Individuals who want to engage in rainwater harvesting but do not have adequate space on their property for a conventional tank will find that slimline tanks provide a viable solution to their space limitations. However, since slimline tanks are typically situated above ground, it is vital to ensure you are taking all the necessary steps to prevent algae from thriving in your collected water. Algae may seem innocuous at the offset, but when these photosynthetic organisms are left to grow, they will contaminate your water and make it unsafe for consumption. Therefore, it is critical to prevent this from the start rather than have to deal with eliminating the growths. Below is a brief guideline on how you can keep algae out of your slimline tank.
Invest in a food grade lining
While most rainwater harvesting slimline tanks are made from BPA-free materials, it is still advisable to invest in a food grade lining for your tank. The food grade lining not only protects your water from compounds that may be present in the poly material, but it also ensures that algae and other microorganisms do not start to cling to the walls of your tank and subsequently contaminate your water. It is also crucial to have the interior of your tank professionally cleaned on a periodic basis to minimise the risk of an algae breach further.
Situate your slimline tank under a shelter
The main advantage of slimline tanks is that they can be located anywhere on your property, as they do not take up much space. Nonetheless, there are still considerations to bear in mind for the placement of the tank. Algae, as aforementioned, are photosynthetic microorganisms. Thus, they need both light and heat to thrive. If your slimline tank is out in the open, the high temperatures and scorching sun are enough to accelerate the growth of these organisms and render your harvested water useless. It is in your best interests to erect a shelter for your slimline tank to protect it from both the ambient heat and light penetration. Consider utilising metal supplies with an ultraviolet coating that will deflect both the UV rays and the heat.
Install a multi-filtration system
When engaging in rainwater harvesting, one of the first accessories that are essential to your tank is a diverter that ensures the primary runoff from your roof does not make its way into your tan. However, this is not the only accessory to purchase. If your collected water is for human consumption, a multi-filtration system is imperative to ensure a clean supply. This filtrations system can comprise UV filters, chlorination and other components that will deter the growth of algae.