questions & answers
CAN TANKS REST ON A STANDARD 6 INCH FOUNDATION?
YES. The weight of the entire tank is spread over the total area, so that the greatest weight is only 900lb/sqft. in any one location. We prefer to install tanks on our own foundations to guarantee their integrity. Weaker foundations lead to endless problems down the road.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET ENTRAPPED OR SUCKED INTO THE INTAKE SYSTEM?
NO. Fathom Tanks’ intake system consists of thousands and thousands of small holes, distributing the intake suction power over a very large area. This makes it impossible for anyone to get stuck against or inside our intake system. Zero entrapment risk.
How long does it take to fill or drain your tanks?
Tanks fill in 1-2hrs using a 3in fire hose line from a nearby hydrant. Your water utility company can provide you with a meter to connect in between the hydrant and the line. Draining takes twice as long using gravity and the built in port, but can be sped up utilizing pumps.
What are your tanks made of?
Tanks are made from heavy steel; plumbing is PVC.
ARE THESE TANKS below GROUND; DO THEY REQUIRE DIGGING A HOLE?
NO. Installations involve no digging or excavation. Our tanks are considered equipment and not permanent fixtures because they are portable, same as an oil derrick or tunnel boring machine. You can disassemble our equipment, move it to a new location.
HOW FAST CAN THE CURRENT FLOW INSIDE THE TANK?
Tanks utilize a plurality of large pumps to move water at 7kts across the surface. State ordinance will not allow for speeds greater than 3kts below the surface, so we created the illusion of much greater water speeds by skipping faster water across the surface.
Do you allow for custom sizes and designs?
YES. We can design anything you wish however our two main tank sizes are 50x100 and 40x80. All tanks are six feet deep (1 fathom) and come in blue and gold (the colors of the dive community). We have designed tanks as long as 200ft and as small as 20ft.
How long do installations take?
Tanks take approximately six (6) months to install.
TANKS ARE NOT POOLS AND SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED AS SUCH.
Fathom Tank installations are not open to the general public and are intended for private training, work, or education. Tanks also come with a variance allowing for an all blacked out interior floor, which is not allowed in pools. Fathom Tanks should never be considered a pool.
CAN RESCUE ZODIACS WITH ELECTRIC MOTORS CAN BE USED IN TANKS?
YES. 4-6 person rescue zodiac boats can be used in the tanks to practice boat rescue. The key is knowing that anyone can get to the rescue, the hard part is staying on target at the rescue. Tanks can be tailored to create eddies and cross currents making training more realistic.
Will you install your tanks in the open outdoors?
NO. We do not install tanks outside because rainwater is the primary source of bacteria and amoeba. We can install inside preexisting structures after inspecting the foundation is to code and the proper thickness to support our tanks.
What tank shapes can you build?
Rectangles, squares, and cylinders.