matt_unique
New member
Well my new holding tank has seen some action, and I'm wondering about the best chemicals you guys have found to kill the odor.
Thanks
Thanks
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How to kill the stink
- Thread starter matt_unique
- Start date
We use the Thetford formaldahyde-free stuff available at Wal-Mart. Liquid or powder - both work fine. Having fresh water to flush with makes a difference on the smell. We also use the RV quick-breakdown toilet paper.
If it's hot out, you'll use a bit more chemical. If you haven't used enough, you'll know it by the smell. If you've used too much, you'll know it by the smell of the chemical. They also make this stuff in pre-measured packets that you just toss it.
Not a big deal. Unless you don't use it. :wink:
If it's hot out, you'll use a bit more chemical. If you haven't used enough, you'll know it by the smell. If you've used too much, you'll know it by the smell of the chemical. They also make this stuff in pre-measured packets that you just toss it.
Not a big deal. Unless you don't use it. :wink:
Ted Osborne
New member
We use Thetford Aqua-Kem liquid. Never had any smell problems and it really breaks down the RV type toilet paper.
matt_unique
New member
Thanks for the suggestions.
We've used several products and have settled on Odorlos for the holding tank. It is inexpensive, you can get it in dry or liquid form and we've not had any problems with a smelly boat since we started using it.
A couple of other tips that I learned from other people. Use CP (Cleans Potty) from West Marine in your toilet from time to time, it help clean and keep the system in good shape. The other tip is that most of the bad smell from the system is from the seawater that you're using to flush. When you're not using your boat, the small organisms in the seawater die and create a smell from the toilet and lines.
Our procedure is to use the CP from time to time when using the toilet and put Odorlos in the holding tank. After each trip we flush the tank with fresh water until it's clean, put some fresh water and CP down the toilet and a fresh batch of Odorlos in the tank.
Since we started using doing it this way we have had no smells from the tank, toilet or lines.
Lyle
A couple of other tips that I learned from other people. Use CP (Cleans Potty) from West Marine in your toilet from time to time, it help clean and keep the system in good shape. The other tip is that most of the bad smell from the system is from the seawater that you're using to flush. When you're not using your boat, the small organisms in the seawater die and create a smell from the toilet and lines.
Our procedure is to use the CP from time to time when using the toilet and put Odorlos in the holding tank. After each trip we flush the tank with fresh water until it's clean, put some fresh water and CP down the toilet and a fresh batch of Odorlos in the tank.
Since we started using doing it this way we have had no smells from the tank, toilet or lines.
Lyle
matt_unique
New member
The flush water on the Tomcat comes from the fresh water tank. Fortunately we don't have to deal with the seawater challenge!
I have tried the bacterial "enzyme" types of holding tank chemicals, but they are very fussy. On the sides of the tank, where it is drier they do not work. They can easily be overcome with the volume of input and take many days to process waste if the temperature is right, but may not work for weeks in extremely hot or cold weather.
The common Thetford formaldehyde based types seem to work the best in a variety of hulls and climates. Formaldehyde eventually breaks down into it's basic Carbon, Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Oxygen components. It is not a bane to the environment.
In order to treat and clean off any stray materials on the tank sides, you have to occasionally fill the tank full, treat it, slosh it around a bit, and drain it. When a boat rocks, a partially full holding tank will coat the tank sides with a bit of gunk on each roll. Since those areas are not treated by whatever chemical/bacteria you put into the tank (short of a full tank), they will smell.
You can also get a head spray nozzle "wand" to put into the tank or the head to wash off the tank walls.
John
The common Thetford formaldehyde based types seem to work the best in a variety of hulls and climates. Formaldehyde eventually breaks down into it's basic Carbon, Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Oxygen components. It is not a bane to the environment.
In order to treat and clean off any stray materials on the tank sides, you have to occasionally fill the tank full, treat it, slosh it around a bit, and drain it. When a boat rocks, a partially full holding tank will coat the tank sides with a bit of gunk on each roll. Since those areas are not treated by whatever chemical/bacteria you put into the tank (short of a full tank), they will smell.
You can also get a head spray nozzle "wand" to put into the tank or the head to wash off the tank walls.
John
patrick and linda
New member
capt. matt
i think my friend byrdman would agree that a little c4 should clear up any remaining obtrusive odor. also, recommendation would be to read and understand the directions prior to use.
let me know how this works for you.
best regards
pat
i think my friend byrdman would agree that a little c4 should clear up any remaining obtrusive odor. also, recommendation would be to read and understand the directions prior to use.
let me know how this works for you.
best regards
pat
Here is something we learned while bare boating in the BVI's . Everyone uses a product called " Fabulosa" . It is a multi-use cleaner and can be purchased at Lowes or some grocery stores. Pour a little bit in the head and flush. It works well and leaves a clean scent even in the Caribbean heat.
Frank
Frank
Matt,
The best product I have used is K.O. by Raritan. It is live aerobic bacteria. Also, it is important to provide as much air as possible to your holding tank. The stink develops from lack of air. If you feed more air into your holding tank, and use the live aerobic bacteria, there will be no smell.
I think the 5/8" hose used on most vents is mainly to allow you to empty your holding tank with a vacum pump. Otherwise, it is too small to feed air into the tank. I changed mine to a 1" hose, including the vent. If that is too much work, you can even prop the foot lever open while you are away from the boat to provide more air.
Big ships actually mechanically pump air into the bottom of their holding tanks for the purpose of preventing "holding tank stink".
Personally, I don't care for any of the treatments that mask the air. Look up the West Marine catalog and they have a small article about the different head and holding tank treatments.
The best product I have used is K.O. by Raritan. It is live aerobic bacteria. Also, it is important to provide as much air as possible to your holding tank. The stink develops from lack of air. If you feed more air into your holding tank, and use the live aerobic bacteria, there will be no smell.
I think the 5/8" hose used on most vents is mainly to allow you to empty your holding tank with a vacum pump. Otherwise, it is too small to feed air into the tank. I changed mine to a 1" hose, including the vent. If that is too much work, you can even prop the foot lever open while you are away from the boat to provide more air.
Big ships actually mechanically pump air into the bottom of their holding tanks for the purpose of preventing "holding tank stink".
Personally, I don't care for any of the treatments that mask the air. Look up the West Marine catalog and they have a small article about the different head and holding tank treatments.
I use "Oderless" as the primary chemical in the holding tanks. I use CP (for cleaning the commode) and KO for the tank, after each prolonged use. One of the secrets is to fully flush out the tank (with fresh water) after each purge of the tank. If you do this, and keep the vent line clear, there should be no major odor problem. Keep in mind that the Tom Cat and newer C Dories have the 10 gallon tank of the Sea Land toilet in the bottom of the commode- vs the holding tanks of the earlier C Dory 25.