Custom IBC
Solutions
Rainwater harvesting, aquaponics, chemical storage, agricultural systems — we modify, plumb, paint, and configure IBC totes for any application. Tell us what you need, and we will build it.
Tell Us About Your Project
Describe your application, quantities, and any special requirements. We will design a custom solution and provide a detailed quote.
Rainwater Collection Systems
IBC totes are the most cost-effective large-volume rainwater collection containers available. A single 275-gallon IBC captures the equivalent of 35 standard rain barrels, and they can be linked together in series for virtually unlimited capacity. Our custom rainwater IBC systems are purpose-built for residential, commercial, and agricultural rainwater harvesting.
What We Build
- Gutter downspout inlet adapter with first-flush diverter to keep roof debris and initial dirty water out of the storage tank
- Fine mesh screen filter (200 micron) at the inlet to prevent mosquito breeding and debris ingress
- Overflow outlet plumbed to a designated drainage area to prevent foundation flooding when the tote is full
- 3/4" garden hose spigot at the bottom for gravity-fed irrigation and hose connection
- UV-opaque wrap or paint to prevent algae growth from sunlight exposure -- critical for long-term water quality
- Multi-tote linking kits with bulkhead fittings and 2" PVC interconnects for systems of 2, 4, or 8+ totes
- Optional 12V or solar-powered pump kit for pressurized delivery to drip irrigation, sprinklers, or household non-potable use
- Elevated platform/stand designs for gravity pressure without pumps
Common Use Cases
Aquaponics & Hydroponics Systems
IBC totes are the backbone of DIY and commercial aquaponics systems worldwide. Their 275-gallon capacity provides ideal water volume for maintaining stable water chemistry, supporting healthy fish populations, and feeding productive grow beds. We modify IBC totes specifically for aquaponics and hydroponics applications.
What We Build
- IBC "chop and flip" cut: the bottle is cut at the correct height to create a fish tank (bottom section) and a grow bed (inverted top section) from a single tote
- Precision CNC-cut bulkhead fittings for plumbing connections with watertight seals -- no DIY drilling errors
- Bell siphon housings pre-installed in grow beds for reliable flood-and-drain cycling
- Standpipe overflow protection to prevent fish tank water loss during pump failures
- UV-resistant paint or cage wrap to control algae growth and protect the HDPE from solar degradation
- Food-grade silicone sealant on all fittings and cuts for fish-safe containment
- Pre-plumbed return lines from grow bed to fish tank with adjustable flow control
- Optional media guard screens to keep expanded clay (hydroton) out of plumbing
Common Use Cases
Chemical Storage Solutions
Standard IBC totes handle most chemicals well, but certain applications demand additional containment, specialized materials, or custom plumbing configurations. We build custom chemical storage solutions that address specific safety, regulatory, and operational requirements beyond what an off-the-shelf IBC provides.
What We Build
- Secondary containment pallets and basins that capture 110% of the IBC volume in case of a leak or spill, meeting EPA 40 CFR 264.175 and SPCC requirements
- Stainless steel valve and fitting upgrades for aggressive chemicals incompatible with polypropylene (concentrated acids, oxidizers, certain solvents)
- Viton or PTFE gasket kits replacing standard EPDM seals for chemical resistance against fuels, aromatics, and chlorinated solvents
- Grounding and bonding lugs welded to the steel cage for safe handling of flammable and combustible liquids (NFPA 77 compliance)
- Vented caps with chemical-resistant PTFE membrane filters for products that off-gas or require pressure equalization
- Lockable valve covers and tamper-evident seals for security and chain-of-custody compliance
- Custom labeling with GHS-compliant hazard diamonds, SDS references, and emergency contact information
- Bund walls and drip trays for multi-tote chemical storage areas
Common Use Cases
Agricultural Applications
Farms and agricultural operations have unique requirements: large volumes of liquid fertilizer, pesticide mixing stations, mobile water supply for remote fields, and livestock watering infrastructure. Our custom agricultural IBC builds are designed for the demands of farming life.
What We Build
- Trailer-mounted IBC frames with turnbuckle tie-downs for mobile liquid transport between fields, barns, and storage areas
- Nurse tank configurations with quick-disconnect cam lock fittings for fast filling of sprayer rigs and application equipment
- Gravity-fed drip irrigation headers with manifold outlets and individual zone valves for row-crop and greenhouse irrigation
- Livestock watering stations with float-valve controlled troughs that auto-refill from an elevated IBC -- no electricity required
- Fertigation systems that inject liquid fertilizer directly into irrigation lines using Venturi injectors powered by water pressure alone
- Chemical mixing stations with calibrated sight glasses for accurate dilution of crop protection products
- Frost-protection plumbing with drain-down valves and insulated jackets for year-round operation in cold climates
- Seed treatment application systems with recirculation pumps and spray nozzles for coating seed before planting
Common Use Cases
Custom Modifications Available
Beyond our standard solution packages, we offer a full menu of individual modifications that can be combined to build exactly what your application requires.
Custom Plumbing & Fittings
Bulkhead fittings, threaded bungs, cam lock ports, and multi-port manifolds installed at any location on the bottle wall. All cuts are precision-made and sealed with food-grade or chemical-resistant fittings as required.
Valve Upgrades & Conversions
Replace the standard butterfly valve with ball valves, cam lock quick-connects, stainless steel fittings, or custom discharge configurations. We match the valve to your flow rate, chemical compatibility, and connection requirements.
Cutting & Reshaping
Bottle and cage cutting for aquaponics, open-top storage, funnel configurations, or custom access panels. All cuts are deburred and finished with protective edge trim to prevent injury and material degradation.
Painting & UV Protection
UV-opaque exterior paint or wrap to prevent algae growth and extend HDPE life for outdoor installations. Available in standard black, custom colors, or company branding. UV protection can extend outdoor tote life by 5-10 years.
Cage Modification & Welding
Custom cage modifications including lifting lugs, mounting brackets, reinforcement bars, and equipment mounting points. All welding is performed by certified welders using appropriate filler metals for galvanized steel.
Multi-Tote Linking Systems
Connect 2, 4, 8, or more IBCs in parallel or series using bulkhead fittings and PVC or stainless steel interconnects. Linked systems equalize water level across all totes automatically and can be expanded over time.
Pump & Electrical Integration
Installation of 12V, 24V, or 120V pumps, float switches, pressure switches, and level sensors directly on the tote cage. Solar panel and battery packages available for off-grid applications.
Insulation & Temperature Control
Spray foam, rigid board, or blanket insulation for freeze protection and temperature maintenance. Heating element integration for winter operation in cold climates. Thermostat-controlled systems available.
Real Projects, Real Results
Here are three examples of custom IBC solutions we have built for customers across different industries and applications.
Urban Farm - Grand Rapids, MI
Urban AgricultureChallenge
A nonprofit urban farm needed a low-cost aquaponics system to produce tilapia and leafy greens for a community food program on a tight budget and limited space.
Solution
We built a 4-tote aquaponics system using Grade C used IBCs. Two totes were chopped and configured as fish tanks (550 gallons total), and two were cut into grow beds with bell siphon flood-and-drain systems. All totes received UV-opaque paint and food-grade plumbing. The system was assembled on-site in a single day.
Result
The system produces over 200 lbs of tilapia and 600 lbs of lettuce, herbs, and greens annually. Total build cost was 80% less than comparable commercial aquaponics kits, and the farm recovers its investment within the first growing season.
Chemical Blending Facility - Toledo, OH
Chemical ManufacturingChallenge
A specialty chemical blender needed 20 intermediate storage containers for non-hazardous cleaning products, with quick-connect transfer capability and secondary containment to meet their insurance requirements.
Solution
We supplied 20 reconditioned IBCs fitted with stainless steel cam lock discharge fittings, Viton gaskets, custom product identification labels, and GHS-compliant placards. Each tote was placed on a polyethylene spill containment pallet rated for 110% of tote capacity.
Result
The facility replaced 20 aging stainless steel tanks at a fraction of the cost. Cam lock connections reduced product transfer time by 40%, and the containment pallets brought the facility into full SPCC compliance for their next EPA inspection.
Residential Rainwater System - Traverse City, MI
ResidentialChallenge
A homeowner wanted to capture roof runoff for garden irrigation and car washing to reduce their municipal water bill, but needed a system that was neat, functional, and neighborhood-friendly.
Solution
We installed a 3-tote linked rainwater system (825 gallons total) behind the garage, connected to two downspouts via first-flush diverters and debris screens. All totes received matte black UV paint to blend with the building and prevent algae. A 12V solar pump provides pressurized delivery to a garden hose reel.
Result
The system captures an estimated 15,000+ gallons of rainwater per year, reducing the homeowner's irrigation water bill by over 90% during growing season. The setup paid for itself within 18 months and has been maintenance-free for three years.
Our Custom Build Process
Consultation
You describe your application, requirements, and budget. We ask questions to understand your use case, environment, volume needs, and any regulatory considerations.
Design & Quote
We design the solution, select the appropriate tote grade (used, reconditioned, or new), specify all modifications and accessories, and provide a detailed written quote.
Build & Test
Our team builds your custom system in our Grand Rapids facility. Every modification is tested for fit, function, and leak-free performance before it leaves our shop.
Deliver & Support
We ship or deliver the finished system to your location. Includes assembly instructions, maintenance guidelines, and ongoing support for parts and future modifications.
Start with the Right Tote
Have a Unique Project?
No project is too small or too unusual. From a single modified tote for your backyard to a fleet of custom chemical storage units, we have the expertise and inventory to make it happen.