating your own compost is real 💎 gem... I can’t thank-you enough, 🙏🏻you are a real ‘god, send.... Will definitely be buying both your 📖📖. I am was very excited about my allotment, but very nervous and overwhelmed , on the work ahead of me... But after watching a lot of your videos I feel a lot more confident! Bless you stay safe.

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

We have a full-on rainwater collection system, I did a video on it (the only one on my channel!), I can really recommend setting up some sort of integrated system like this so you're not hauling buckets around. Is doable if you can funnel all your roof water into one pipe and feed that into your holding tanks, though you will need a temporary tank and a small pump if your tanks are uphill. You could also build a simple corrugated roof much closer to your tanks (or even covering then!) and collect off those! My main problem is a general lack of rainfall, it takes forever to fill up my 8000-litre tank, and no time at all to empty it in our dry climate :/

[@rory6089]

Hey Huw, I've been a subscriber for a long while (just re-watched one of your videos from 7 years ago, you've done a fine job! All the best from Ireland :-)

[@stephentomes2634]

Just got your book grow food for free for birthday as promised looks decent. Hope it helps you in your endeavour

[@LittleGardenSK]

I have one set up catching rain off my garden shed and works great! Had some algae issues last year so looking for ideas on how clean that out.

[@HuwRichards]

Empty it out every autumn/early winter ,leave empty for about a month or two then refill. Alternatively look at something like a barley straw log :)

[@LittleGardenSK]

@@HuwRichards Thank you - I just googled the barley straw log - never heard of them! Will definitely consider that option if needed. Happy Gardening!

[@LittleGardenSK]

@@teddybeardiy3538 thanks. I’ve relocated it to north side of shed so a lot less exposure to sunlight now. Some kind of coverage should help as well. Happy Gardening!

[@deborahhall5610]

Chris Thomas in Carmarthen has them Huw...£40 each and he has them often x

[@HuwRichards]

Amazing! Thanks!

[@litomora8468]

we have a stream back at my parent's place but we never used it like that hahah. We'll just occasionally carry a bucket or so of water from it (which is not that big of a deal since it's like 15 meter-ish away from the garden)

[@DjGlenJon]

Drill powered water pump. I have a stream behind me too. Saves a lot of leg work

[@elsmooth12]

Huw, great video! Quick question....do you have available a list of the specific components you used to connect the tanks together? Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@mildredarnold4052]

Hey Huw you should think of hydro electric/water turbine. You should look into it for added electricity for your farm. This is just a thought because you have a slope and there is a creek.

[@raincoast9010]

There is a Canadian permaculture guy who talked about micro plastics in vegetables quoting i think an Italian study. He was perplexed and pondered if it was the plastic mulch or the plastic watering system or some other source?

[@annburge291]

Stefan Sobkiwiak at Miracle Farm permaculture orchard

[@jeffsullivan3362]

I'm wondering how you keep algae from growing in the IBCs? Also if you could stack them 2-3 high you'd create water pressure that can be used to water with a hose. Not a ton of pressure but enough.

[@JamiesonJames]

I believe he should paint the totes black, or drape a tarp to block the light,

[@claireyourfriend59755]

Thanks so much for this, I’m going to look into finding an ibc tank near me! And hello from the 🇺🇸 USA! 😊

[@annicascountrylife7561]

I have been thinking some years to buy IBC's and this year I must do it!

[@KubedPixel]

Huw, something to consider. Have a look at Aquamidas FreshaTank. They're silver and copper disks that you put in water butts that stop bacteria and algae forming. Keeps your water storage fresher for longer and they're pretty cheap.

[@kiransadventures]

Few questions Is the plastic used in touts is food grade and safe? How long a tout last in open sun? How will you clean inside of tout? Is the tout translucent to grow spirulina? Can two persons lift an empty tout?

[@kickinghorse2405]

Excellent video (the usz). I'm curious: have you and your family have considered the use of a grey water filtration system to use reclaimed water for watering trees and shrubs?

[@tasha5809]

This is Fab!!! Just a quick question, Im growing organically can organic plants be watered with tap water instead of filtered/spring/rain water? Tap contains alot of chemicals, how does this affect the plants? Thank u. Ur channel is awesome!

[@brickwellhomestead6708]

I do basically the same thing, I also use a sump pump to transfer water to the IBC for storage and also to pump it into a garden hose to water my garden so i don't have to constantly fill up a watering can.

[@smithy4121]

What sump pump do you use please? I'm looking for something similar to use water butts to water the garden through the soaker hose as I can't keep carrying a watering can up and down. Thanks

[@brickwellhomestead6708]

@@smithy4121 I use "Little Giant Cover Pump 1-AA-18" its not the most powerful but it does what I need.

[@smithy4121]

@@brickwellhomestead6708 thank you I'll have a look.

[@santaibersamananai4627]

Thank you for the wonderful video...gained alot of tips...hi from Malaysia

[@johnnieblackburn3182]

We got our 300 gallon tanks like that for $65 this year. We had to pick them up , and they were unused. One was half filled after one night of rain guttered from the garage.

[@texassaltwaterlife4374]

Great vid Huw question do u have problems with algae during the hot months seeing as the tanks are white

[@christineherrmann205]

I was also thinking about freezing and thawing; it's a problem here with winter storage. But our springs rains are so reliable, I just take down storage in winter and out it up again in spring.

[@nanettie]

I am a Texan also. Do you think some space blankets wrapped around the cages would be durable enough? That would block the light and mitigate the heat. I doubt in Texas that such a large mass of water would freeze very often. What do you think?

[@annburge291]

Algae grows with light. If you make a black plastic light blocking cover covered something like old carpet/ blanket to protect the black plastic algae won't grow. It then can be covered with a pumpkin plant. Personally I think it's easier to buy proper water tanks and use the transparent ones for fish ( that eat algae) and wicking beds. Another option is place the transparent containers inside a barn for animal use.

[@clairemcconway6266]

@@nanettie I think if you build a sort of wooden cage around the sides and top of the IBC tanks, say out of pallets, then you can grow plants on them, that should keep things shaded.

[@nanettie]

@@clairemcconway6266 Your pallet/plant shade idea seems good for lowering the temperature. To stop algae, the most do-able idea I have found so far is to take the plastic tank out of the cage and paint it then put it back in the cage. Sounds like a lot of trouble, but so far I haven’t found a better idea to block all light (which is necessary, I have found.)

[@ashbash9103]

I would have loved to see a solution that makes use of the structure of the IBCs so that each tank captures its own rainwater in a standalone way

[@kamilkozicki3006]

Great video, Huw! Could you show us your green house construction? What is it made of? Polycarbonate?

[@ianhargraves5871]

Huw, I have just got my first IBC which I have placed at the top of my long garden. I have a smaller butt filling off my house guttering with a submersible pump that then pumps it to the IBC through a hosepipe. I want to increase the number of IBCs and I really like your idea of coupling them together at the tops with some large diameter water pipes. How did you manage to get the back nut onto the coupling in the side of the tanks? Of course could link them at the outlets but then all tanks would fill at the same time! Thanks Ian

[@kathleenmillhouse3206]

Hi Huw. I was wondering if you could please tell me which video it was that you were showing how you had a roof top over your IBCs and pumping water using a solar battery pack. Love your work cheers.

[@CopperRaven]

Hi Huw, we have been watching you for quite awhile and I just got a copy of one of your lovely books this past spring. Its very well done. I was curious about the IBC's in the winter. We live in an area where the weather does drop to freezing temps and regular snow storms. Would these still be a legitimate water storage option with insulation or would something else be better suited for the weather?

[@HuwRichards]

Great question! We get cold temps too, last night was -4 degrees and it can get colder! The best thing to do is to not fill the tanks full until the end of winter, and insulation will definitely help out too :) The thing about IBC tanks is that if 1 cracks you still have 5 more, but if you get one big tank and that cracks, then it isn't so good!

[@CopperRaven]

@@HuwRichards Thanks so much! This makes a lot of sense and very logical approach with the multiple tanks. Thank you!

[@MalcolmMeyer]

Have you done a video on that greenhouse?

[@elmafudd9703]

Thank you for your time you saved me thousands. Does the council with their yellow hat and health and safety turn up going ohhh you can not do that. Also does the council charge you business rates in if so how much per square meter for having a commercial site.

[@mollvandiepenbrugge9817]

So you can fill them up completely during winter. I have 1 tank and that is filled bij the guttering of a smallish shed. It lasts me almost all summer

[@mdmd2519]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Do you have issues with sedimentation in your tanks? We use gravity feed but deal w/ a lot of river silt. Looking for info re best in-line filters. I have also had issues with the plastic valves on IBC tanks. Thanks!

[@nancyhoffman5571]

My Husband has just starting setting up an IBC water tank at the top of our garden. Is there anything we need to add to the rain water we have collected from our roof gutters to keep water fresh for garden plants? Will this water go bad i.e. mold etc and be bad for our plants? We don't want to use chlorine. Thank you for you video, it confirms we are on the right track.

[@zoundstreetop]

A food grade IBC is about $130 now in the US.

[@ambrosemclaren145]

Wow. They were only $75 in 2015.

[@zoundstreetop]

@@ambrosemclaren145 I know. I got them for $45 6 years ago. Should have gotten more.

[@Bethycaca]

Great video, thanks! I'm wondering if the cages are important? What are they for? There are loads of IBC tanks for sale near me, but the cheaper ones don't have cages round them. I don't think it matters but curious if i've missed something :)

[@indupitable19]

Hi Huw, just starting out. Brilliant video, really informative. Quick question - how large is the plot that requires the 5000 litres in a drought? We are trying to work out how many IBC tanks we'll need to buy. Hope you can assist. Thanks!

[@gregsanderson2470]

We're switching to Rumble. Hope to see you there.

[@GreenSideUp]

That is a VERY good price Huw for those IBC's, even with the transport costs on top. Here in Cumbria I have not seen (when I have looked over the years) anything cheaper than around the £100 mark, I have two anyway to be setup next spring after my third polytunnel goes up, could use a couple more though so eyes are always open...Steve...😂 [Edit] Just had another browse, can see for 40-50 quid for sale now, but because I am on the north cumbrian cost transport distance and cost is prohibitive. [Edit]

[@queenbee7320]

Down the road near Lancaster IBC is about 30. Don't know what transport would cost though.

[@basicneeds1019]

In the United States if you use water from a stream or natural water sources like that you would have to have water rights that come with the land. In the state of Utah where I live we have to be licensed to collect rainwater. There's no fear anything involved in it but you do have to register with the county

[@hbrws813]

Excellent video, both educational and inspiring.

[@yvonnedebruin595]

Just had a look at price for IBC tank in NZ, anywhere from $100-$250 each, then the cost of adapters. I guess once you have them they are then an investment. Great ideas.

[@thisorthat7626]

Yikes, that is expensive. If you paint the outside to protect them from sunlight. they should last for years. Perhaps you can find some cheaper in the future. Good luck.

[@TheStwat]

Are you worried about the runoff from farms into the streams?

[@julesa245]

Great video but where did you get the IBC tanks for that price please. We got 2 reconditioned ones for £75 each. New ones are £200 ish. My husband is distressed as he searched high and low for cheaper price. I really appreciate your videos on how not to be overwhelmed by the garden. It is difficult to fit everything in often with work, even at the moment. I have had a break from the plot for a couple of months but am getting slightly more enthusiastic now Christmas has passed. Roll on no dig potato planting. Thankyou. Julia and Benjamin the schnauzer.

[@stephanieneal8653]

Should I leave tanks open or covered? I see yours are covered but that must limit rain collection. What are the considerations with each?

[@MrCrownsmith]

Great video Huw. The young lady said “pilaging” (if I heard correctly). Please can you tell me what that is as seems a good idea. I did see gutters used to collect water from poly tunnels but not sure how that was done. Others commented on availability of ibc tanks; there seem to be plenty on eBay.

[@donincognito189]

She said 'tile edging' - the plastic strips you use when putting tiles on a kitchen/bathroom wall to make a smooth, neat edge. If you fix them upside down they make little gutters.

[@endamoynagh2085]

This is a brilliant site.tx form westmeath ireland

[@rickakerboom5331]

Thanks for a great video, Huw! I have recently gotten 2 of these IBC tanks, such a great solution. Could you tell where how to get (or how to make) the connection between the wider opening (60 mm?) and an outlet/tap that fits with a water hose? Thanks from the west coast of Norway.

[@dotgusten]

Look for an IBC adapter to either 1/2" or 3/4" thread

[@londonorganicgrower8538]

How do you know what are the “good “ chemical and where do you buy all the fittings which fit these tanks? I want to get some next year. Thank you, it’s a great set up.

[@dobrozahrada]

PLEASE tell me how your compost bins are tight together, PLEASE.

[@tamardevane6635]

Hi Huw. We have put gutters on our house in Portugal, and want to store in IVC’s. When we got a builder out, he said that storing water this way was not a good idea because the water gets very warm; develops algae and mosquito larvae . Have you experienced any of these problems ? This water would be stored as emergency, back up garden water. We weren’t sure if he simply preferred to repair our underground water tank and put in a new pump. We do plan to do this as well, and he may just feel it’s overkill.

[@ivansince91]

Amazing, thanks.

[@HuwRichards]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@d.w.stratton4078]

Huw, love your videos, love that you're a humble guy trying to share your knowledgeable. Enjoy your vids v much. Question: won't *any* plastic tank leach microplastics, estrogenic compounds, and carcinogens into the water, especially if it is being stored in sunlight where it photodegrades? I am looking to store around 10,000L myself and still haven't found a good, affordable way to do so because I'm trying to avoid plastic or chemical sealants. I'm thinking 50-gallon steel drums might be best bet, but that's a *lot* of drums.

[@Scoutdogs]

I have seen stainless steel water storage tanks, but you need a big budget. I think different plastics react differently and that is why the water storage tanks should be the type deemed "safe for storing water for human consumption". If you use any ol' tank, it may have negative effects on the water. And putting the tanks in a protected location, out of direct sunlight will surely help. I would run anything I planned to drink through a good quality water filter that can remove dangerous chemicals.

[@Soilfoodwebwarrior]

I think so, but still think it is a good solution. I don't plan on drinking the water but if I did a filter would be necessary

[@growyourstreet]

Hello, sorry for my english, trying to improve it, i promise :p. Well I'm always curious about how guys use IBC. For a new garden project ( started on you youtube) i develop the use of ibc without any source like a roof for exemple. I already done it on sketchup, and the idea is to put in the tank a pvc pipe, wich goes in my case about 50cm above the ibc. To maximise the ammount of water i'm going to put a big plastic collecting the water in the tank.The plastic is for a first test, and will be fixed into a 3m high pergola. Realisation will be complete in end january.

[@thisorthat7626]

Grow Your Street, that should work. In the Southwest deserts of the U.S. people use "rain roofs" to do the same thing. They can be built high off the ground, or just a few centimeters. They are just a surface to collect rain and direct it into an IBC or other container. Good luck with your design.

[@lauriesmith7517]

One question: how do you prevent green algae from growing in the tanks? I gave up on water barrels because of the algae slime. I live in the desert in the US, so it grows really fast in our heat.

[@Lauradicus]

Food grade peroxide is pretty common for keeping tanks clear.

[@AndrewLoui]

Paint it black or wrap it with tarp.

[@lauriesmith7517]

@@AndrewLoui, nope, It was already opaque, a water barrel, not a translucent tank. And black retains heat, so that would just have exacerbated the problem.

[@AndrewLoui]

@@lauriesmith7517 Algae needs light to grow and black blocks light.

[@lauriesmith7517]

Andrew, as I said, it was opaque plastic. Red, no less, so if any light did filter though, it was not that part of the spectrum that stimulates algal growth. Nonetheless, algae grew, and plenty of it.

[@fishhooks100]

Great beard brother!

[@plutonium6280]

UV / sunlight will ruin them. Certainly in Australia. Not a bad idea to keep them covered,that will stop algae also.

[@HuwRichards]

Yes you can absolutely cover them 👌 We haven't had any algae issues, part of that is emptying the barrels every winter and then refilling just before spring :)

[@MrCrownsmith]

Also not heard of polycrubs before. Sound great for insulation although I don’t think I’d get the same winds as in Shetland! Are they “domestic” sized? I ask since I am planning on a number of poly tunnels and their planning consent status seems a rather gray area. Any ideas or thoughts welcome. 👍

[@Guitarbarella]

Fix some guttering strips down both sides of your greenhouse and feed it into the tanks.

[@Guitarbarella]

You can also fix some old galvanised sheeting over tanks on a slant to go into one that feeds into the others.

[@ttontsaa]

Wondering about the way you get the water from the creek. Do you need to use a pump of some sorts or does the creek generate enough pressure in the hose to actually move the water into the tanks? I have a small creek running right by my property and got interested in utilizing it.

[@niallwildwoode7373]

Sadly polycrubs are rediculously expensive, so I'm going for a twin-skinned, inflatable tunnel system, self built. A bit like The Eden Project principle. I agree that IBCs are excellent water storage, and I get them for £25 from chicken farms. Can't have too many of them.

[@trollforge]

Unfortunately, when you live 14 hours drive from the nearest major seaport IBCs average about $150.00 each...

[@SolidGoldHedgehog]

Yeah, when I heard him say 25... I'm lucky to get a 200L barrel for under 100, let alone 10x the capacity for a quarter the price.

[@trollforge]

@@SolidGoldHedgehog Well, good luck with your search! I found one for free just before the snow came in 2019, the guy's landlord wanted it gone... so keep an eye out on the free stuff sites!

[@SolidGoldHedgehog]

@@trollforge Thanks. Just gotta keep looking.

[@sandraruprecht4580]

Do you do something for isolation so the tanks won't break when it freezes?

[@julianhazell]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

It probably doesn’t get cold enough to freeze them where he is.

[@peterguilliatt]

It would have to get very cold for the whole tank to freeze. A couple of inches on top isn't an issue as the tops aren't air tight so the ice can expand upwards.

[@johnnieblackburn3182]

@@peterguilliatt No. When you have below freezing and below zero weather in Zone 5, all of it will freeze. A couple of years ago we had 3 weeks of below zero weather. We have to use all of ours up before the harsh winter weather. Freezing can crack your storage barrels or break seals on your fittings. Best to drain or use before harsh weather, and collect water in Spring. At least, that works best for us in zone 5.

[@honeycaffena4897]

Thank you for sharing! Question- what is your recommendations if someone lives in zone 5, to help tanks not freeze?

[@ohio_gardener]

Drain them for the winter, then start collecting again in early spring when the spring rains begin.

[@honeycaffena4897]

@@ohio_gardener I want the water to use in the winter for inside, that’s why I ask the question

[@emungere]

Not sure if it would work, but maybe one of those solar de-icers they make for livestock watering tanks? They sell them at Tractor Supply if you’re in the US.

[@melodyclark4347]

@@emungere That is an excellent idea. I will be looking into that. Thanks.

[@mavisdavisify]

Do the IBC totes turn green with algae and if so does that effect the ability to use the water collected? Does the algae get so thick it blocks the hoses from putting water in or taking it out?

[@HeleneAube]

The pipe that connects from one tote to the other, what kind of pipe and fittings do I need as I love this. I have 2 totes that I need to connect. One of the totes still has the original plastic (not cut) what kind of adapter should I use. Thanks

[@funkybillie2006]

Are you married?! My younger sister needs a good man and you are one :) only kidding but very impressed by all you do. I have been watching since the start and you are a lovely chap with so much knowledge it's fantastic to see the next generation doing something so positive. x

[@d.w.stratton4078]

Ew

[@waweboardgirl]

I wish IBC's would be this cheap in Germany. Around here they usually cost around 80-130€.

[@c.garcia2363]

@ Diamond: $80.00 USD each, tote only, no aluminum cage, out here in California.

[@pertelote4526]

Diamond Pop over to Poland if you live close to the Polish border; they are likely to be cheaper there: www.ibcservice.com.pl/ibc,30.html

[@cymruambyth322]

Sounds like yHuw got a good deal on the IBC tanks. Can't find anything that reasonably priced myself. Anyone have hints on where to look? (I live in Glamorganshire near Bridgend)

[@HuwRichards]

A great place to look is by asking on local Facebook for swap, sale and giveaway groups :)

[@deborahhall5610]

They are £40 in chris Thomas in carmarthen....ill be getting some when we move in the new year 😁 they had loads of them there on Thursday x

[@Lauradicus]

Shoot, your prices in the UK are minuscule! Over $250 per here in the Seattle area, even used!

[@Lauradicus]

@DepressednWondering We can only keep checking!

[@DavidWaldrip]

Maybe I missed it but are his IBC tanks “FOOD GRADE”?

[@lauras019]

Are you concerned at all about the quality of water collected from a roof? I have a couple rain barrels and have heard in various places that I shouldn't be watering food crops with it.

[@kraig800i]

I'm in the process of trying to get a water butt installed at my mothers house and the only viable space we have is a good distance away from the gutter we want to use. I have no quelms about buying extra piping/guttering so it can flow directly to the butt. BUT I am aware that it may need to be overflow proff and there's no way the water is going to travel back to the pipe to relieve the overflow. So I'm thinking of drilling an overflow hose and redirecting the double filtered water to the nearest street drain. Do you think this will be a legally sound solution to prevent flooding?

[@planningreelalaska4121]

I just got 2 IBC totes, they had petroleum oil. 5w something. If I clean out with dawn and bleach what are your thoughts on using this for gardening? Thanks

[@annburge291]

Chihuahua, desert, 1 mm rain in 18 months...we have spent an enormous amount on water... Our water allowance was two hours once per week six months of the year from a one inch pipe. First we spent on drip irrigation that the neighbours kept shutting our tap and then burning the lines three times. Then we investigated in large plastic tanks. The neighbours sabotaged the float valve, jumped on top of the tanks and somehow managed to crack them. We have mended them. Then we constructed concrete holding pools and hand watered at night. The neighbours sabotaged our trees because obviously we were stealing water because our grass was green... sometimes permaculture isn't politically wise and there is backlash...we have ended up digging our own well and getting free of the allocated water system. When the pecan orchards are watering, our well is dry... but we can work around that... Your stream and rainfall is a blessing.

[@gaylekerr9826]

Oh, dear! I'm so sorry you have such neighbors!

[@Lauradicus]

I have had an evil neighbor like that. Horrendous. Sorry you are having to deal with that.