Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Im curious if anyone has had an IBC go brittle. Not heard of someone but actually had it happen to them. I have been looking around i cant find any good information.
I have seen these things sit in all sorts of weather for long periods of time but never even found an old brittle one.

Of the 5 I got for my new system one was too brittle to use. A slight bump and it would crack so couldnt risk it for anything. The other 4 are fine

I have a few at home that have been out the back for about 5-6 years I think, filled with water.. Gave one a knock a little while back to see how it was, figured I'd just leave it because I heard a slight cracking sound.. Dunno how long they were in the sun before I got them though..

The open top edges of the ones that I have cut have started to go a bit brittle, I definately paint all new ones before filling with gravel now

....waits for TCL to say I told you so

I've had them go brittle when I've used them as calibration tanks.

Never bothered to paint them as they're generally pretty easy to score on mine sites.

It's a pity I can't get them as easily at home!!

Its all about where they come from ... Just like anything else we buy... If a company wants a cheap cheap IBC to carry goods and not have to worry then that what the get manufatcured... Most plastics are breaking down way too quickly nowadays just like the kids toys... There are IBCs that i have seen that do have a 25 yreas Guarentee as by law the company has to make them that way as the content eats plastics so The other question I have about the IBC Is it really worth it using them... I would like to IF I could guarentee what came out of them wasnt some chemicals that would Knock you off if you smelt them as their compactness and shape are great.... I think thats why I prefer having the Poly Tanks as they are 25 yr guarentee 1/2" thick and are for Drinking water....

I found some IBC's just yesterday and when i pressed on the sides I stopped quickly and walked away from them as I knew they wouldnt last long.... IMHO If they where keep out of the weather under cover and filled with water then the temperature would take longer to disinegrate them....

It is scary that they do not carry any imprinted codeing for traceability.
I cut one, then freaked out when the gound begun fizzing.
I wouldnt wory for ten years, they do last longer when full.

The ground fizzing was probably just a spilt VB bottle

That would most likely be an acid then

Hey OBO what kind of paint do you use for your IBC's? I figured for my second go I would paint them instead of dealing with shade cloth.

Oops just kidding, I searched your submissions and found my answer:



But let me ask, how has that been working out for you? Would you do anything differently now? How many coats did you use? Thanks for any advice

Works fine, I obviously cant comment on long term yet, these new IBC have only been in use for a couple of months in winter, summer will tell.

I used one coat, and appplied with spray paint all surfaces exposed to the sun. Each IBC uses around 0.3 litres of paint.

Do you think regular paint with rollers would work or would you recommend spray paint?

Roller would be ok as well, I think it would be more work on the top and corner profiles though.

I'm doing 14 at a time so spray is a fair bit quicker.

Thanks for your response OBO. I only have 3 to do so hopefully the roller is not too tedious