SAFETY - WATER TANKS. Do not remove a water tank that is hot. If you accidentally lose your grip or if the tank does not become disengaged properly from the tank bracket you will spill boiling water on yourself and require immediate medical care for extremely painful 1st degree burns.
Water Tanks attach to either side of a stove using brackets.
Tank capacity varies from 2-5 gallons. 3 gallons is more than adequate for most uses.
Water in water tank is not recommended for drinking if water is from a stream or lake.
You must boil water a minimum of 2 minutes to prevent Giardia Lambila. Giardia Lambila is a parasite in contaminated water that makes you very sick, requires medical treatment, and definitely ruins and ends a hunting trip. Symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain, particularly cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
A gasket or O ring is required to prevent water spigot from leaking. It is recommended you always have a extra gasket or O ring in case of damage or loss. Most tent stoves have the spigot O ring on the outside of the tank between spigot and tank.
Water must be in the water tank to prevent the O ring or gasket from melting and becoming damaged and useless. Water tanks will warp if no water is in water tank. I recommend you remove the water tank at night from the tent stove. Prevent any possibility the water tank might go empty.
Some edges on water tank lids can be very sharp so caution is advised. Use gloves to avoid any cuts.
Water tanks are normally made from stainless steel or galvanized steel.