[Blue Giraffe]

Got my first IBC today, unfortunately Toucan Environmental have sent me a black one.

Obviously I can't see how much water is in the thing - is there any way around this? 

If so what is the procedure for cleaning it first?

Thanks.

[dannymack]

You sure that's not black tape  lol !!!
Only  thought they were see through 👍

[Blue Giraffe]

Sadly not

http://www.toucanenvironmental.co.uk/1000-litre-black-ibc.html

I did specify a clear one....

[Smudger]

Black can be regarded as a bonus, less chance of algae build up

Is it new ? If so a quick washout with pure will be enough, if used a good pressure wash then wash with pure

You can buy a depth gauge and fit

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IBC-CAGE-TANK-FLOAT-GAUGE-4ft-1-2M-Oil-or-Water-Comes-with-a-1-1-2-Back-Nut-/300936571936?pt=UK_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL&hash=item461137ac20

Darran

[Perfect Windows]

You've had a result there; no algae build-up in a black tank.

They supply them cleaned according to their website, so all I'd do is fill with pure, leave overnight, stir with a clean long stick/cane and check TDS.  If it's lower than about 5, use the water.  If not, let it out of the valve at the bottom and refill.  The tap at the bottom is HARD to move.  And the flow will be fast and flooding, so make sure it's not going to cause damage.

To see how full it is, just tap the side and you'll quickly work out how much is in there as it'll either resist your push (below water) or not (above).

Top tip: If you need to drill any holes in the top of the IBC, put a cup inside under where you're drilling so the swarf doesn't drop into the tank.

Vin

[Blue Giraffe]

Thanks Smudger, that's a relief.  I was worried I would have to send it back/wait for a new one.

Yep beat me to it Perfect Windows -  just read this on their site which is reasurring :

4. Are they supplied clean?
 
Absolutely. The tanks are taken from industry and subsequently steam cleaned, vacuumed and treated. There will be the occasional scratch on the outside of the tank, but the insides are as new. There is no residue and the only odour will be that of the detergent used to clean them.

Cheers for the tips also, that is the sort of thing I wouldn't think of!

[richard groves]

Obviously I can't see how much water is in the thing - is there any way around this? 

difficult to see what the valve/tap and the bottom of the tank is like from the website pic, but here's an idea, if you can put a double tap on it then you could feed clear hose from  one of the taps up the side of the tank and back in through the lid (or drill a hole to feed it back in). The water level in the clear hose will be the same as what is inside the tank.   

[AuRavelling79]

Obviously I can't see how much water is in the thing - is there any way around this? 

difficult to see what the valve/tap and the bottom of the tank is like from the website pic, but here's an idea, if you can put a double tap on it then you could feed clear hose from  one of the taps up the side of the tank and back in through the lid (or drill a hole to feed it back in). The water level in the clear hose will be the same as what is inside the tank.   

Exactly what I've done on one of my IBC's as it is covered in insulation.

[Rayleigh Window Cleaning Services]

Obviously I can't see how much water is in the thing - is there any way around this? 

difficult to see what the valve/tap and the bottom of the tank is like from the website pic, but here's an idea, if you can put a double tap on it then you could feed clear hose from  one of the taps up the side of the tank and back in through the lid (or drill a hole to feed it back in). The water level in the clear hose will be the same as what is inside the tank.   

Similar idea to the rear of some older style Fire engines, only difference they used to have a table tennis ball in the tube for a clear visual

from a distance of water level. Nice and simple, unlike the led lights indicating water level which are always playing up.

Steve

[richard groves]

Obviously I can't see how much water is in the thing - is there any way around this? 

difficult to see what the valve/tap and the bottom of the tank is like from the website pic, but here's an idea, if you can put a double tap on it then you could feed clear hose from  one of the taps up the side of the tank and back in through the lid (or drill a hole to feed it back in). The water level in the clear hose will be the same as what is inside the tank.   

Similar idea to the rear of some older style Fire engines, only difference they used to have a table tennis ball in the tube for a clear visual

from a distance of water level. Nice and simple, unlike the led lights indicating water level which are always playing up.

Steve

That's a great improvement on my idea ! would be really easy to put a small coloured ball in the hose ( 0r cork or anything that floats ), would make spotting the level even easier  ! 

[koopmaster]

I wish I had a black one,  I have to wash it out every 6 months and now put chlorine in to keep the algae at bay.

[Clever Forum Name]

I wish I had a black one,  I have to wash it out every 6 months and now put chlorine in to keep the algae at bay.

Whys that then?

I have covered all of my wydale tanks in black plastic and there aint no algae in them at all!

[Blue Giraffe]

Thanks for the suggestions people, unfortunately I am not DIY minded AT ALL.  So even the simplest of things takes me ages to do  

I think I'll buy a depth gauge.  At the moment, I'm unable to fill the IBC with pure as I haven't got my 450gpd up and running yet, there's still some bits I need to buy, so still burning through resin, going DI's>25l barrels...

[dannymack]

I've had my tank 10 years clean as when I first got it, must be as its kept in warm garage. Hate having to wash it out !!!
If you have to do that then Spose that's what ya gotta do.

Never seen a black one pretty cool. I'd put a plastic ball near the lid so when tank is fall the ball will rise up to the lid cool 👍✔

[Perfect Windows]

Thanks for the suggestions people, unfortunately I am not DIY minded AT ALL.  So even the simplest of things takes me ages to do  

I think I'll buy a depth gauge.  At the moment, I'm unable to fill the IBC with pure as I haven't got my 450gpd up and running yet, there's still some bits I need to buy, so still burning through resin, going DI's>25l barrels...

Don't buy a gauge.  You will be able to feel the depth by poking the outside of the IBC with your finger.

Vin

[Clever Forum Name]

Hole in the side, clear tube up the the side of the tank. Plastic raw plug in tube (floats)

[richard groves]

Hole in the side, clear tube up the the side of the tank. Plastic raw plug in tube (floats)

perfect

[Mike #1]

Sadly not

http://www.toucanenvironmental.co.uk/1000-litre-black-ibc.html

I did specify a clear one....

£60.00 absolute bargain . Mike

[Blue Giraffe]

Plus £45 postage and Vat