For years I have worked with my holding tank system trying to get it right so that there is no or little odor from the vent when the tiolet is flushed. It just does not seem to work so I think that I want to put a filter on the vent. I have seen ads for many different filters and have also seen info on making a filter yourself. I was wndering if one is better than an other or are they all basically the same. I am also concerned about tank collapse and was wondering if one is better than another in this regard. Thanks for any info.
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Holding tank filter
- Thread starter Scott W.
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
<< I'll attempt to remove my bias against filters... >>
All vent filters will rely upon the same mechanism: activated charcoal. In that sense, they all work the same, and have the same generic issues. Any/all of them will become damaged if your H/T overflows and "wets" the filter material. If this happens, then the filter will clog. A clogged filter cancause either H/T leaks, possibly explosion ( from over pressure, though this is highly unlikely ) or exposes the potential to H/T collapse during pump out ( MUCH more likely issue ).
In any event, a filter that is sized correctly, replaced annually, that is not exposed to an overflow, should perform well. I do not think brand makes nay difference except, perhaps, for robustness of construction and/or ease of install.
I leave the rest for those who use them to comment upon.
<< bias restored to it's usual anti-filter condition >>
All vent filters will rely upon the same mechanism: activated charcoal. In that sense, they all work the same, and have the same generic issues. Any/all of them will become damaged if your H/T overflows and "wets" the filter material. If this happens, then the filter will clog. A clogged filter cancause either H/T leaks, possibly explosion ( from over pressure, though this is highly unlikely ) or exposes the potential to H/T collapse during pump out ( MUCH more likely issue ).
In any event, a filter that is sized correctly, replaced annually, that is not exposed to an overflow, should perform well. I do not think brand makes nay difference except, perhaps, for robustness of construction and/or ease of install.
I leave the rest for those who use them to comment upon.
<< bias restored to it's usual anti-filter condition >>
Are you sure it doesn't already have one. Mine is hidden under the port gunwale so well I didn't know I had one until I was in the ER working on something and caught it out of the corner of my eye. If you have one it's an easy rebuild. If not, I agree with Radio, however if you insist on one, check out the Big Orange Filter, or make your own out of PVC for about $15 including the charcoal. I saved the rebuild instructions with pictures. The DIY from scratch would merely substitute a piece of PVC for the existing filter. I think I got plans from a fellow RO here. You are more than welcome to them.
HTH
HTH
Ok Mike I give, what is the "aquarium air pump/circulation method"? The set up that I put in the boat when I installed it simply has the holding tank with a vent to the outside on either side of the holding tank. I put the two vents in so that I would get some circulation of air in the holding tank. The idea was that I would always have fresh air moving in the tank. I thought that if I always had a good air flow in the tank I should be able to produce the required good bacteria to keep the smell away. However I found that even with the good air flow I still get the odor on the outside of the boat. I was thinking that I would try to close off the one vent and install the filter on the other. I have always used Odorless since I put the system in, but I still get the odor. I am very careful not to get any other chemicals in the holding tank that might kill the good bacteria, but I still get the odor. I am just trying to be nice to all the people who are around me.
I'm with you Scott, have tried to do the right thing for years using OderLoss, but my large holding tank only has one small vent and is probably preventing all the good stuff from happening. Anyway, broke down and purchased the Big Orange this year. Works well, was easy to install, and will be easy to replace the charcoal on an annual basis. Should have done this years ago. All odors are gone!
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
An afterthought:
Some folks only use their MSD ( aka: head w/ holding tank ) for "human liquid waste". This can cause real issues with a Marine Sanitation Device. ( or rather, system ). The oxygen loving bacteria that can and do control odor must be fed. And they cannot feed upon just the liquid waste. They feed on the solid waste.
SO. If you intend to keep an odor free system, using a live bacterial colony, such as K. O. or by adding something such as Odorlos ( which naturally promotes the same bacteria ), then you MUST feed it the right thing ( #2 ) or the system will stink to high heaven. So, vent the system well and let your marine head be used for "full service".
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The OP did not state that this was the case ( ie: Urine only ), but if so, that is the most likely reason for the system smelling.
Some folks only use their MSD ( aka: head w/ holding tank ) for "human liquid waste". This can cause real issues with a Marine Sanitation Device. ( or rather, system ). The oxygen loving bacteria that can and do control odor must be fed. And they cannot feed upon just the liquid waste. They feed on the solid waste.
SO. If you intend to keep an odor free system, using a live bacterial colony, such as K. O. or by adding something such as Odorlos ( which naturally promotes the same bacteria ), then you MUST feed it the right thing ( #2 ) or the system will stink to high heaven. So, vent the system well and let your marine head be used for "full service".
---
The OP did not state that this was the case ( ie: Urine only ), but if so, that is the most likely reason for the system smelling.