Best Ink Tank Options for Peristaltic Pumps in DTF/DTG White Ink Systems

Question: I recently purchased the BCH peristaltic pump for my DTF/DTG printer’s white ink management system. What kind of tank or container would you recommend for this pump?

Answer:

What Kind of Tank Works Best with a Peristaltic Pump?

If you’re using our Peristaltic Pump for DTF/DTG Printers – White Ink Management System (https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/peristaltic-pump-for-dtf-dtg-printers-white-ink-management-system), the good news is that you have a lot of flexibility in choosing a tank or reservoir.

Unlike membrane or vacuum pumps, which require specific tank setups to manage backpressure, peristaltic pumps exert only gentle, low-pressure flow. This means you don't need a sealed or pressurized container. In fact, almost any container that can hold the volume of white ink you need will work just fine.

Practical Recommendations:

• You can use a basic food-grade plastic container, such as an iced tea bottle or water jug. Just make sure it's clean and has a lid to prevent contamination.

• If you need more structure, you can also use custom refillable ink tanks or repurpose old cartridge tanks—just ensure the tubing fits snugly and there's no chance of air leaks.

• The main requirement is that the container allows for easy tubing entry and does not collapse under atmospheric pressure.

Do You Need a Secondary Tank?

Not with a peristaltic pump.

A secondary tank—like the one we offer for membrane-based systems (Secondary Tank for DTF Printhead (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/secondary-tank-for-dtf-printhead-3-mm-od-1))—is designed to buffer the pressure fluctuations of stronger membrane pumps. Peristaltic pumps don’t generate enough pressure variation to require this setup.

So, for your current application:

• Skip the secondary tank.

• Instead, run the output tubing directly to the printhead.

• You can even place a splitter on the carriage if you're distributing ink to multiple channels.

This streamlined setup minimizes tubing length, reduces air pockets, and lowers the risk of ink sedimentation—especially important with white ink systems.

Final Considerations

Keep in mind that white ink must be constantly agitated to prevent pigment settling. While your pump helps circulate the fluid, it’s still essential to:

• Shake or stir your container regularly (unless using a built-in stirrer).

• Keep tubing and connectors clean to prevent clogs.

• Run regular maintenance cycles if the printer sits idle for long.

Working with DTF and DTG systems involves a fair amount of customization and trial-and-error. Due to the hands-on nature of these setups, we’re unable to offer direct remote diagnostics or personalized troubleshooting. However, we do provide in-person diagnostic and repair services at our local service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and we appreciate your patience due to potential wait times. We repair full printers and individual systems such as ink delivery and pump circuits.

If you’d like to dig deeper into custom ink system design, we recommend exploring our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search tool beside the "About" tab to locate topics like “DTF circulation,” “peristaltic pump setup,” or “white ink clogs.” We’ve published hundreds of videos over the last nine years, so chances are, there’s already something that can help.

Thanks again for your thoughtful question. We’re always here to support you on your journey with custom print setups. Best of luck with your DTF system—and happy printing!