raydf_1
Miami FL
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Joined: 05/10/2008
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Steve/Folks:
OK, I think I got it! It's true that the little Aqua-Chem, etc. bottles are more practical (and cheaper) that one gallon of chlorine, so for normal flush use (not "sanitize"!) and odor control that will be more suitable. Perhaps I misunderstood the RV technician about the chlorine stuff.
Thanks to all for the invaluable advice!
rscraig wrote:I think there is simply a semantic problem here. You add chemicals to the black tank to control odor and help break down solids--not to "sanitize"--at least the way that most RVers use that term. Sanitize usually refers to the drinking water system where humans are actually going to consume the water. That needs to be sanitized periodically with a clorox solution to kill the germs, but thats only the fresh water tank. You dont need to sanitize the gray or black water system--just flush it out periodically. Some people dont even use any chemicals at all in the black water tank and this may be fine, especially when its cooler weather and you flush each time with plenty of water.
Ray
2009 Fleetwood Pulse 24A
Miami FL
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Clay L
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Joined: 07/01/2002
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The cheapest solution is what a lot of us out here use - nothing except water.
The septic system is sealed except for the roof vent/vents and if you get an odor then there is something wrong with the system that needs to be corrected.
Clay (WA5NMR), Lee,(Wife) Codi, Brandi (Shelties) and Damncat (damn cat)
Full Timing in a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N, Workhorse chassis, Honda Accord toad
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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I have a friend who uses clorox during hunting season in his tank. I have read on this forum that this is not a good idea. the two ways that are and make sense is the GEO method and using black tank chemicals. I have used just about every thing on the market in my black tank over the many years I've been camping. I heard about a chemical called Happy Camper. This stuff works, bar none. I bought mine on the Internet. I bought the big box and gave some to my kids in coffee cans. It is more than I will use in my life time. I have a quickie flush in my tank and with that and the happy camper, I have a clean tank and a non smelling tank.
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MFinCA
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
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Joined: 06/09/2004
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old guy wrote:The two ways that are and make sense is the GEO method and using black tank chemicals. I heard about a chemical called Happy Camper. This stuff works, bar none.
I recently bought the Happy Camper stuff and had no tank odor during a 4-day, 95 degree camping stay.
Here is their website with ordering instructions:
Happy Camper
If you are interested, here is the GEO Method instructions:
GEO Method
MFinCA
2004 Homestead Settler 255RS
1999 Chevrolet Suburban 2500
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FamilyCamping
CA
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Joined: 08/19/2005
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trop-a-cal wrote:.... Always turn on vent and open window or roof vent, when opening toilet for cleaning.
Uh.... actually, most of us have found that you do NOT want to turn on the fan on your roof vent when opening/flushing the toilet. Because the fan can pull the odors from the tank into the bathroom!
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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What works best in the black tank is biological action .. The very last thing you want to do is sanitize it You want bacteria to break down the solids so they flush out.. The best thing to use if dumping often is WATER
If you are going to be sitting w/o dumping for an extended period, Then a good BIOLOGICAL such as Odorlo's or waste dig ester
DO not use chemicals at all
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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outdoorsman2007
In the Woods - Somewhere!
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Joined: 04/12/2007
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Just as someone mentioned above, the Geo Method is a great and very inexpensive way of taking care of your tank. But do not use an entire gallon. Bleach isn't used to sanitize a black tank, it is used in combination with laundry detergent to keep the odor down.
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jorn
Twin Cities
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Joined: 06/14/2005
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Bumpyroad wrote:I just throw in some cheap green stuff to cut down on stink. it is just a holding tank, not a septic tank. I dump early and often and use a tank sprayer mounted on the wall opposite the drain. also used a sewer solution and now a macerator pump.
bumpy
Actually, it IS a septic tank. Use the properly designated tank additives so that the biological process can continue. Bleach, or most any other "household" cleaners are a no-no.
There are many threads on this topic here.
2001 Coachmen Leprechaun 314SS (Acquired in July 2008)
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jorn
Twin Cities
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trop-a-cal wrote:... Always turn on vent and open window or roof vent, when opening toilet for cleaning.
So that you can create a vacuum where you are, thus sucking the odors directly into your face? No, thanks. 
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Aridon
SE Florida
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Joined: 06/06/2007
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All you need is some natural bacteria which can be put in there with Ridex or some other packets. Don't put Chlorine down your black tank. It eats the seals and destroys the natural bacteria eating your solids.
Use plenty of water, flush out the tank regularly and don't dump unless you have 75% of your tank full.
You should never have a problem.
2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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