I use a 500 gallon storage tank for my freshwater fish room. There are a few things to look at when it comes to tanks like these.
Both Norwesco and Ace make good tanks. Most of the big manufacturers are just fine. You don't normally run into quality issues unless you are roughing up the tank or are trying to store chemicals that require a higher specific gravity rating.
Specifications and cost are the two things that matter the most. "If it meets specs, then I would go with the better priced option.
1. You can easily install a fitting on either tank. The larger the tank, the more options you have for fitting sizes
2. The taller the tank, the more pressure, if you aren't using a pump. Also if you are using pumps, I use eheim and mag drive 9.5s to run my systems, make sure they have long cords, cause they have to all the way to the bottom then to a socket somewhere.. If the container is 7 ft tall.. you need like a 15 ft cord.
3. All vertical tanks are round so consider the diameter and height for the area you are installing your mixing station in
4. Buy a tank that is close to you, so shipping is less expensive (shipping tanks can be pricey since most go freight), use a list like this
https://www.ntotank.com/vertical-storage-tanks and try to ship to a business address if you can (yours, friend, family member), it might save you money. If you're near a shipping location you can pickup from the factory possibly
5. You don't have to worry about specific gravity if you are using it for water / salt water. Anything 1+ is good
6. Both Norwesco and Ace have gallon indicators on most if not all of their vertical tanks, although Ace may have more defined indicators
7. You generally get more storage for the money the larger the tank
8. This site is good because it has very detailed attributes on the tanks. I only use them now for tanks unless I buy something used.
These two tanks are the most competitively priced per gallon and per inch height. They also both have a 5" lid, 3/4" bulkhead, gallon indicators, and pretty much have the same specs, other than size and price.
https://www.ntotank.com/40gallon-acerotomold-white-heavyduty-vertical-storage-tank-x4078619 ($79... $1.98 / gal & $1.84 / in. height)
https://www.ntotank.com/50gallon-norwesco-white-vertical-storage-tank-x4297366 ($99... $1.98 / gal & $1.87 / in. height)
9. Most of these tanks are manufactured after you order, so sometimes it can take 1 - 3 weeks, but it just depends on availability
Here is me getting it delivered by the semi truck... lol my neighbors thought I was insane as it had to back down the entire street.
It was actually pretty easy to roll around and get into place. The guy moved it on a normal dolly all the way to my fish building, then I rolled it by myself into place.
