The Chem-Tainer 1550 Gallon Black Vertical Water Storage Tank is a polyethylene vertical tank built for bulk water storage where a light-blocking black wall and a stable, large footprint matter. It stands 65 inches tall on an 87 x 87 inch (7.25-foot square) base and holds 1,550 gallons. The black wall blocks light penetration, which inhibits algae growth in stored water. If you have been searching for a vertical storage tank or black water storage tank in this capacity range, this is the size that fills the gap between mid-size cisterns and the largest verticals.
Will it work for your site?
This tank is rated for a specific gravity of 1.0, which means it is engineered for water and water-equivalent liquids at that density. Filled to capacity, it carries 12,927 pounds of water, so the pad and the ground beneath it have to be ready for that load. The footprint is 87 x 87 inches; plan your concrete pad and clearances around those numbers before delivery, not after. The short, wide stance (65-inch tank body over a 7.25-foot-square base) keeps the center of gravity low, which is part of why this profile is common for fire-water reserves, rainwater capture, and process water on farms and job sites. The 65 inches is the tank body height, so add clearance for the lid and fill access above that when planning overhead room. This pack does not list a potable (drinking water) certification for this model, so confirm intended use before ordering; for potable applications call us at 866-418-1777.
Fittings and plumbing
Fitting sizes and placement (inlet, outlet, vent, lid) are not listed in our spec data for this model. Verify them against the technical drawing on this page, and call 866-418-1777 to confirm the exact fitting and gasket configuration before you plumb it. Getting the outlet size and gasket material right at the order stage saves a return trip once the tank is set on its pad.
Sizing it right
Sizing a water tank is about matching capacity to demand and refill rate, not just buying the biggest tank that fits. Our Tank Sizing Calculator and the Tank Sizing Guide walk through that math. If this 1,550-gallon tank is part of a private fire-protection plan, the fire-water reservoir design guide covers NFPA 22 sizing discipline and cold-climate freeze protection. For grey-water, rainwater, or HVAC condensate aggregation, the water reuse topology guide covers how to band storage by quality.
The mistake to avoid
The most common error with a 1.0 SG water tank is putting something heavier than water in it. This tank's wall is engineered for water density; storing a denser liquid without stepping up to a higher specific-gravity rating overstresses the wall over time. If you need to store a liquid heavier than water (specific gravity above 1.0), this 1.0-rated tank is the wrong tool, so call 866-418-1777 and we will point you to a tank rated for your fluid's density. Before you commit, confirm the pad is sized for nearly 13,000 pounds at full level. The concrete pad sizing guide works through the ACI 360R-10 framework for above-ground polyethylene tanks. If you are weighing this against other brands at a similar capacity, the Snyder vs Norwesco vs Chem-Tainer vertical comparison lays out the trade-offs.
This tank ships LTL freight from the Chem-Tainer plant in Chowchilla, CA, with freight quoted live to your ZIP. Use the Freight Cost Estimator for an estimate, or call 866-418-1777 and we will quote it for you. Listed price is before freight.
