F.A.Q

Basic installation instructions for vertical tanks?

Tanks should ideally be installed on our steel tank stands purposefully designed by our structural engineers. The tank stand heights vary between 1.5 meter, 3m, 4.5m, 6m and 9m high. Spaces between beams should be no more than 50mm apart.

The tanks can also be installed on a solid concrete slab of no less than 100 to 150mm thick. The surface must be level and smooth to ensure a robust base for the tank.

What material is used to manufacture Hippo products?

Base polyethylene with pigment anti-oxidants and UV stabilizers to ensure an extended service life. HippoTanks uses linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) because its flexibility results in abrasion resistance, good impact strength and superior warp resistance.

What are the sizes of the in-/outlet?

Vertical water tanks have the following standard fittings :

• 40mm water fitting at the bottom;
• inlet and over-flow on top (side) with a 50mm fitting (female) (50/40 reducer);
• 450mm lid on top of the tank.

Vertical Chemical Medium and Heavy Duty tanks
• 1 (one) 50mm outlet at the bottom (standard).

Special requests
• Fittings can be made up to 75mm.

Are fittings included in the price?

All standard fittings on tanks are included in the price.

Are taps included and what is needed additionally to install a tap?

A variety of taps, e.g. plastic or lockable solid brass or nickel plated can be ordered separately at additional costs and a 40/20 reducer is also needed to fit to the tank.

What is the maximum temperature that Hippo tanks can handle?

Hippo tanks are designed to withstand the full range of temperatures that occur throughout Africa. However, liquid stored inside the tank should not exceed 40°C

What is the difference between vertical and horizontal tanks and how does one use them?

A vertical tank is the familiar normal upright tank and is used for the storage of water, fertilizers, chemicals and most other liquids.

A horizontal tank is also known as a transporter tank and can be fitted onto the back of a LDV or a truck; it can also be used to build a water-car. It is ideal to transport water to dry, rural areas or building sites. The chemical tanks are often used to transport and store fertilizers, molasses, etc.

Are Hippo water and chemical tanks UV resistant?

Yes they are and this UV resistance gives them their durability in harsh weather conditions

What is the estimated life expectancy of a tank?

Hippo Tanks have a life expectancy of 10 years.

Can water from basin and bath go through the septic tank?

No, soap water or chemicals cannot be used as this will kill the bacteria and stop the normal functioning of the tank. “Friendly” chemicals can be obtained from most co-ops or shops that specialize in outdoors products.

Can I store petrol in my Hippo tank?

Our tanks are safe for diesel storage, but we strongly advise against the storage of petrol in them since our raw material does not contain anti-static. Furthermore, anti-static is very expensive and if used for a tank that will be installed in the sun, the anti-static will evaporate within 6 months.

Can a Hippo tank store diesel outside for long periods of time?

Our tanks are safe for diesel storage outside for long periods of time. We do recommend an effort be made to reduce the temperature variation in the tank, as this can cause condensation in the tank.

My tank is damaged, how do I get it repaired?

First of all, we need to evaluate if we can repair your tank. Please send us some pictures of the crack at info@hippoplastique.com .

After analysis, we will tell you if your tank is repairable and we will provide you with a quote.

Can I install a horizontal tank for rainwater harvesting?

Horizontal tanks are sometimes installed as rainwater harvesting tanks instead of vertical tanks when the height of the available storage space is limited.