My wife and I just purchased a new Catalina 310 and I don't want any holding tank odor. With and brand new tank & hoses what chemicals should I be putting in the tank to keep it smelling good right from the start??? Thanks, Rodd C.
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Head
Post your question under "Expert Forums", one of the options under "Forums." Peggie Hall is the expert, she'll tell you what is best...then buy her book, full of good info.
Post your question under "Expert Forums", one of the options under "Forums." Peggie Hall is the expert, she'll tell you what is best...then buy her book, full of good info.
What I use.
I've been using Odorlos since day one in our C310. It supposedly feeds desirable bacteria with nitrates. The desirable bacteria then breakdown the waste without a lot of odor. I have to qualify my recommendation by saying that our holding tank is used only moderately and is pumped and rinsed with raw water often. In any case, we have no odor during 5 years of use.
I've been using Odorlos since day one in our C310. It supposedly feeds desirable bacteria with nitrates. The desirable bacteria then breakdown the waste without a lot of odor. I have to qualify my recommendation by saying that our holding tank is used only moderately and is pumped and rinsed with raw water often. In any case, we have no odor during 5 years of use.
I switched to Odorlos a couple months ago,
and it seems to work well. My system is in almost continous use, instructions state to add weekly & pump out often, good advice. Believe this is what Peggy recommends also.
and it seems to work well. My system is in almost continous use, instructions state to add weekly & pump out often, good advice. Believe this is what Peggy recommends also.
You need two things...
Areobic bacteria to break down the waste & oxygen. Readers digest version (check the head mistress forum for better detail): There are several products that have the bacteria/enzymes you add to the tank. The other product mentioned was Odorloss, it is a nitrate that can be used to supplement the oxygen in your tank if there isn't enough fresh air for the bacteria to use. If your tank is well ventialted all you need is the bacteria (I think It's called K.O.). P.S. Avoid chemicals that kill bacteria and mask odor, you'll regret it later.
Areobic bacteria to break down the waste & oxygen. Readers digest version (check the head mistress forum for better detail): There are several products that have the bacteria/enzymes you add to the tank. The other product mentioned was Odorloss, it is a nitrate that can be used to supplement the oxygen in your tank if there isn't enough fresh air for the bacteria to use. If your tank is well ventialted all you need is the bacteria (I think It's called K.O.). P.S. Avoid chemicals that kill bacteria and mask odor, you'll regret it later.
Natural bacteria
I'm not an expert, but I have read that there are both aerobic and nonaerobic bacteria occurring naturally in the waste. Is it really necessary to add the additional bacteria if you have a good aerobic environment? It seems not in my system.
I'm not an expert, but I have read that there are both aerobic and nonaerobic bacteria occurring naturally in the waste. Is it really necessary to add the additional bacteria if you have a good aerobic environment? It seems not in my system.
Reply to John " the scoop on the poop"
Jon, You may be right about not really needing to add bacteria, but note you may not need to add the Ordoloss product either, provided there is enough ventilation (aka oxygen). Again, folks selling their wares attempt to convince us, the consumers that we need their product... So if your head doesn't smell, maybe you're OK. But, if you got the stink, maybe one of theose products will do the trick (or, if you like to take precautions, like the original author) you're call. I think understanding that the presence of the two main things (oxygen & areobic bacteria) and how to add them if not present, most folks have the knowledge & tools to "sink the stink". Enjoy!
Jon, You may be right about not really needing to add bacteria, but note you may not need to add the Ordoloss product either, provided there is enough ventilation (aka oxygen). Again, folks selling their wares attempt to convince us, the consumers that we need their product... So if your head doesn't smell, maybe you're OK. But, if you got the stink, maybe one of theose products will do the trick (or, if you like to take precautions, like the original author) you're call. I think understanding that the presence of the two main things (oxygen & areobic bacteria) and how to add them if not present, most folks have the knowledge & tools to "sink the stink". Enjoy!
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