Aquatabs: How Effective Are They & How to Use Them in Your Water Tank
When it comes to safe drinking water, especially in South Africa where water interruptions and clean water are common concerns, Aquatabs have become one of the most trusted solutions. Whether you’re filling a Water Tank such as the Africa tank , preparing for emergencies, or ensuring clean water on a farm or campsite, Aquatabs offer a quick, reliable, and affordable way to make stored water safe to drink.
In this blog, we’ll break down how effective Aquatabs really are, how they work, and how to use them correctly in a water tank.
What Are Aquatabs?
Aquatabs are fast-acting water purification tablets designed to kill harmful microorganisms commonly found in untreated or stored water. Each tablet contains sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) — a powerful and internationally approved disinfectant used by:
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WHO (World Health Organization)
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UNICEF
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Red Cross & emergency relief organisations
Aquatabs are widely used around the world because of their reliability, ease of use, and safety.
How Effective Are Aquatabs?
1. Kills 99.99% of Harmful Germs
Aquatabs eliminate bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa responsible for:
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Diarrhoea
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Cholera
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Typhoid
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Dysentery
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Gastrointestinal infections
This makes them highly effective for tank water, which can become contaminated through dust, insects, poor sealing, pipe backflow, or stagnant conditions.
2. Works in Just 30 Minutes
Once added to your water tank, Aquatabs start working immediately.
Full purification occurs within 30 minutes, depending on water temperature and clarity.
3. No Taste or Odour Issues (When Used Correctly)
Unlike traditional chlorine forms that leave a strong smell or after-taste, Aquatabs release a controlled amount of chlorine that is:
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Safe for drinking
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Low in taste
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Gentle on the stomach
This makes them ideal for households, kids, elderly family members, and pets (when used according to instructions).
4. Long-Lasting Protection
Aquatabs keep your water safe for up to 24–48 hours, depending on conditions.
This means bacteria are less likely to grow back quickly compared to untreated water.
For long-term storage tanks, regular treatment ensures water stays clean and safe over time.
Why You Should Use Aquatabs in a Water Tank
Your tank may look clean, but tank water can easily be contaminated by:
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Dust, leaves, and insects
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Unfiltered rainwater
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Animals and birds
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Municipal pipe bursts
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Bacteria that grow in stagnant water
Aquatabs provide an easy, low-cost way to ensure all water in your tank is safe for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and washing food.
How to Use Aquatabs in a Water Tank (Step-by-Step)
The correct dosage depends on the volume of your tank and the strength of the Aquatabs tablet.
Most commonly used tablets: Aquatabs 8.68g (treats up to 2,000L)
Here’s the simple guide:
✔ Step 1: Check Your Water Tank Volume
Most Africa Tanks or similar tanks are:
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1,000L
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2,000L
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2,500L
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5,000L
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10,000L
Write down the size so you can add the correct number of tablets.
✔ Step 2: Calculate the Correct Dose
Standard guideline
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1 Aquatabs 8.68g tablet treats 2,000 litres of clear water
If your tank is:
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1,000L → Use ½ tablet
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2,000L → Use 1 tablet
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2,500L → Use 1¼ tablets
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5,000L → Use 2½ tablets
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10,000L → Use 5 tablets
(For very dirty or cloudy water, double the dose or pre-filter the water.)
✔ Step 3: Add the Tablets Directly Into the Tank
Drop the tablet(s) into the tank through the main opening or inlet.
They dissolve on their own — no mixing required.
✔ Step 4: Wait 30 Minutes
This is the time Aquatabs need to kill harmful germs.
If the water is very cold or cloudy, wait 45–60 minutes for full effectiveness.
✔ Step 5: Repeat Treatment as Needed
You should treat your tank:
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Every time new water is added, OR
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Every 2 weeks for stored water, even if the water is not used often
This keeps bacteria from growing inside the tank.
Tips for Maximum Safety & Effectiveness
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Clean your tank at least once a year
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Keep the tank sealed to avoid insects and debris
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Use a pre-filter for rainwater tanks
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Store Aquatabs in a cool, dry place
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Do not overdose unnecessarily — follow the recommended amounts
Are Aquatabs Safe?
Yes — when used according to instructions.
Aquatabs are approved for household use worldwide. They do not harm:
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The stomach
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Kidneys or liver
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Pets (when dosed correctly)
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Babies (use as purified drinking water)
They also do not build up in the body or cause long-term health issues.
Final Thoughts: Are Aquatabs Worth Using in Your Water Tank?
Absolutely.
Aquatabs offer a simple, cost-effective, and reliable way to keep stored water safe — especially in South Africa, where clean water access can be unpredictable.
They are:
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Easy to use
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Highly effective
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Safe for the whole family
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Perfect for Water tanks, boreholes, camping tanks & emergency storage
If you rely on water tanks for household use, Aquatabs are one of the best and most trusted purification solutions available today.

