SmallSilage Tanks

Small silage tanks are typically available from around 2,500 to 10,000 litres, making them suitable for smaller herds or farms where yard space is at a premium. This is a good deal more compact than our large silage tank range, which is designed for bigger dairy or beef operations. If you're unsure which capacity suits your effluent output, it's worth working out your daily silage tonnage first, as this dictates run-off volume.

Most below-ground agricultural tanks don't need planning permission, but you should always check with your local authority, particularly if the site is near a watercourse or in an environmentally sensitive area. You'll also need to comply with the Environment Agency's Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations, which set minimum standards for effluent storage capacity and construction. Getting this wrong can mean costly remedial work, so check requirements before you dig.

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) offers excellent structural rigidity below ground, resisting deformation from soil pressure and groundwater without needing extensive concrete surrounds. It also holds up well against the corrosive nature of silage effluent, which is highly acidic. Combined with a specialist liner, GRP tanks give a long service life even in demanding farmyard conditions.

Because these tanks are compact and below-ground, excavation is generally more manageable than for full-size silage tanks, though you'll still need a level, stable base — typically a concrete bed or pad depending on ground conditions. Access for delivery and lifting equipment should be considered before the tank arrives, as GRP units are rigid and can't be manoeuvred through tight gaps. We'd always recommend checking site access and soil type with your installer beforehand.

This depends on your silage volume, seasonal effluent run-off and tank capacity, but smaller tanks naturally require more frequent collection than larger installations. Many farms schedule emptying to coincide with silage-making periods when effluent output is highest. Keeping a simple log of fill rates in the first season helps you plan a realistic collection schedule going forward.

These tanks are specifically designed and lined for silage effluent, which is far more acidic and aggressive than general slurry or dirty water. Using them for other waste types could compromise the liner or breach SSAFO storage requirements if capacities are shared. If you need separate storage for veterinary waste or general yard run-off, it's best to size and specify a dedicated tank for that purpose.