Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation: Tank Selection and Installation Guide
Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation
Greenhouse and nursery operations consume enormous volumes of water, often with precise fertigation (fertilizer injection into irrigation water). A single acre of greenhouse production can require 10,000-30,000 gallons per week during peak growing season. Having adequate storage means consistent irrigation regardless of municipal supply fluctuations, well recovery times, or drought restrictions.
Why Tank Selection Matters for Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation
Not every polyethylene tank works for every application. The wrong tank can mean chemical incompatibility, premature failure, regulatory violations, or simply wasted money on features you don't need. This guide walks you through the specific requirements for greenhouse and nursery irrigation and matches you with the right tank from our catalog.
Key Requirements
- Fertigation Compatibility — Tanks used for fertilizer-injected water need chemical-rated walls (SG 1.5) even though the solution is mostly water.
- Volume — Size for 3-7 days of peak irrigation demand. Larger reserves buffer against supply disruptions.
- Water Quality — Rainwater collection into dark tanks provides excellent irrigation water — soft, chemical-free, and algae-resistant.
- Temperature — Irrigation water temperature affects plant growth. Black tanks in full sun can heat water to 100°F+ in summer.
Recommended Tank Types
Vertical Chemical Storage
For fertigation mixing and storage. SG 1.5 rating handles all common fertilizer concentrations.
Shop Vertical Chemical Storage
Water Storage Tanks
For clean water reserves, rainwater collection, and irrigation buffer storage.
Shop Water Storage Tanks
Installation Considerations for Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation
Multiple Tank Systems
Most greenhouse operations benefit from a multi-tank system: one for clean water reserves, one for concentrate mixing, and one for the diluted fertigation solution ready for irrigation. This separation prevents cross-contamination and allows precise control of nutrient concentrations.
Recirculation
Closed-loop irrigation systems that capture and reuse runoff water can reduce water consumption by 30-50%. This requires additional storage capacity for the recirculation loop and treatment equipment to remove pathogens before reuse.
Sizing Your Tank
Tank sizing for greenhouse and nursery irrigation depends on your usage rate, refill frequency, and peak demand. The general formula is:
Required Capacity = Daily Usage × Days Between Refills × 1.2 Safety Factor
The 1.2 safety factor accounts for peak usage days, delivery delays, and the fact that you should never run a tank completely dry (the sediment at the bottom can clog fittings and pumps). If your application has seasonal peaks, size for peak demand rather than average demand.
Maintenance Specific to Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation
Standard polyethylene tank maintenance applies: quarterly visual inspection, fitting checks, foundation verification, and vent maintenance. For greenhouse and nursery irrigation specifically, pay extra attention to:
- Chemical compatibility: If you change chemicals or suppliers, verify the new formulation is compatible with polyethylene and within the tank's specific gravity rating before adding it to the tank.
- Residue buildup: Some liquids leave residue on tank walls over time. Annual interior inspection and cleaning prevents buildup from affecting liquid quality or reducing effective capacity.
- Fitting condition: Applications with frequent connect/disconnect cycles wear fittings faster. Replace threaded fittings at the first sign of thread damage — a cross-threaded or stripped fitting is a leak waiting to happen.
- Secondary containment: If required by your local regulations, inspect containment berms, dikes, or trays during each tank inspection. Secondary containment only works if it's intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank do I need for greenhouse and nursery irrigation?
Start with your daily usage rate and multiply by the number of days between refills, then add 20% for safety margin. For example, if you use 50 gallons per day and refill weekly, you need: 50 × 7 × 1.2 = 420 gallons minimum. Round up to the next standard size — in this case, 500 gallons.
Do I need a chemical-rated tank or a water-only tank?
If you are storing anything other than clean water, choose a chemical-rated tank (SG 1.5 or higher). The thicker walls and higher material rating provide safety margin for chemical exposure, and you won't need to replace the tank if you switch liquids later. Water-only tanks save money but limit your future options.
What permits do I need?
Permit requirements depend on your location, the tank size, and what you are storing. Water storage typically requires no permits below 5,000 gallons. Chemical storage often requires permits, secondary containment, and fire marshal review. Agricultural exemptions may apply for farm chemical storage. Always check with your local building department and fire authority before installation.
Can I install the tank myself?
For tanks under 500 gallons, DIY installation is straightforward if you follow proper site preparation and plumbing practices. For larger tanks, we recommend professional installation — the weight involved creates safety risks, and improper placement can void the warranty. Either way, a proper foundation is non-negotiable.
How do I handle delivery and placement?
Small tanks (under 200 gallons) ship via UPS/FedEx ground. Mid-size tanks (200-1000 gallons) ship LTL on a pallet — you'll need a forklift or request liftgate delivery. Large tanks (1000+ gallons) ship via flatbed and require equipment for unloading. Call us to coordinate delivery logistics for your specific site conditions.
Need expert guidance on tank selection for greenhouse and nursery irrigation? Call (866) 418-1777 — we'll help you size, select, and plan your installation.