Quick verdict
Two washable 200 mesh nylon screens sized for the standard 6 inch lid opening of an IBC tote, so rain running into a 275 gallon tank leaves its leaves, grit and insects on top. They rinse clean and go back in. For anyone using a tote as a rain tank they are the simplest way to keep the water clear and the outlet unclogged.
Strengths
- Fits the standard IBC tote lid opening
- 200 mesh catches leaves, grit and most insects
- Washable and reusable nylon
- Two screens so one is always in service
- Keeps the tote outlet valve from clogging
Weaknesses
- Fine mesh slows inflow in heavy downpours
- Nylon degrades in direct sun over seasons
- Does not replace a first flush diverter for fine contaminants
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Filtering a Tote Tank at the Lid
IBC totes are the budget route to serious rainwater storage, 275 gallons of tank for the price of a couple of rain barrels. Their weak point is the open lid: aim a downspout at it and leaves, grit and insects follow the water in, settle to the bottom and clog the outlet valve. Brougetme’s 200 mesh nylon screens drop into the standard lid opening and catch all of that on top. Two come in the pack and both rinse clean for reuse.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how lid screens perform on IBC rain tanks generally. We have not used this screen ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
Design
A circular nylon mesh screen sized for the IBC lid opening, at 200 mesh, which is far finer than window screen. It sits in the opening under the lid ring or in place of the cap when the tote is used as a rain tank, so water from a downspout or diverter hose passes through while debris stays on top.
Filtration
Leaves, twigs, seeds and grit are stopped outright. Insects cannot pass, so mosquitoes cannot breed in the tank. Pollen and fine dust are largely caught too. What a lid screen cannot do is remove the dissolved and very fine contaminants of the first flush off a roof; for that, a first flush diverter upstream is the complement.
Flow
Fine mesh trades inflow speed for exclusion. Ordinary rain passes freely; a heavy cloudburst from a large roof can back up briefly on a loaded screen. Rinsing the screen after each big rain keeps it clear, and the second screen means a clean one is always ready.
Durability
Nylon is tear resistant but weakens in UV. A screen under a lid or in shade lasts seasons; one exposed to full sun fades faster. At the price, replacing one every year or two is reasonable.
Who Should Buy It
- Anyone using an IBC tote as a rain tank.
- Totes fed directly from a downspout without an upstream screen.
- Owners fighting a clogged outlet valve from debris in the tank.
Common Owner Complaints
Slow inflow in storms and sun fading. Rinsing and shade address both.
Alternatives to Consider
A stainless mesh basket filter in the lid lasts longer at higher cost. A first flush diverter upstream improves water quality beyond what any screen can. For barrels rather than totes, the ANTOBLE 6 inch screen.
Verdict
Two washable 200 mesh screens for a few dollars keep an IBC rain tank clear of leaves and mosquitoes and the outlet valve flowing. Rinse them after storms and keep the lid shaded, and they are the easiest improvement a tote tank can get.
Full specifications
Brougetme IBC Tote Lid Nylon Filter Screen, 200 Mesh, 2 Pack FAQs
A 275 or 330 gallon plastic tank in a steel cage, widely reused as a large rain tank. The lid has a standard 6 inch screw opening this screen fits.
Yes. Mosquito screening is typically around 18 mesh; 200 is far finer and also catches pollen and grit.
In a cloudburst the fine mesh can back up briefly. Most rains flow through without issue; keep the screen rinsed.
Nylon weakens in sun. Under a shaded lid owners report seasons of use; in full sun expect to replace it sooner, which is why two are supplied.
