Just my observations on holding tank chemicals . .

[bobalong]

I been around this BE site awhile now. Last few years not so much, but still post on occasion. Too many know it all smart asses drove many of us away. (that's another thread) Back to my subject . . . .Over the years I have read multiple solutions to the holding tank odor problem.
Some claim the vent tube isn't large enough. Some swear by charcoal vent filters, others swear them off because they can get plugged if tank over fills causing tank collapse when pumping.
Bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, formaldehyde, Odorlos, bleach, Thetford stuff from Wally World, dawn dish soap. Bacteria's need other chemicals to go away (multiple flush and rinses) to be effective. Then there is the stuff that softens water, put it in, drive around then rinse and flush (can't remember what it's called)
I have tried almost all of these. My observation has been that you just can't store #2 in a tank on hot summer days and expect no smell.
For those that make the claim, more power to you, but I am skeptical.
I'm using odorlos now. But I believe that it is a combination of frequent pumping. Minimal time holding poo and ambient temperature.
So here's MY tested advice.
Use the method - chemical - vent- whatever you believe in, BUTT (heh heh heh. . .) what comes out your behind can't be stored. Pump frequently, flush with water, and use the pooper at the marina when you can.
And while I'm here. Toilet bowl cleaners ? I keep Barkeepers Friend on the boat. It is bleach free (remember those chemicals in your holding tank ?) Mildly abrasive if you don't scrub like a maniac, and works great for water spots on glass, china, sinks, swim deck . . . .
Again, use plenty of water on your brush/rag, and don't act like a overgrown gorilla when you're scrubbing.
There's my tested observation / results.
CALGON . . . .that's the holding tank cleaner I couldn't think of earlier.
THE END.

 

[Bruce Herrington]

I couldn't agree more, bob.

 

[Radioactive]

With regards to things that stink, or rather, with regard to "The Marine Sanitation Device" and odor control:

Honestly, when used as directed, most of these products will perform as they claim.

The phrase "when used as directed" is where all the problems occur.

Systems that promote growth of aerobic bacteria ( K. O., Odorlos ) work extremely well. BUT there are conditions that must be met in order to get the exceptional level of performance. The two main restraints are that you absolutely MUST have large volumes of air available ( thus, the twin, large bore vent tubes, no vent filters comments ) and you cannot use anything that will kill off the colony, notably bleach.

Formaldehyde systems ( aka: blue stuff ) do, as advertized, kill off the anaerobic ( stinky ) bacteria. along with everything else. You get no odor of waste, ( though you do get to smell the blue stuff ), and what is pumped out is toxic. ( formaldehyde. aka: embalming fluid ) There is no need for any serious venting; only enough to prevent excess pressure or vacuum in the holding tank. Use all the bleach you want...

My preference is for the aerobic method and I provided a sufficient venting system for it to work. It worked very well.

But, again, they all work IF you use as directed and are aware of the up and down sides of the product in question. Remember, these are holding tanks not formal, EPA approved, municipal waste treatment facilities.

 

[Bruce Herrington]

KO does seem to work ok. If we're at the slip we use the marina head..

 

[Billylll]

KO & Odorlos and everything Bob said.
I have always been a huge Odorlos fan.
I disagree on one point for the tank to promote Anerobic bacteria it must have crap in it, and be vented because Urine is sterile.
Well done Bob.
Bill

 

[smitty477]

Agree with Bob as well on all of it....

"Formaldehyde systems ( aka: blue stuff ) do, as advertized, kill off the anaerobic ( stinky ) bacteria. along with everything else. You get no odor of waste, ( though you do get to smell the blue stuff ), and what is pumped out is toxic. ( formaldehyde. aka: embalming fluid ) There is no need for any serious venting; only enough to prevent excess pressure or vacuum in the holding tank. Use all the bleach you want..."

Adding that the formaldehyde and additional chemicals will greatly accelerate the breakdown of hoses, "O" rings, duck bill valves and just about everything 'important' in your waste system vs the Oderlos of similar choice. Taking a sample of any of these parts and placing them in these chemicals as a test is all you would need to do to be convinced. Similar to some of the cheaper winterizing antifreezes....

Hope this helps

 

[bobalong]

Adding that the formaldehyde and additional chemicals will greatly accelerate the breakdown of hoses, "O" rings, duck bill valves and just about everything 'important' in your waste system vs the Oderlos of similar choice. Taking a sample of any of these parts and placing them in these chemicals as a test is all you would need to do to be convinced. Similar to some of the cheaper winterizing antifreezes....

Smitty. . .good point, never had thought about breakdown of soft components. And that MAY be why my system has been - knock on wood -trouble free.

 

[pdecat]

Agree with bob. Mostly been lucky in hot FL with KO and lots of water and frequent flushing and pump out.

To his comments I'll add I flush several times with lots of water and KO in the last flush at the end of a trip so that the hoses are, hopefully, cleaner and KO can do its work in the hoses as well.