Beltecno Blog: Innovation & Insights

The Complete Guide to Customizing Metal Water Tanks

Written by Arjun Pokhrel | July 28, 2025 at 4:30 AM

One size does not fit all, and neither does one requirement.

And this is the case with water storage tanks, too! 

When it comes to efficient and reliable water storage, a metal water tank, especially one made from stainless steel, offers unmatched performance. 

However, in many industrial, commercial, and even residential applications, an off-the-shelf tank just doesn’t cut it. That’s where custom metal water tanks come in.

This guide will walk you through why customisation matters, what options are available, and how you can tailor your tank to meet the specific needs of your facility, industry, or space. 

Whether you're in the pharmaceutical sector, the food and beverage industry, or dealing with chemical storage, this comprehensive overview is for you.

Why Customisation of Metal Water Tank Matters?

A metal water tank is a significant investment and must meet specific operational, spatial, and regulatory requirements. 

The amount of water you need, the available space and how you plan to use the stored water all play a role in determining the right tank design.

For example, a standard cylindrical tank won’t fit in a tight basement space, but a modular rectangular tank can be built on site. A tank for high-temperature liquids will require additional insulation and thermal control that standard tanks don’t have.

Use-case-specific design customisation ensures your water tank works seamlessly with your system, not against it. 

Whether it’s process water in a factory, potable water in a building or treated water in a data centre cooling loop. 

The tank has to be designed with its end use in mind. This not only makes it more efficient but also extends the life of the tank and reduces maintenance costs.

As we have understood the importance of customised design of water storage tanks, let’s see what the different types of customisation are available at Beltecno. 

Types of Customization Available at Beltecno

1. Size and Shape

Not all facilities are created equal. Some have height restrictions, others have limited floor space, and many have to work around existing infrastructure. 

Having the size and shape option in this case can be really beneficial for your metal water tank. Here’s what you can choose from:

Cylindrical Tanks: These are the go-to for many installations, especially when vertical space is available. Their round shape helps with structural integrity, and they’re perfect for an elevated tank system or vertical stacking.

Rectangular Tanks: Great for maximising space in areas where a cylindrical tank just won’t fit. Think narrow hallways, small mechanical rooms or tucked-away utility spaces. Rectangular tanks are especially helpful when you need to work around architectural obstacles.

Modular Panel Tanks: These are made up of pre-fabricated panels that are assembled on site. They’re a great solution for remote locations, rooftops, basements or other hard-to-reach places where a full-size tank isn’t practical. Plus, they’re easy to disassemble and relocate if your needs change.

2. Capacity


Get what you need. One of the biggest advantages of custom water tanks is that you get exactly what you need. Whether it’s a 500L tank for a local water system or a high capacity water tank for industrial use, customisation means:

Efficiency: You’re not overbuilding and wasting money on unused capacity.

Accuracy: You can plan for exactly the right amount of storage, especially important in regulated or resource-sensitive environments.

Scalability: Need to expand later? Tanks can be built with expansion in mind.

No more settling for “close enough” with custom design, your tank fits your actual needs.

3. Orientation


Orientation of the tank is essential to how effectively the tank can be used and operated. 

Vertical tanks are ideal for the storage of floor space. Horizontal tanks, however, are a better application for height-restricted areas, such as deck or basement applications. 

They're stable and often easier to access for maintenance. The choice of horizontal or vertical would be dependent upon space restraints, flow of the operations, as well as the interfacing requirements of the system.

4. Wall Thickness & Insulation 


Storage tank wall thickness is determined by factors such as pressure, temperature, and environmental hazards.

Storage tanks used at high pressures require thicker wall thicknesses.

On the other hand, storage tanks used at low pressures can be thinner to reduce material costs.

Additionally, if you want to minimise temperature fluctuations in the water inside the tank, insulation is essential to minimise unwanted heat transfer and improve product stability and energy efficiency.

In such cases, the storage tank must be insulated on-site.

Panel tanks are typically insulated with glass wool.

Wall thickness for panel tanks is affected by factors such as tank height, seismic requirements, and water level fluctuations.

Ultimately, both wall thickness and insulation must be tailored to meet safety standards, operational needs, and desired service life.

5. Special Customisation Requests

Beltecno offers tailored customization to meet specific client needs, ensuring every stainless steel tank fits seamlessly into its intended application. 

Whether it’s installing CIP spray balls for hygienic cleaning in food or pharma industries, or integrating instruments like level sensors, valves, or temperature control devices, Beltecno adapts to unique operational demands. 

From initial design to final installation, the team collaborates closely with clients to ensure precision, efficiency, and compliance, delivering tanks that are fully customized and performance-ready for any industry.

Other Customisation Options Available 

When choosing or designing a stainless steel water tank for industrial use, it’s not just about size and shape. 

The right customisations can make a significant difference in efficiency, safety, and compatibility with your specific requirements. 

From fittings to insulation, let’s explore how stainless steel tanks can be customised to meet specific industry needs.

1. Manholes, Inlets and Outlets

Custom-designed access points for smooth maintenance, cleaning and pipeline integration. Depending on your application, various configurations can be added:

Threaded or Flanged Connections: For secure attachment to pipelines and external systems, available in various sizes and pressure ratings.

Overflow Pipes: To prevent overfilling by safely diverting excess liquid, protecting both the tank and the surrounding infrastructure.

Cleaning Ports: Strategically placed openings to simplify internal cleaning and sludge removal without disassembling the entire tank.

These are essential for maintaining hygiene standards, reducing downtime and easy accessibility.

2. Compartments and Internal Structures

For complex storage requirements, tanks can be internally divided or structurally modified: 

Multiple Compartments: Store different liquids in one tank, useful in multipurpose processing plants.

How Customisation Impacts Cost & Delivery Time

Customising a stainless steel tank offers tailored functionality but can influence both cost and delivery time. 

Add-ons like temperature control jackets, special linings, or pharma-grade fittings require specific materials, skilled labour, and engineering precision, all of which can increase overall cost. 

Likewise, design approval, fabrication complexity, and testing protocols may extend delivery timelines. 

However, this investment ensures a tank that fits your exact operational needs, reducing downtime and enhancing long-term efficiency. Choosing the right level of customisation is key to balancing performance and budget.

FAQs on Customised Stainless Steel Tanks

1. Which industries can most benefit from customised SS tanks?

Pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, chemicals, and data centres often require speciality tanks for sanitation, temperature, and process equipment compatibility.

2. Can stainless steel tanks be customized for outdoor use? 

Yes, Beltecno tanks can be used outdoors without coating or insulation. They are primarily intended for outdoor use.

3. How long does it take to manufacture a customised tank?

Depending upon complexity, lead times can be from 4 to 12 weeks, involving design approval, fabrication, and tests.

4. Are customized tanks available as per international standards?

Yes. Our tanks can also be engineered to ASME, ISO, BIS, and other standards as project requirements dictate.

5. Is there a way to retrofit an existing tank?

In certain instances, yes. After-market add-ons such as valves, insulation, or sensors can be added, although structural changes are limited.

Why Choose Beltecno for Custom Stainless Steel Tanks?

Beltecno is the world leader in SS tank manufacturing, renowned for precision engineering and sector-specific solutions. 

Whether your requirement is for pharma-grade cleanability, F&B hygiene compliance, or industrial-grade strength, Beltecno has full customisation options from the size and shape, through insulation and automation. 

With in-house design groups, global certifications, and fast-track project execution, Beltecno guarantees that your metal water tank isn’t merely constructed, it’s engineered for performance, durability, and effortless integration with your systems.

Don’t believe in our words, read our client testimonials!

Conclusion

Customised metal water tanks are more than just containers; they’re strategic assets tailored to your operational needs.

From pharmaceutical purity to industrial ruggedness, the appropriate customisations deliver improved performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. 

Contact Beltecno in order to receive stainless steel tanks that are not merely made-to-order; they are built-to-perform!