Odorlos not the same thing as K.O.
Both are environmentally friendly products that contain no toxic chemicals, and are by far the most effective eco-friendly products--which are the reasons they're the only products I recommend. But that's where the similarities end.
Raritan K.O. is a bio-active (live bacteria) product...the bacteria work with the naturually occurring bacteria in waste to break down solids and TP and to prevent odor. Although it can break down waste equally well in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, K.O. does require an aerobic environment to prevent odors, so it doesn't necessarily work in all tanks. However, bacteria multiply...making it unnecessary to add K.O. between pumpouts unless the boat has sat long enough for the li'l buggers to exhaust their food supply and die. Easily fixed by adding a couple of ounces to the first flush when you come back aboard.
The active ingredient in Odorlos is nitrates. It prevents odor by promoting oxygen release from organic matter--from the waste itself...allowing it to work in tanks that are not sufficiently well ventilated to allow K.O. to function aerobically. But nitrates dxhaust themselves fairly quickly...unlike bacteria, nitriates don't multiply. So more must be added at least every 4-5 days--more often in especially hot weather. So if you add Odorlos immediately after pumpout at the end of a cruise, then the boat sits for a few days, you MUST add the recommended dose again when you return or you WILL have odor.
Btw...don't be deceived into believing that products labeled "biodegradable" are environmentally friendly. Formaldehyde--the active ingredient in Thetford AquaKem--is bio-degradable...as are gluteraldehyde and quaternary ammonium compounds, which are the most common active ingredients in chemical tank products...all of which are labeled "bio-degradable."
The first aid warnings on packaging are the best indication of whether any product is really environmentally friendly or not. All products will include a warning to “keep out of the reach of children and pets,” but if they also say something like “harmful or fatal if swallowed, may cause blindness, if ingested call poison control immediately,” that product isn’t the least bit friendly to man or the environment, no matter how “biodegradable” it’s supposed to be. If, on the other hand, the first aid warnings only advise “wash hands after handling, flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes, drink large quantities of liquids if ingested, contact physician if symptoms develop,” you can be confident that product really is environmentally friendly.
