Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to questions you might have.
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Dipping Tank Use
What is a Garden Dipping Tank?
An alternative way of storing and accessing harvested rainwater. To use this water you just dip your watering can into the water to scoop it out.
What is a Dipping Pond?
Much the same as a Dipping Tank but planted with aquatic plants and can have fish. Originally invented by the Victorians and used on grand estates.
How do I get the rainwater out?
As there is no tap on a Dipping Tank, simply dip your watering can or bucket into the water and scoop out.
How many litres can a Dipping Tank hold?
This depends on what size tank you use. Our smallest tank is 110 litres and are largest is 370 litres. These can be linked together to create a larger capacity. See examples page.
How quick will my Dipping Tank fill up?
This depends on the size of the roof is it harvesting from and the capacity of the Dipping Tank. Generally a lot quicker than you think!
Can I put plants in the Dipping Tank?
Dipping Tanks can be planted up with aquatic plants found in the pond section of any garden centre. If using our Soaking Tray you can also use bog or moisture loving plants.
Will a Dipping Tank attract wildlife?
Absolutely, adding water to the garden will create a new habitat. Dragonfly’s, water striders and birds are just some of the wildlife commonly seen by our tanks. Adding a Dipping Tank will add to the biodiversity of your garden.
Can I keep fish in a Dipping Tank?
Yes, we have even had fish breeding in our Dipping Tanks. How many fish you can add will depend on the size of tank. There are some things to think about before adding a pet. Is there power nearby to add a filter? Will I be able to feed them regularly? How big will the fish get. Adding fish will also limit the amount of Dipping that can be done.
How do I deter mosquitoes from my Dipping Tank?
There are lots of ways to stop mosquitoes. 1) add plants
nearby that the mosquitoes don’t like the smell of, e.g. Marigold, Rosemary,
Lavender. 2) Have running water. Mosquitoes like stagnant water. 3) Have fish
in your tank.
How do I stop Algae growing in my Dipping Tank?
Algae grows off excess nutrients in the water. We recommend covering around half of the water surface with aquatic plants. This should be enough to use all the nutrients in the water and prevent algae growth. This is the same principal as a natural pond.
Manufacturing Process
Where are the Dipping Tanks made?
Every product The Dipping Tank Company produces is made in Britain, local to us in Cambridge.
How are the Dipping Tanks fabricated?
Our tanks are fully TIG welded together there are no chemicals like glue, resin or sealant holding them together. This also means that there's no liner in the tank.
Can you do custom Dipping Tanks?
As we design all our own products and oversee fabrication we are able to take on custom work. If you have something specific in mind please contact us.
Can you do other sizes?
Yes, we are able to make a Dipping Tank to your specific size but there is extra cost involved for design work and tooling.
Can you paint the Dipping Tanks in other colours?
Yes, we can paint to specific RAL number at extra cost.
Will the paint fade?
The powder coating is a tough, durable coating and is very resilient. It will not fade anywhere near as fast as plastic. It should last at least 20 years before degrading.
What type of timber is the facia?
The timber facia is pine, it is tanalised to prevent rotting. It is from a sustainably sourced supplier.
I don’t like the decorative facia. Can you make one
without this?
If you want a plain black Dipping Tank you could turn the tank around to display the back and this will hide the facia. All accessories will still work this way round.
Do your Dipping Tanks come with a warranty?
Yes, there is a 3 year warranty on all Dipping Tank Company products.
Ordering
Delivery lead time?
We generally have a stock of products ready for despatch which we will aim to get to you as soon as possible, usually around a week. In the peak season there is a chance we can run out of stock, if so, the worst case will be 6 weeks.
How will your Dipping Tanks arrive?
Delivery of each order is assessed to see which is the most reliable and cost effective method. 60cm and 1 metre tanks will arrive to your door via courier unless within an hour of Cambridge, then we deliver ourselves. We also deliver larger tanks or multi tank orders within 3 hours of Cambridge. Further than this they will arrive on a pallet. We always prefer to deliver ourselves to guarantee safe delivery. When delivering ourselves we contact you and arrange a delivery time that suits you, this can be weekend or evening.
Installation
Can I divert rainwater from a cast iron or aluminium down pipe?
Yes, there are diverters to suit all types of downpipes. These can all be easily connected to our Dipping Tanks, clear instructions are included with all purchases.
Why doesn’t the Dipping Tank overflow?
All our tanks are fitted with threaded ports near the top of both ends of the tank. This allows either a diverter or an overflow kit to be fitted meaning the excess water can either;
- Go back to the diverter into the drain.
- Escape though our Overflow Kit into a drain, soak-away or garden bed.
Once setup this is a ‘fit and forget’ solution. See our examples page for more.
Do I need to put the Dipping Tank together?
No, our tanks arrive pre assembled. They arrive with installation instructions to make it possible for novice DIYers. All that’s needed to install is a level base and divert rainwater whichever way you choose. See examples page for more.
Why are the Dipping Tanks made from Aluminium?
Aluminium is a nonferrous metal, this means it cannot rust – perfect for a long lasting water container! It also allows us to make much larger tanks which can be easily manoeuvred as it is much lighter than steel.
Why have Dipping Tanks linked together?
- To increase capacity of harvested rainwater.
- To have different uses, e.g. one could be used as an ornamental tank with fish and plants the other can be used for dipping. You can mix the size of the tanks to get the width you want. See examples page.
Can I take my Dipping Tanks if I move house?
You can empty the tank through the threaded ports on the bottom of the tank and take it with you. Being aluminium these tanks aren’t too heavy.
Can you install a Dipping Tank for me?
Yes, we can do installations. Please contact us for a quote.
How can I contact customer support?
There are lots of ways to get in touch. Either through phone, email, social media, the contact form on our website or by emailing us directly. We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have! See our contact us page.