Adding a holding tank vent filter

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goblehipcom

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I have a 2001 Regal 2960 with a vacu-flush head and, as far as I can tell, there is not a holding tank vent filter. We do get post-flush smells when the holding tank starts to get full, so I was thinking of adding an Sealand filter. Can anyone see any problems with doing this?

I did find a bit of information:

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VENT LINE AND FILTER INSTALLATION

* Holding tank vent lines must be free of low points which can trap liquid and prevent the free flow of gases from or air into the holding tanks.
* Do not use non-reinforced hose for vent lines. Over time, it will tend to kink and effectively block the vent.
* A holding tank vent filter will absorb heavier-than-air gases associated with sewage and eliminate a source of malodor from the exterior of the boat.

When installing vent filters that are not mounted directly on an HTS unit:

* Avoid areas near excessive heat sources such as engine manifolds or lights.
* Do not install the filter below top of holding tank.
* The filter can be mounted in any position. Installations near the through-hull vent reduce the chance of filter damage from overfilling of the holding tank.
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The filters look easy enough to obtain (maybe a little pricey) ...I just need to figure out the size of my vent line so I get the correct size filter. Anyway, not sure if there was a reason (other than cost savings) that the boat did not come with one...or, if there are other issues to consider (I've owned the boat for 1 year).

Thanks for any extra info,
-Brian
2001 Regal 2960 Commodore
"Full Circle" - Seattle, WA
Twin 5.0L Mercruisers with Bravo 3 drives
 
"The filters look easy enough to obtain (maybe a little pricey) ...I just need to figure out the size of my vent line so I get the correct size filter. Anyway, not sure if there was a reason (other than cost savings) that the boat did not come with one...or, if there are other issues to consider (I've owned the boat for 1 year)." -- goblehipcom

re: pricey

True, but you can "rebuild" them at low cost. Browse this forum; the rebuild instructions have been posted several times.

re: Boat did not come with filter

a) Yup. Cost. Of, course, not everyone wants/needs a filter. My boat never had one, and I also never had issues. YMMV.

b) But cost isn't all: They need to be serviced ( ?yearly? ), and also replaced everytime the filter gets wet, esp if due to an overfill o the H/T.

--

Obviously, your usage etc may produce different decisions, but you can go "the other way" and use an active bacterial colony. In this case, get rid of the filters, and instead, actually consider adding an additional vent to the opposite side of the boat. The active method requires air, and a fair amount of it, to be effective. But when it does work, it is great. And ultimately, cheap. Again, you may feel differently, many do. ( btw: active bacterial colony systems do not usually perform well if the vents have filters. If you choose to use filters, then you should not consider the active bacterial colony method. ) As always, this is my opinion and I think I'm correct. Others may feel differently! :)
 
You can make your own filter for about $20. Change the charcoal every year for a few dollars.
 
Don't Do It!! At best, a filter will mask some of the odor, at worst it will get clogged and create a much bigger problem.

Filters are nothing but trouble. A properly verntilated, regularly pumped-out and rinsed tank will not stink.

Find the right deoderant for your type of tank and use it. If you don't get much air into it, use Odorlos, if you have plenty of ventilation, use KO
 
Thanks for the info everyone. After doing more research last night and reading the responses here, I think I will first try Odorolos with my current setup (i.e., no filter) and see how that works.
-Brian
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

Don't Do It!! At best, a filter will mask some of the odor, at worst it will get clogged and create a much bigger problem.

Filters are nothing but trouble. A properly verntilated, regularly pumped-out and rinsed tank will not stink.

Find the right deoderant for your type of tank and use it. If you don't get much air into it, use Odorlos, if you have plenty of ventilation, use KO

Click to expand...


That's what many experts say.
 
quote:
Originally posted by goblehipcom

Thanks for the info everyone. After doing more research last night and reading the responses here, I think I will first try Odorolos with my current setup (i.e., no filter) and see how that works.
-Brian

Click to expand...


Be sure to read the directions and don't add other chemicals, bleach, etc. Empty and rinse it before switching to Odorlos if you can.
 
i have mixed feelings about these filters.

if you vent is in a location that it can be smelled in the areas where you usually sit, then i'd install it. it will work better than treatment in my experience.

the only downside is to replace it every couple of years and make sure your tank will not overflow.

it you search around, you'll find instructions on how to built one for a fraction of the cost using PVC fittings and charcoal from an aqaurium store...
 
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