So you’ve bought a water tank. Good move. But here’s something a lot of people don’t realise until after the tank arrives: the tank itself is just the beginning. A rainwater tank sitting in your yard with nothing connected to it is a bit like buying a car with no steering wheel. The potential is there. But without the right water tank accessories in place, you’re not getting very far.
The good news is that setting up a complete, optimised water tank system isn’t complicated. In fact, it breaks down into five clear stages: collection, protection, monitoring, delivery, and water quality. Each stage has its own accessories. Each one plays a specific role. And together, they turn a basic tank into a high-performing rainwater harvesting system that works hard for your household — year in, year out.
This guide walks you through every water tank accessory you actually need, what each one does, and why it matters. Let’s start at the top — literally.
Stage 1: Collection — Getting Water Into Your Tank Cleanly
The Leaf Eater Advanced
Before water even reaches your downpipe, it picks up whatever is sitting on your roof. Leaves. Twigs. Dust. The remnants of a bird that had a big day up there. None of that belongs in your tank. The Leaf Eater Advanced tackles the problem at the source. It mounts directly on your downpipe and diverts leaves and roof debris away before they enter the system. It uses stainless steel and PVC construction, so it handles Australian conditions without corroding or degrading. The result is cleaner water entering your tank from the very first rainfall. In short, this is the first line of defence — and it’s worth fitting before anything else.
Tank Strainers and Strainer Covers
Even with a leaf eater on the downpipe, a tank strainer at the inlet is essential. It catches whatever slips through — fine debris, insects, and anything else you don’t want sitting in your water supply. The Water Tank Factory supplies a complimentary strainer with every new Duraplas tank. Replacement and spare strainers are also available in 300mm, 400mm, and 500mm sizes to suit different tank openings. All are fitted with Queensland Health Regulation mosquito-proof mesh — a non-negotiable feature for any tank in Australia. For properties surrounded by trees, a strainer cover adds an extra layer of protection on top of the strainer itself. It’s particularly useful in leafy environments where debris builds up fast between cleans.
Stage 2: Protection — Keeping Your Water Clean at Every Point
First Flush Water Diverter
The first flush diverter is one of the most important accessories in your entire system. It’s also one of the most underrated. Here’s the problem it solves. The first flow of water off your roof after a dry spell carries the highest concentration of contaminants — bird droppings, dust, pollen, atmospheric deposits. Without a diverter, all of that goes straight into your tank.
A first flush diverter automatically redirects that initial dirty flow away from the tank — typically to the garden. Only the cleaner water that follows gets stored. The system is self-draining, so it resets automatically for the next rainfall event. DIY kits are available in 90mm and 100mm sizes, and installation is straightforward. If you’re using tank water for drinking or household use, a first flush diverter isn’t optional. It’s essential. In fact, Queensland’s Development Code mandates them when rainwater is used indoors.
Overflow Pipes and Screens
Every tank needs an overflow. When the tank is full, water has to go somewhere — and the overflow fitting controls exactly where that is. The Water Tank Factory includes a complimentary 90mm overflow kit with every new Duraplas tank. Each kit includes Queensland Health Regulation mosquito-proof mesh, which prevents insects from entering through the overflow point. Replacement kits are available in 90mm and 100mm sizes. It’s a small component. However, it does an important job — and a missing or damaged overflow screen is one of the most common ways pests enter a tank.
The Rojo Part-Fill Float Valve
What happens when there’s been no rain for weeks and your tank runs low? The Rojo Part-Fill Float Valve handles this automatically. It’s a top-up kit that connects to your mains supply and maintains a minimum water level in the tank during dry periods. The system uses a low-flow valve and a visible air gap for backflow prevention. It keeps your services running while still leaving plenty of tank capacity for the next rainfall. For households that rely on tank water as a primary supply, this accessory provides real peace of mind during the dry season.
Stage 3: Monitoring — Knowing What’s in Your Tank
The Levetator Water Level Indicator
You can’t manage what you can’t measure. The Levetator is the most durable water level gauge available for poly tanks. It uses a float-weight pulley system to give a correct, exact reading of your water level at all times — including at night, thanks to a reflective red band. It is self-installed, comes with a comprehensive instructions booklet and templates, carries a five-year guarantee, and requires no batteries or wiring. For any property relying on tank water as a primary supply, a water level gauge is not a luxury. It’s a basic requirement.
Dial Water Level Indicator
For tanks up to 2.5 metres tall, the Dial Water Level Indicator is a simpler, more compact alternative. It seals directly to the tank, requires no batteries or wiring, and is quick to install on both existing and new tanks. It’s a great option for secondary tanks, shed tanks, or anywhere a straightforward visual reading is all you need.
Stage 4: Delivery — Getting Water Where You Need It
Pumps: Matching the Right One to Your Needs
A tank full of water is only useful if you can get it where you need it, at the pressure and flow rate your household requires. That’s the job of the pump. And choosing the right pump matters more than most people realise. The Water Tank Factory stocks a carefully selected range of pumps to suit different property types and household sizes. Here’s a quick guide to the options:
Reefe PRJ55 Jet Pressure Pump
The entry-level option, ideal for small dwellings, cabins, sheds, and workshops. It handles two to four taps and delivers up to 60 litres per minute. It’s a reliable, affordable starting point for simple setups.
Reefe PRJ80 Jet Pressure Pump
A step up, suitable for five to eight taps in a small to medium home. It delivers up to 75 litres per minute and carries AS/NZS4020 approval for drinking water. It’s also available bundled with the RainPro® Rain to Mains Valve — more on that below.
Reefe RHMS67-120 Stainless Steel Multistage Pump
For larger homes and multi-storey properties. It handles six to ten taps with 100 litres per minute at 20 metres of head, and operates very quietly. Ideal for large homes or unit developments.
Calpeda MÈTA Variable Speed Pressure Systems
The premium option. These plug-and-play variable speed drive systems maintain constant pressure automatically, adjusting output to match demand. Available in two sizes: the MÈTA Small suits small to medium homes (six to eight taps), while the standard MÈTA suits large, multi-storey homes (eight to twelve taps). Both use stainless steel construction and integrated pressure transducers for exceptional reliability.
Reefe RSMP35 Submersible Pump
Perfect for underground tanks or where the quietest possible operation is needed. It sits at the bottom of the tank, is corrosion resistant, and includes integrated pressure control and run-dry protection. Also available bundled with a Rain to Mains Valve.
The RainPro® Rain to Mains Valve
Several pump bundles include the RainPro® Rain to Mains Valve — and it’s a genuinely clever piece of kit. It automatically switches your supply from rainwater to mains water when the tank runs low or power fails. No cables, no float switches, no electronic controls. Just a reliable, simple mechanical system that keeps your household water supply seamless. It’s available in single-level (RM1600-2) and dual-level (RM1500) versions. If you’re connecting your tank to toilets, laundry, or whole-house supply, a rain-to-mains valve is strongly recommended.
Brass Outlets and Ball Valves
Every tank needs outlets and valves to control the flow of water from storage to pump or tap. The Water Tank Factory supplies WaterMarked brass outlets in 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, and 50mm sizes. High-quality brass ball valves in the same sizes attach directly to the outlets for precise flow control. These are the components that connect your tank to the rest of your system. Quality fittings here make a real difference to the longevity and reliability of your setup.
Bucket Riser
Not every setup needs a pump. For sheds, gardens, or farm applications where you just need to fill a bucket directly from the tank, the Bucket Riser is a simple, practical solution. It’s designed specifically for the Duraplas above-ground poly tank range and makes gravity-fed bucket filling quick and easy.
Storz Coupling Kits
For rural and acreage properties, or any property in a bushfire-prone area, Storz coupling kits are worth serious consideration. They provide the standard NSW Rural Fire Brigade quick-release coupling connection, allowing firefighting vehicles to draw water directly from your tank in an emergency. Storz coupling kits are available for both Duraplas poly tanks and Aquaplate steel tanks, in 40mm, 50mm, and 65mm sizes. Most local councils and fire authorities have specific requirements — the team at The Water Tank Factory can help you identify the right kit for your area.
Stage 5: Water Quality — From Storage to Safe Supply
Puretec Hybrid E7 UV Light and Filter System
If your tank water supplies your household — particularly for drinking, cooking, or bathing — a whole-house filtration and UV treatment system is the gold standard. The Puretec Hybrid E7 is a dual rainwater filter system with integrated ultraviolet treatment. It handles 130 litres per minute through a 1-inch connection and kills up to 99.99% of bacteria. It’s especially recommended for properties in areas where bats are present, as bat droppings are a known source of microbial contamination in rainwater tanks.
Combined with a first flush diverter and clean gutters, the Hybrid E7 gives you comprehensive, end-to-end water quality protection. It’s the peace of mind that completes a serious drinking water setup.
Don’t Forget the Pump Cover
One accessory that often gets overlooked: the Polyslab Pump Cover. All pumps need protection from the weather to maintain their warranty. The Polyslab Cover fits most pumps, measures 640mm x 340mm x 600mm, and is available in colour options to match your tank. It is delivered free with any poly tank order. It’s a small investment that protects a much larger one.
Putting All Your Water Tank Accessories Together
A well-set-up water tank system follows a logical sequence. Collect cleanly with a leaf eater and strainer. Protect the water with a first flush diverter and overflow screen. Monitor your levels with a Levetator or dial gauge. Deliver efficiently with the right pump and fittings. And treat for quality with a UV filter system if you’re using it for drinking water. Each water tank accessory plays a specific role. Together, they make the difference between a tank that simply holds water and a system that genuinely serves your household.
The Water Tank Factory stocks the complete range of water tank accessories to complement every tank. Many water tank accessories deliver free when ordered with a new tank — so it pays to put the full setup together from the start rather than adding pieces later. Browse the full accessories range at watertankfactory.com.au/types/
The tank is just the start. Let’s build the whole system.