Who has experience with cisterns?

In our area, a cistern with an emergency overflow into the sewage system can reduce the rainwater fee to 10% of the normally calculated amount, with overflow to infiltration even down to 0%. This would amount to about €250-300 per year for us, which is why we would like to install a cistern.

Unfortunately, there are various providers, options, and prices here, so my question is: What did you pay attention to when purchasing, what can you (not) recommend, and what were your prices?

Our key data:
- We would like a capacity of about 6000-7000 liters, as we use a large garden with many beds.
- A practical withdrawal point is mandatory for us; preferably a pump with good pressure and some kind of tap that can be mounted at height.
- So far, I am leaning towards a concrete cistern.

I am also curious and will join the request with the same key data

I don't know exactly (that was my husband's topic...) We have a concrete cistern (it also had to be drivable, since it's in front of the house). Stable, durable, long proven. Somewhere I read that there is also an influence of the concrete on the water, which is better than with plastic, but I don't quite remember the details... In terms of volume, it's not about what is consumed, but also about how much "water potential" comes from the roof in general. There are online calculators somewhere that know how much rain falls at your location onto your property and how big the cistern can be. In my opinion, too big doesn't make sense either.

Exactly because of the money, I installed a cistern a few years ago. I also discussed this here in the forum. Please keep in mind one thing: a cistern can be as large as you want, but if not enough water can be channeled there because the connected surface area is too small or it simply does not rain, then you just won’t have enough water for watering. Just calculate with at least 10 liters per m² needed, then you can figure out for yourself how long the water will last with a full cistern at your place. To save fees and for a good feeling, a cistern is certainly good. If you do it yourself, it is also quite inexpensive to build it. With the money saved and certainly a bit more, you get a well drilled (drilled, not hammered) and then install a deep well pump in it. Then, even with the current weather situation like it is now in NRW, you will always have enough water for the garden.

I'm not exactly sure about that (it was my husband's topic...) We have a concrete cistern (it also had to be drivable since it’s in front of the house). Stable, durable, long tested. Somewhere I read that there is also an influence of the concrete on the water, which is better than with plastic, but I can’t quite recall the details anymore... In terms of volume, it’s not about what is consumed, but also about how much "water potential" comes from the roof. There are online calculators somewhere that know how much rain falls in your area onto your property and how big the cistern can be. In my opinion, too big doesn't make sense either.

Which manufacturer & model did you install, and what did it cost? I already checked the online calculator; that should fit.

: Same question for you as well

So far, I have come across the brands Mall, Aquaroc, Finger, Rewalux. I couldn't identify any particular advantages/disadvantages, but Mall seems to be quite widespread.

One should ensure that the lower part is already mortared to the cone at the factory (only possible up to a certain size), and there seem to be different types of filters that make a bit of a difference. Also, the inflow should be "calmed." That's about 30 minutes of Google half-knowledge.

I will probably consult dieregensammler; they apparently act as a kind of intermediary and have access to various manufacturers and systems.