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Comparison of properties of different types of storage tanks

<font size=3>'''Comparison of properties of different types of storage tanks'''</font size><br>
Link to this [[Comparison of properties of different types of storage tanks|table]]

<table class="sortable">
<tr>
<th>Tank material</th>
<th>Advantages</th>
<th>Disadvantages</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan=3>Plastic</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fiberglass</td>
<td>
*Commercially available
*Alterable and movable (modular)
*No leak fittings
*Durable
*Minimal maintenance needed
*Light weight
</td>
<td>
*If aboveground, must be sited on smooth, solid, level footing
*Expensive in smaller sizes
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Polyethylene, polypropylene</td>
<td>
*Commercially available
*Alterable and movable
*Affordable
*Available in a variety of sizes
*Easy to install
*Little maintenance
</td>
<td>
*Can be degraded by UV
*If aboveground (outdoors), painted or tinted
*Can be insultated and heat traced.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barrels and trash cans</td>
<td>
*Commercially available
*Inexpensive
</td>
<td>
*Must use new cans
*Small storage capacity
*Rarely installed correctly
*May lead to foundation water issues
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan=3>Metal</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Galvanized steel tanks</td>
<td>
*Commercially available
*Alterable and movable
*Available in variety of sizes
</td>
<td>
*Possible corrosion and rust
*Must be lined for potable use
*Only above-ground use
*Must be insulated and heat traced
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steel drums (55-gallon)</td>
<td>
*Commercially available
*Alterable and movable
</td>
<td>
*Verify prior to use for toxics
*Corrosion and rust can leach metals
*Small storage capacity
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan=3>Concrete and masonry</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ferroconcrete</td>
<td>
*Durable
*Versatile
*Suitable for above- or below-ground installations
*Can be incorporated into the foundation of a building.
</td>
<td>
*Potential to crack and leak
*Permanent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monolithic/poured-in-place</td>
<td>
*Durable
*Suitable for above- or below-ground installations
*Neutralizes acid rain
*Can be incorporated into the foundation of a building.
</td>
<td>
*Potential to crack and leak
*Permanent
*Need drainage in clay soil
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stone, concrete block</td>
<td>
*Durable
*Keeps water cool in hot weather
</td>
<td>
*Difficult to maintain and sanitize
*Permanent
*Expensive to build
*Could harbor biofilms
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan=3>Wood</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pine, redwood, cedar, cypress</td>
<td>
*Attractive
*Durable
*Can be disassembled
*Available in variety of sizes
</td>
<td>
*Expensive
*Require skilled technician to build
*Not for use in hot, dry conditions
*Can be leaky
*Only above-ground use
*Not as easily sanitized
</td>
</tr>
</table>

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