black water tank treatments

[scout_dad]

Hello,
I am wondering how many of you use some sort of chemicals in your black tank? Do you think it helps with breakdown of stuff in tank?
I am NOT looking for TP suggestions or anything like that . I know use plenty of water. I am just wanted to see how many people actually uses them?

happy Camping

[jbls]

Super_Dave wrote:
I find that more times than not, the smell in the coach is from the kitchen gray tank when emptied due to rotting food particles. I now add treatment to that tank as well.

What do you use?

I have a really nasty smell coming up all the drains when I turn on the water.

[Super_Dave]

I find that more times than not, the smell in the coach is from the kitchen gray tank when emptied due to rotting food particles. I now add treatment to that tank as well.

[dedmiston]

CarnationSailor wrote:

Boon Docker wrote:
Been using 1 cup Calgon, 1/2 cup laundry soap (about every third dump) for two decades and have had great success. Sensors have even worked great.

Do you use 1 cup of Calgon liquid water softener or 1 cup of Calgon powdered water softener?

Thanks

Liquid Calgon is what many of us use.

Calgon, Dawn soap, and water do the trick for me. I rarely get clogs on my sensors anymore.

[CarnationSailor]

Boon Docker wrote:
Been using 1 cup Calgon, 1/2 cup laundry soap (about every third dump) for two decades and have had great success. Sensors have even worked great.

Do you use 1 cup of Calgon liquid water softener or 1 cup of Calgon powdered water softener?

Thanks

[Lynnmor]

willald wrote:
Hmmmm....Interesting discussion, on whether or not RidX or other chemicals actually break anything down or not. I have no idea if they do or not. Have to agree, though, that you don't keep the 'stuff' in your RV holding tank long enough for much if any decomposition to occur, regardless.

That said, I *do* use chemicals, for the simple fact that it minimizes the odor. That alone makes it worth it for me.

I've been RV camping for over 20 years now. I've learned that when you dump your tanks (especially the black tank), its very easy for some 'odor' to get out, no matter how careful you are or how well-maintained your equipment is. Also know that campground RV sites frequently put you in close proximity to your neighbors. Said neighbors and those nearby at a dump station, will very much appreciate you using some kind of chemicals (or dish soap, whatever) to reduce the smell some.

Thank you for the common sense and respect for others.

Rid-X makes several products, one is specially made as a deodorizer for RV use.

[philh]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Dihydrogen monoxide is the chemical I use...cause they are 'holding' tanks not septic tanks

That stuff will kill you if it's not properly handled.

I find it works better with a combination capful of calgon and laundry detergent.

[willald]

Hmmmm....Interesting discussion, on whether or not RidX or other chemicals actually break anything down or not. I have no idea if they do or not. Have to agree, though, that you don't keep the 'stuff' in your RV holding tank long enough for much if any decomposition to occur, regardless.

That said, I *do* use chemicals, for the simple fact that it minimizes the odor. That alone makes it worth it for me.

I've been RV camping for over 20 years now. I've learned that when you dump your tanks (especially the black tank), its very easy for some 'odor' to get out, no matter how careful you are or how well-maintained your equipment is. Also know that campground RV sites frequently put you in close proximity to your neighbors. Said neighbors and those nearby at a dump station, will very much appreciate you using some kind of chemicals (or dish soap, whatever) to reduce the smell some.

[Fidel_Gastro]

I'd rather waste my money on beer and bourbon. They're not septic systems but holding tanks. Maybe if you leave it full of poop for two months after adding some Ridx or something it, might start breaking something down, but with the relatively low volume I doubt it.

[way2roll]

Been RVing most of my life. Only ever use water and lots of it. For the length of time waste is in the holding tanks I can't see how chemicals do much other than act like perfume. Aside from that they can wreak havoc on the natural microbes in the receiving sewer systems.

[flathead92]

the main thing is to put lots of water in toilet before using it
next event, look at a porta potty and see how much water they use also I here a product called UNIQUE RV DIGEST-IT works very well

[Super_Dave]

Where's the poo mountain guys? They seem to be missing from this conversation.

[magicbus]

jbls wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

Holding tanks do not need anything and neither does septic systems, water is your best friend in both cases.

Then why does my holding tank usually get plugged up when I DON'T use RidX? With RidX I see a few small pieces of TP--- 1/2" square at most--- and the liquid color is a medium to dark tan. Without RidX I see full squares of TP and the liquid color is a slightly tinted transparent tan. I have been using septic safe TP (it costs no more than regular TP).

And I use lots of water.

You seem to have forgotten that you also did this:

jbls wrote:
... The guys on either side told me to use RidX and a septic safe TP.

You can use single ply Scott paper and it will dissolve completely in water.

Dave

[pitch]

jbls wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

Holding tanks do not need anything and neither does septic systems, water is your best friend in both cases.

Then why does my holding tank usually get plugged up when I DON'T use RidX? With RidX I see a few small pieces of TP--- 1/2" square at most--- and the liquid color is a medium to dark tan. Without RidX I see full squares of TP and the liquid color is a slightly tinted transparent tan. I have been using septic safe TP (it costs no more than regular TP).

And I use lots of water.

Because you're unique?

[jbls]

Gdetrailer wrote:

Holding tanks do not need anything and neither does septic systems, water is your best friend in both cases.

Then why does my holding tank usually get plugged up when I DON'T use RidX? With RidX I see a few small pieces of TP--- 1/2" square at most--- and the liquid color is a medium to dark tan. Without RidX I see full squares of TP and the liquid color is a slightly tinted transparent tan. I have been using septic safe TP (it costs no more than regular TP).

And I use lots of water.