The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The natural-colored IBC container from DIE BOX FABRIK is Made in Germany and is therefore of high quality. As a food-safe water reservoir, it can be used not only for service water, but also for drinking water. In terms of quality, there is nothing to complain about, this is also confirmed by the reviewers at Amazon who use the Water container describe as "really good". Due to the high capacity of 1000 liters and the robust workmanship, the model weighs around 59 kilograms.

The 3P Technik Filtersysteme brand rainwater tank has a capacity of 250 liters and has an attractive stone look on one side. Due to these features, it takes up comparatively little space in the garden and blends in perfectly with it, even though it is made of polyethylene. The advantages also include the low weight of only 15 kilograms and the simple installation on the rain gutter. The Amazon reviewers are mostly positive about this model. There is repeated talk of a “beautiful bin” that should be “top for the price”.

The functional highlight of the Rain barrel from ECD Germany is the practical foldability. This water container with a capacity of 500 liters can not only be stored in a space-saving way, but also easy to transport - the low weight of just four kilograms is an important factor in this Part at. In terms of quality and handling, the black rainwater tank seems to be convincing if you can trust the reviews on amazon.de.

Purchase criteria

Type

IBC container: Intermediate Bulk Containers, or IBCs for short, are large cuboid tanks in which liquid or pourable materials can be stored and transported. Such an IBC container generally consists of a plastic tank and a simple lattice cage as a "frame". If you do not attach great importance to an attractive appearance, but a large capacity and want to spend as little money as possible, you will find the right one with this type of water container Choice.

Rain barrel: In addition to the purely functional IBC containers, there are also classic rainwater tanks or Rain barrels(4.67 € at Amazon *) available, the design of which varies from simple to creative. For example, you can buy a plastic rain barrel in wood or stone imitation to adapt the appearance to the natural ambience in the garden. Functionally designed models often look like foreign bodies and disrupt the ambience in the green oasis. They should only be used if they can be hidden away.

material

Most water containers are made of sturdy plastic, more precisely from polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or HDPE (high density polyethylene). In the case of IBC containers, a metal or steel grid is added. In addition, water storage tanks are without a lattice structure, but with a high capacity of over 500 liters are usually made of steel themselves, otherwise they cannot bear the enormous load could.

processing

Basically, the water tank should be very stable and processed to a high quality. If you use the water stored in the tank for your plants, the washing machine or even for personal hygiene you have to make sure to buy a container that is absolutely free of pollutants and food safe.

Capacity

Depending on how much rainwater you want to store, you need a water container with a more or less high capacity. The volume of the large water tanks ranges from 200 to 1000 liters. However, smaller canisters are also available for mobile use.

Filling opening

The filling opening is an important criterion when choosing a water container. The bigger it is, the faster the water container fills with rainwater - but it can get through a large opening allows leaves, branches, flowers or insects to easily penetrate and the water contaminate. Tip: An opening with a sieve lock prevents unwanted dirt particles from getting into the rainwater tank.

Assembly

IBC containers are usually delivered fully assembled and ready for use. To collect rainwater, you only need to place the IBC tank in a suitable place in your garden and remove the lid of the filling opening. Classic You usually connect rain barrels to a rain gutter or the prefilter attached to it. Such a coupling is of course also possible with an IBC water container with the help of the right connecting elements. You often have to assemble the drain tap yourself.

scope of delivery

With some water containers, a drain and a water tap are already included in the scope of delivery; other versions only bring the drain tap for the garden hose quick coupling, while a drain tap has to be ordered separately if required. It is also practical if a protective cover is included. However, this is less common.

frequently asked Questions

What is a water container and what is it used for?

With a water container, too Water tank or called a rainwater tank, it is a large container for storing water - usually Rainwater. For this purpose, the rain barrel has an inlet or filler opening. In order to be able to withdraw the stored water without any problems, water containers are equipped with a drain and an outlet tap.

Which brands offer good water containers?

The best known and most popular brands for IBC containers include Rekubik, DIE BOX FABRIK and Werit. Classic rainwater tanks in good quality are available from 3P Technik Filtersysteme, ECD Germany, Graf Garantia and Kreher, for example.

Where is the best place to buy a water container?

Inexpensive to high-priced water containers are available in large hardware stores and garden centers. You will also find what you are looking for online, for example at amazon.de. There you benefit from a considerable selection - even in terms of size and capacity - as well as a generally pleasant shopping experience.

Are there also used water containers available?

Yes, you can buy used water containers at cheaper prices in some hardware stores and garden centers or sometimes borrow them temporarily if you only use the rainwater tanks for a certain period of time require. But make sure to check in advance whether it is worth paying the rental fees. The purchase may be more profitable.

How is a water container delivered?

This depends on the corresponding conditions of the seller. Models that can be parceled, such as those that can be folded or smaller, will be sent by post. Large water containers are usually delivered to you by a shipping company, but often only up to the curb. The shipping company will contact you in advance to arrange a delivery date - often a time window of several hours.

equipment

Outlet tap

If it is not already included in the scope of delivery of the water container, you should order a tap. This makes it easier for you to drain the collected rainwater into the watering can or another container. Make sure to buy a faucet that has a connection that matches that of the water tank.

Protective cover / tarpaulin

In order to protect the water container from the effects of the weather, whether in use or in rest phases, we recommend covering the rain barrel with a robust protective cover or tarpaulin disguise. Opt for a protective cover whose dimensions match the size of the rainwater tank and which is as easy to attach as possible.