Snyder vs Norwesco vs Chem-Tainer 2000 Gallon Vertical Storage Tank Comparison
The 2,000-gallon vertical polyethylene tank is one of the most-quoted SKUs in industrial storage. It's the size where you stop being a residential or hobby buyer and start being a small-industrial buyer: cooling tower chemistry feed, water-softener brine batching, agricultural fertilizer storage, fire-reserve cisterns, light-industrial chemical inventory. At this capacity three rotational-molding manufacturers dominate the market: Snyder Industries, Norwesco, and Chem-Tainer Industries. They all build to ASTM D1998. They all use HDPE or XLPE resin. The footprints, wall thicknesses, fitting packages, and prices are all different, sometimes by 3x.
This post compares the 2,000-gallon vertical envelope across all three manufacturers using the actual catalog data. Every MPN, dimension, ASTM rating, and list price below is pulled from the OneSource Plastics master catalog. Use this guide to understand what you're actually getting when you compare a Snyder 5050000N48 against a Norwesco 47109 against a Chem-Tainer TC2000IC.
What "2,000 Gallon Vertical" Actually Means
A vertical storage tank, by ASTM D1998 convention, is a cylindrical tank designed to sit on its flat (or domed) bottom with the long axis vertical. The fluid level is the height. Filling is from the top via a manway, drawing is from a sidewall outlet at the base. This is the classic profile: tall, round, footprint-efficient, easy to clean, easy to plumb.
"2,000 gallon" is a nominal capacity. The actual brimful volume is typically 2,050 to 2,150 gallons depending on the manufacturer's dome and freeboard allowance. Working capacity (allowing 6 inches of freeboard) is typically 1,900 to 1,975 gallons. When you specify a 2,000-gallon tank you're getting roughly that working volume.
The geometry envelope at 2,000 gallons clusters around three footprint families:
- "Tall and narrow" — roughly 64 inches diameter and 152 to 161 inches tall. Vertical-feed-through-doorway tanks. Use case: tight floor footprint, indoor industrial.
- "Standard" — roughly 90 inches diameter and 84 to 88 inches tall. The default for most outdoor and warehouse installs.
- "Squat" — roughly 96 inches diameter and 73 to 84 inches tall. Used where ceiling clearance is limited (covered slab, low pole barn).
All three manufacturers build versions in all three footprint families. The choice between them is driven by the install location more than the manufacturer.
Norwesco 2,000 Gallon Vertical Catalog
Norwesco's 2,000-gallon vertical line spans the cheap-water-storage to mid-grade-chemical-storage envelope. They do not produce XLPE (cross-linked) versions in this capacity for the standard catalog — their high-SG offerings are heavier-wall HDPE.
| MPN | Dia × H | ASTM SG | Color | List Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-44129 | 90″ × 84″ | 1.1 | White | $1,960.50 |
| N-41515 | 93″ × 80″ | 1.0 | White | $2,000.00 |
| N-41514 | 93″ × 80″ | 1.1 | Black | $2,000.00 |
| N-44131 | 90″ × 84″ | 1.0 | Dark Green | $2,200.00 |
| N-44125 | 90″ × 84″ | 1.5 | White | $2,039.80 |
| N-44125B | 90″ × 84″ | 1.5 | Black | $2,270.00 |
| N-41513 | 93″ × 80″ | 1.5 | White | $2,410.00 |
| N-44127 | 90″ × 84″ | 1.9 | Light Blue | $2,580.00 |
| N-44127B | 90″ × 84″ | 1.9 | Black | $2,580.00 |
| N-41512 | 64″ × 157″ | 1.0 | White | $3,400.00 |
| N-41511 | 64″ × 153.5″ | 1.5 | White | $2,952.06 |
| N-47109 | 64″ × 152″ | 1.5 | Black | $3,289.99 |
| N-47888 | 64″ × 152″ | 1.5 | Black | $3,290.00 |
| N-47564 | 64″ × 152″ | 1.9 | Blue | $3,355.46 |
| N-47849 | 64″ × 152″ | 1.9 | Black | $3,700.00 |
Notable: The Norwesco "tall narrow" 64-inch-diameter line (N-41511, N-47109, N-47564, etc.) is positioned for facilities where floor space is constrained but ceiling height is not. It's a more expensive geometry per gallon — the taller fluid head requires thicker walls at the base — but it earns its keep when the install footprint matters.
Snyder Industries 2,000 Gallon Vertical Catalog
Snyder runs the broadest 2,000-gallon catalog of any manufacturer in this comparison. They produce both HDPE (linear) and XLPE (cross-linked) variants in three different footprints. The XLPE line carries a meaningful price premium but earns it on aggressive chemistry and mechanical impact resistance. Snyder uses an N-series SKU prefix where the suffix encodes the specification (color, ASTM rating, fitting package). The pattern repeats across SKU families — the 5050000 family is the standard 90″ x 88″ vertical, the 5050300 family is the squat 96″ x 84″, the 8130000 family is the same 90″ x 88″ with an alternate fitting package, and so on.
| MPN | Dia × H | Resin | ASTM SG | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SII-5050300N33 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.35 | Black | $2,800.00 |
| SII-5050000N33 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE | 1.35 | Black | $3,089.00 |
| SII-32166-BLACK | 96″ × 73″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Black | $2,356.00 |
| SII-5050300C37 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Natural | $2,142.00 |
| SII-5050300C37-BLACK | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Black | $2,356.00 |
| SII-5050000C37-BLACK | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Black | $2,356.00 |
| SII-5050300N49 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Black | $2,900.00 |
| SII-5050000N49 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE | 1.5 | Black | $3,178.00 |
| SII-32170-BLACK | 96″ × 73″ | HDPE | 1.9 | Black | $2,679.00 |
| SII-5050300C34 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.9 | Black | $2,679.00 |
| SII-5050000C34 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE | 1.9 | Black | $2,679.00 |
| SII-5050300N51 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE | 1.9 | Black | $3,900.00 |
| SII-5050000N51 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE | 1.9 | Black | $4,583.00 |
| SII-5050300N40 | 96″ × 84″ | XLPE | 1.5 | Natural | $4,000.00 |
| SII-5050000N40 | 90″ × 88″ | XLPE | 1.5 | Natural | $3,953.00 |
| SII-5050300N46 | 96″ × 84″ | XLPE | 1.5 | Black | $4,000.00 |
| SII-5050000N46 | 90″ × 88″ | XLPE | 1.5 | Black | $4,348.00 |
| SII-5050300N48 | 96″ × 84″ | XLPE | 1.9 | Black | $5,600.00 |
| SII-5050000N48 | 90″ × 88″ | XLPE | 1.9 | Black | $6,659.00 |
The Snyder XLPE premium: compare SII-5050000N51 (HDPE 1.9 ASTM at $4,583) against SII-5050000N48 (XLPE 1.9 ASTM at $6,659). That's a 45% premium for the cross-linked resin. The XLPE buys you better aggressive-chemistry resistance (sodium hypochlorite, sulfuric acid above 70%, hydrofluoric, and other chemistries that environmental-stress-crack HDPE), better mechanical impact resistance, and better long-term creep resistance under load. For potable water or commodity chemistry it's wasted money. For sodium hypochlorite or 93% sulfuric, it's the right answer. See our chemical compatibility database for chemistry-by-resin guidance.
Chem-Tainer Industries 2,000 Gallon Vertical Catalog
Chem-Tainer runs the smallest 2,000-gallon vertical catalog of the three. They focus on the tall-narrow 64-inch-diameter envelope at this capacity, which competes head-on with the Norwesco N-41511 / N-47109 line.
| MPN | Dia × H | ASTM SG | Color | List Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC-TC2000IW-NAT | 64″ × 161″ | 1.0 | Natural | $2,421.67 |
| TC-TC2000IW-BLACK | 64″ × 160″ | 1.0 | Black | $2,199.99 |
| TC-TC2000IW-GREEN | 64″ × 160″ | 1.0 | Green | $2,199.99 |
| TC-TC2000IC | 64″ × 160″ | 1.5 | Natural | $3,488.33 |
| TC-TC2000IC-NAT | 64″ × 160″ | 1.5 | Natural | $3,600.00 |
| TC-TC2000IC-BLACK | 64″ × 160″ | 1.5 | Black | $4,000.00 |
| TC-TC2000IA | 64″ × 160″ | 1.9 | Black | $4,427.99 |
Head-to-Head: 2,000 Gallon HDPE 1.5 ASTM Black Standard Vertical
This is the most-quoted 2,000-gallon spec in industry. Heavy-duty enough for general chemical service (1.5 SG covers HCl 37%, sodium hydroxide 25%, calcium chloride 40%, and most fertilizer chemistry), HDPE for cost, black for UV resistance outdoors. Here's how the three brands compare on the same spec:
| Brand & MPN | Footprint | List Price | $/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwesco N-44125B | 90″ × 84″ | $2,270.00 | $1.14 |
| Snyder SII-32166-BLACK | 96″ × 73″ | $2,356.00 | $1.18 |
| Snyder SII-5050300C37-BLACK | 96″ × 84″ | $2,356.00 | $1.18 |
| Snyder SII-5050300N49 | 96″ × 84″ | $2,900.00 | $1.45 |
| Snyder SII-5050000N49 | 90″ × 88″ | $3,178.00 | $1.59 |
| Norwesco N-41513 (tall) | 93″ × 80″ | $2,410.00 | $1.21 |
| Chem-Tainer TC-TC2000IC-BLACK | 64″ × 160″ | $4,000.00 | $2.00 |
The price spread on what is nominally "the same tank" is roughly 76% from the cheapest (Norwesco standard footprint at $2,270) to the most expensive (Chem-Tainer tall-narrow at $4,000). This is not because one tank is twice as good. It's because the geometries are different (tall-narrow costs more per gallon) and the fitting packages are different (Snyder's N-49 spec includes a heavier-fitting package than Norwesco's standard offering). Always confirm the specific fitting set, manway size, and outlet count when comparing prices. The tank itself is rarely the most expensive part of the system — it's the dosing pumps, valves, secondary containment, and freight.
Head-to-Head: 2,000 Gallon 1.9 ASTM for Aggressive Chemistry
1.9 ASTM is the rating you need for sulfuric acid (93 to 98%, SG 1.83), phosphoric acid (85%, SG 1.69), ferric chloride (50%, SG 1.50, but 1.9 is OEM-required for safety margin), and sodium hydroxide (50%, SG 1.53). Here's how the three brands compare for HDPE 1.9 ASTM:
| Brand & MPN | Footprint | Resin | List Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwesco N-44127B | 90″ × 84″ | HDPE 1.9 | $2,580.00 |
| Snyder SII-5050000C34 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE 1.9 | $2,679.00 |
| Snyder SII-5050300C34 | 96″ × 84″ | HDPE 1.9 | $2,679.00 |
| Snyder SII-5050000N51 | 90″ × 88″ | HDPE 1.9 (heavy fitting) | $4,583.00 |
| Norwesco N-47849 | 64″ × 152″ | HDPE 1.9 | $3,700.00 |
| Chem-Tainer TC-TC2000IA | 64″ × 160″ | HDPE 1.9 | $4,427.99 |
| Snyder SII-5050000N48 | 90″ × 88″ | XLPE 1.9 | $6,659.00 |
For routine 1.9 ASTM service, the Norwesco N-44127B at $2,580 is the value pick. For sodium hypochlorite specifically, you want either Snyder's XLPE (SII-5050000N48 at $6,659) or one of the dedicated double-wall Captor units at $13,100 to $13,900 with built-in secondary containment. We do not recommend HDPE for any sodium hypochlorite service above 12.5% concentration regardless of ASTM rating — the resin will environmental-stress-crack within 12 to 36 months even at the right SG. Cross-linked resin solves this.
Head-to-Head: Cheap Water Storage
For commodity water storage at SG 1.0 to 1.1, with no chemistry concerns, the comparison flips. Here the cheapest option per gallon wins:
| Brand & MPN | Footprint | List Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwesco N-44129 | 90″ × 84″ white | $1,960.50 | Indoor potable |
| Norwesco N-41515 | 93″ × 80″ white | $2,000.00 | Indoor potable |
| Chem-Tainer TC2000IW-BLACK | 64″ × 160″ black | $2,199.99 | Outdoor, narrow footprint |
| Norwesco N-44131 | 90″ × 84″ dark green | $2,200.00 | Outdoor agricultural water |
| Chem-Tainer TC2000IW-NAT | 64″ × 161″ natural | $2,421.67 | Indoor potable, narrow |
For purely commercial water storage, the Norwesco standard 90-inch line at $1,960 to $2,200 is the sweet spot. The Chem-Tainer 64-inch tall-narrow at $2,199 is the right choice when floor footprint is constrained but ceiling height is not. The Norwesco dark-green N-44131 is the standard for outdoor agricultural water storage where algae resistance from the dark color matters more than visual fluid-level inspection.
What's Different Between Manufacturers (Beyond the Spec Sheet)
Resin sourcing and ASTM compliance
All three manufacturers buy resin from major North American producers (Equistar, Exxon, Chevron Phillips, Dow). They all comply with ASTM D1998. The variations are in how strictly they hold the manufacturing tolerance and how the wall thickness profiles are designed. Snyder publishes the most detailed engineering documentation and is generally regarded as the strictest QC of the three. Norwesco runs the highest production volumes and has the lowest unit cost. Chem-Tainer fills the niche where the other two don't have the right footprint.
Fitting package customization
This is where the price differences in apparently-identical specs come from. A "standard" 2,000-gallon vertical from any of the three has a 16-inch top manway, a 2-inch sidewall outlet at the base, and a vent. Add a second outlet, swap the manway for a 22-inch model, add a sight glass, add a 4-inch top fill, and the price shifts upward. Always verify the exact fitting count on the spec sheet for the MPN you're quoting against.
Manufacturing locations and freight
Norwesco operates 12 US production plants, Snyder operates 4, Chem-Tainer operates 5. The closest plant to your delivery ZIP is what determines freight cost, often more than the tank price itself. A Norwesco tank from St. Bonifacius MN to Houston TX is less expensive than the same tank from Lake Wales FL because the lane is shorter. Always get the freight quote with the tank quote — our Freight Estimator handles this.
Warranty terms
Norwesco offers a 3-year warranty on most polyethylene tanks, prorated. Snyder offers 5 years on standard HDPE and 5 years on XLPE in the same envelope. Chem-Tainer offers 3 to 5 years depending on tank line. For mission-critical applications the longer warranty matters because it indicates the manufacturer's own engineering confidence in the spec.
Selection Decision Tree
- What's the fluid SG and chemistry? SG dictates ASTM rating (see our ASTM SG decoded post). Aggressive chemistry (sodium hypochlorite, sulfuric >70%, ferric chloride) dictates XLPE.
- Indoor or outdoor? Outdoor needs a UV-stable color, typically black or dark green. Indoor allows white or natural for sight-glass inspection.
- What's the footprint constraint? Wide and short for low-ceiling installs (96″ x 73″ or 84″). Standard for most warehouse / outdoor installs (90″ x 84″ to 88″). Tall and narrow for floor-constrained installs (64″ x 152 to 161″).
- What's the chemistry margin you want? Match the ASTM rating to your fluid SG, never go lower. For aggressive or temperature-cycled service, step up to XLPE.
- Compare freight from each manufacturer's nearest plant. Often the deciding factor on a $200 to $400 spread between brands.
Internal Resources
- Chemical Storage Tanks Category — full chemistry-rated catalog
- Water Storage Tanks Category — commodity water storage
- Chemical Compatibility Database — chemistry by resin
- ASTM SG Decoded — rating selection deep dive
- Norwesco Doorway Sizing Guide — companion sizing post
- Freight Cost Estimator
Quote Process
Send the MPN and your delivery ZIP to sales@onesourceplastics.com, or call 866-418-1777. We'll quote the tank, the freight from the nearest plant, and any required fitting customization. Lead times for in-stock specs are typically 7 to 21 days from order; custom specs add 2 to 4 weeks.
Source Citations
- OneSource Plastics master catalog data, 2026-03-26 snapshot
- Norwesco, Snyder Industries, and Chem-Tainer Industries published spec sheets
- ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks
- Equistar Technical Tip TT-022, "Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene"
- NSF/ANSI 61 — Drinking Water System Components: Health Effects
Related chemical compatibility resources
For deeper engineering specifications on the chemicals discussed above, see our chemical-compatibility pillars:
- Sodium Hypochlorite — storage compatibility, recommended resin grade, fittings, secondary containment.
- Sulfuric Acid — storage compatibility, recommended resin grade, fittings, secondary containment.
- Sodium Hydroxide — storage compatibility, recommended resin grade, fittings, secondary containment.
- Ferric Chloride — storage compatibility, recommended resin grade, fittings, secondary containment.