Storing liquid fertilizer in a poly tank can sometimes end up being a longer period of time then you planned. This is often because you pre-ordered your fertilizer and got an early delivery or, you ordered to much. This is not an issue if you have the right tank to store it. A lot of farmers and growers have questions about the strength of poly tanks for there liquid fertilizer. Understanding what poly tanks are made from and how they compare with other materials is important.
What are Poly Tanks made from?
Poly tanks or plastic tanks are made from polyethelene. This raw material is a smooth powder that forms into plastic when it is melted. This is called roto-molding. This means that when the tank is in the oven getting cooked, the mold is spinning, spreading the powder evenly. Depending on the manufacturing process, you will get different plastic thicknesses in different spots.
Are Poly Tanks suitable for long term Fertilizer Storage?
This question is common because it is very often you end up storing fertilizer for more than a year. The answer is yes! Poly tanks are suitable for long term fertilizer storage. But how long? There are certain features on a plastic tank that will make a huge diffence with the amount of time they will last. It's important you check your tank to see whether it has these 3 must-haves.
3 Must-Haves for a Poly Tank:
If you are looking to purchase a poly tank for liquid fertilizer storage, it is important that the tank includes these 3 things. All these benefits will make storing fertilizer for a long period of time much safer and secure.
- Strong Side-walls - The side wall of your tank is the most important part of the product. This is because all the pressure of the heavy liquid is relying on the walls. Read the article I wrote about how ribbed walls can make a difference on poly tanks. Ribbed walls on your poly tank will strengthen the plastic.
- Strong Roof - A strong roof on a poly tank is essential for long term liquid storage. Over time, the whether called degrade the plastic causing your roof to collapse. With the right roof structure, this won't happen. To see a strong roof that will last much longer than 10 years, watch this video.
- 10 Year Warranty - This is what really makes a difference. A good way to determine how long a poly tank will last is by looking at the warranty. This will often tell you how long the manufacturer thinks the tank will be able to store liquid safely.
Compare Poly with Stainless Steel & Fiberglass
While poly tanks are suitable for long term fertilizer storage, it's critical you understand how plastic compares with stainless steel and fiberglass. Buying a tank with suitable material will help you save money and be more efficient with repairs. I wrote 2 articles that you should read that compare poly tanks with stainless steel and fiberglass.
