Water Activated Gel Filled Flood Bags
The Minnow sandbag alternative offers compact storage, incredible water absorption, and a no-mess clean up after a flood.
Unlike sandbags, which must be filled and deployed using a large crew, the Minnow sandless sandbag contains a super absorbent gel, which absorbs water and inflates, creating a durable flood barrier against rising water and flooding. Water dams can be created instantly and efficiently.
Because Minnow is water activated, Minnow bags are stored flat, ready to be transported quickly to the flood site. Flood bags only swell when exposed to water.
In a world where time is valuable when reacting to a flood, these quick bags are a must have tool in your emergency plan.
Quick and Easy
Each Minnow™ absorbs around 6 gallons of flood water
Water Activated
No special disposal instructions, just throw them away
Stackable
Minnow is lightweight, lays flat, and can store for 3+ years until activated
How do Minnow™ Flood Bags Work?
The secret to the sandless Minnow flood bag is its non-woven outer construction, filled with a hydrophilic SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), capable of absorbing 39-44 lbs of water. Once inflated, bags provide a dam to prevent and hold back rising and flowing water, similar to traditional sand bags.
Minnow gel filled bags may also be used for quick spill clean up, as Minnow will absorb and lock-in water.
6 Gallons
Each Minnow™ absorbs around 6 gallons of flood water
Disposable
No special disposal instructions, just throw them away
Compact
Minnow is lightweight, lays flat, and can store for 3+ years until activated
Simple Set Up
Remove Minnow™ Bags From Vacuum Pouch
- Slice open pouch carefully to protect Minnow™ bags from cuts
- Minnow™ Bags with handles have 4 bags in a pouch
- Standard Minnow™ Bags have 5 bags in a pouch
Activate Minnow™ Bags With Staging Pool
- We recommend pre-activating your Minnow™ Bags in a staging pool
- Simply lay Minnow™ Bags in a pool of water to begin activation
- It takes about 3 minutes for a Minnow™ Bag to fully absorb and swell
Place Your Minnow™ Bags
- Lay Minnow™ Bags with the long side facing the water
- This minimizes initial seam exposure and seepage
- Place Minnow™ Bags as close together as possible for strength and to create a more effective flood dam.
Add Protection As Needed
- We recommend a wall base that’s 2-3x the height of a wall
- A 2ft wall of Minnow™ Bags should have a 4-6ft wide base
- Create desired protection height to hold back rising flood water
Use Minnow™ To Protect Your Home or Business From a Flood Disaster
Minnow flood bags help mitigate flood damage by keeping water away from the things you care about. Some uses for Minnow include:
- Levee and berm construction
- Equipment protection
- Spill cleanup
- Property perimeter protection
- Sewer grate seal off
- Doorway and loading dock flood protection
- Driveway and garage flood protection
- Instant dams
Choose The Minnow That’s Right For You
Specifications:
Exterior Material: Non-woven Polypropylene with UV Protection
Interior Material: 100% Sodium Polyacrylate
Activation: Minnow bags are activated using fresh water.
Note: Minnow™ bags cannot be used in salt water or to protect against rising oceans waters as the expandable gel will not activate in salt water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minnow flood control bag made out of?
The exterior material is non-woven polypropylene with UV protection and it is filled with sodium polyacrylate that gels and swells on contact with water. Sodium polyacrylate is non-toxic and was first developed by researchers for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The material was used for diapers worn by astronauts while they were on long space trips.
How long does the bag take to activate?
The flood bags will fully swell and absorb water in 3-4 minutes and will be ready to stack as soon as they are activated. We recommend pre-activating the bags using a small activation or staging pool, such as a kiddie pool or container.
Can I stack the Minnow flood control bags to build a wall?
Yes, you must have fully activated bags prior to stacking. We recommend building a wall that is higher than anticipated water level and with a 1:3 ratio, having a 3ft wide base for every 1ft of height. This provide stability against heavy flood conditions.
Should I stand the bags up?
No, we recommend laying them length wise for both styles. This will help in staging them next to each other, minimize seams, as well as being best for stack the bags on top of each other.
Can I use these sandless sandbags with salt water?
Minnow bags cannot be used in salt water or to protect against rising oceans waters as the expandable gel will not activate in salt water. Bags should be activated using fresh water, though once activated, they can withstand and hold back salt water as well.
How long can I keep the activated Minnow bags outside for?
Minnow SAP gel filled bags will remain filled for roughly 1-3 months, depending on temperature, humidity, and environment. Over time, water will slowly leave the bag and evaporate.
What is the shelf life of Minnow bags, not activated?
Minnow gel filled flood bags are shipped flat in vacuum wrapped bags to prevent water absorption. We recommend storing Minnow bags in a cool, dry room. Shelf life is roughly 3 years when kept in vacuum bags.
Will the inner contents of the Minnow come out?
The inner SAP contents will actually swell inside the bag, to form a gelled solid, holding the water in.
Are the Minnow bags safe around pets?
Yes, the contents are completely safe and non toxic to your pets. This is the same material used in children’s diapers.
Can I use the Minnow bags with other liquids that are not water, such as chemicals or oils?
Minnow bags should be pre-activated with water so they are full size and then can be used to contain and divert other liquids. You can use minnow to absorb and clean up water, soda, or other spills.
Do I need to fill the Minnow with anything or anything or need any other tools?
The Minnow Gel Filled Bags are sandless sandbags that are ready to use, just activate with water! No additional sand or tools need.
Can I use these inside my home?
Yes, they can be used indoors to help with nuisance leaks, such as a hot water heater, faucet, or pipe leak, but we recommend being cautious on sensitive floors, where staining could occur.
Can these be used in colder weather and winter conditions?
Yes. Minnow bags can be used to divert snow melt and ice jams, but should be pre-activated ahead of time. We recommend checking on them due to the elements of the weather to assure they are working for your needs.
I have standing water, if I place these bags down, will they work?
Yes, the bags will absorb and lock in the water and can be placed during a flood, to then hold back, divert and re-route water, once activated.
What do I do with the Minnow gel filled bags once I am done with them?
Once used, water activated flood bags can be disposed of as solid waste post flood, or left in place for further flood mitigation or erosion control needs. Activated interior gel can also be distributed on fields, since it is non-toxic and offers a gradual release of absorbed water (1-3 months), beneficial for agricultural use in arid areas.
What is the difference between the Minnow MW1 and MW2?
The MW1 has a pillow shape similar to traditional sandbags and offers 23.62″ in length of protection. When placed down it takes on a traditional sandbag shape.
The MW2 is 15.75” in length and when activated takes on a more defined square/box shape, more like a block.
The MW2 has handles for easier transport, which is very useful as these can weigh 35-40lbs when activated. We recommend MW2 with handles if you plan to reposition or move your Minnow flood barrier.