Installing a 2000 l water tank

I've been advised by the tank manufacturer to mount the tank on 100 mm of crusher dust.

However, I'm concerned about the possibility of termites nesting under it.

I would prefer to use granite guard (or is it granitgard?) to dissuade termites.

Does anyone know if they can nest in granite guard?

My understanding is the granite guard has grains that are too big for them to move and the gaps betewen are too small for them to walk through.

Whereas, I assume that the crusher dust grains are small enough for them to move.

Any advice will be appreciated.

whats wrong with useing sand

termites can still make a nest under granite.
getting through it is another issue

they makes nest in disused chimneys, under concrete, trees and even out under your lawn.

are you worried they will get through the soil to maybe damage the bottom of your tank?

try a concrete slab

Our local council regulations state:

• Rainwater tanks shall be separated from the building by a gap of at least 25mm, to allow clear and uninterrupted visual termite inspection across the inspection zone (larger tanks running parallel to building may require larger gap eg 100mm). If this cannot be achieved the tank is to be provided with one of the barrier systems described in the Australian Standard AS3660 – Termite management – New Building work.

I doubt the little buggers would be more inclined to nest under a tank than anywhere else. Unless of course the tank is leaking which might attract them to the moisture.

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Originally Posted by bugsy

termites can still make a nest under granite.
getting through it is another issue Do you mean granite or granite guard?

they makes nest in disused chimneys, under concrete, trees and even out under your lawn.

are you worried they will get through the soil to maybe damage the bottom of your tank?

try a concrete slab

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I'm not worried about the tank (it is metal). I just don't want to add yet another possible nesting site.

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Originally Posted by Fuzzie

Our local council regulations state:

• Rainwater tanks shall be separated from the building by a gap of at least 25mm, to allow clear and uninterrupted visual termite inspection across the inspection zone (larger tanks running parallel to building may require larger gap eg 100mm). If this cannot be achieved the tank is to be provided with one of the barrier systems described in the Australian Standard AS3660 – Termite management – New Building work.

I doubt the little buggers would be more inclined to nest under a tank than anywhere else. Unless of course the tank is leaking which might attract them to the moisture.

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Thanks, I was not aware of this. My council did not help me much.

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Originally Posted by ljcox

Thanks, I was not aware of this. My council did not help me much.

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this would not be required if your house is on stumps

the inspection zone for termites in regards to brick veneer homes on a concrete floor is where the concrete and the brickwork starts along the bottom of the wall.
Termites enter though the rebate.

It is a good idea to keep it so you can see the side of the slab at all times.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bugsy

this would not be required if your house is on stumps

the inspection zone for termites in regards to brick veneer homes on a concrete floor is where the concrete and the brickwork starts along the bottom of the wall.
Termites enter though the rebate.

It is a good idea to keep it so you can see the side of the slab at all times.

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Thanks for the response. I don't fully understand what you mean.

What is the "rebate"?

Our house is on stumps, but there are 2 concrete slabs. The garage floor and the outside patio both of which were poured against the brick wall of the house.

So if I inspect for termites, do you mean that I only have to check under the house adjacent to these areas?

Is there a web site or other info that explains how to inspect for termites?

Thanks again.

ok i see , your house is on stumps and it is bricked around.

to inspect for termites you will need to get under the subfloor.

the "rebate" is where the first row of bricks sit on the concrete floor.Ground level.
This doesnt really apply to your situation.

the inspection zone being talked about in previous posts is really for homes on a concrete floor on the ground.

Although it is still a good idea to keep these areas clear, especially if your sub-floor walls are double brick, as termites can work their way up between the two rows of bricks.

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So if I inspect for termites, do you mean that I only have to check under the house adjacent to these areas?

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the whole house should be inspected, including yard

for more info you can go to www.upma.com.au