Aireating the Holding Tank?

[John - Oday 27]

Just a thought; Has anyone tried or heard of this or anything similar.Since proper venting is so important for aerobic bacteria in the holding tank, I am considering aerating my holding tank with an aquarium type air pump with the airline plumbed into the bottom of my holding tank. Has anyone tried this? What are the pros and cons?Any and all suggestions and or comments are appreciated.I am also considering using two vent lines, one on either side of the hull, to create a cross flow of fresh air. Any thoughts?Thanks,John

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

I'ts been done...

But it's not as easy to get the tank balanced aerobically as you might think...it can take a couple of months, and until it is balanced, odor is usually worse. Aeration has to be continuous 24/7/365, except during any winter layup (which would require starting all over again to balance it each spring), which doesn't make it practical on many sailboats with already limited power resources. And it isn't really necessary in small tanks (under 50 gallons). As for two vents, that may ot be necessary either. Odorlos usually accomplishes all you need to...why not just try it?