Holding tank vent(s)
- Thread starter erice
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Is the hull cored where you'll be installing vents?
I've also had good luck with just a larger single vent and using an additive that's nitrate-based; such as Odorloss or Camco. The nitrate formulas create their own oxygen, and with a large enough single vent, seem to work fine.
I've also had good luck with just a larger single vent and using an additive that's nitrate-based; such as Odorloss or Camco. The nitrate formulas create their own oxygen, and with a large enough single vent, seem to work fine.
Capt. Bill1
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Hole saw. Tape off the area and run it in reverse first.
This is exactly how I have done it in the past... not a single scratch to the gelcoat outside the cut area. Like Capt Bill1 said, run it in reverse until you have a nice clean groove of about 1/16th of an inch deep before running it forward.
--Rick
We've only ever had one vent, and no obvious need for another. And our vent capability is also slightly reduced by the vent filter.
I've met Peggy, and for all these (~15?) years we've used the aerobic bacterial products her husband developed (KO, CP, etc.)... and we've had no odor problems.
Not saying you don't need another vent, just that maybe some other experimentation could solve your issue easier.
-Chris
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Why reinvent the wheel? Most boats have single vents and that works.
Do you have an odor problem? Where, inside or outside?
If inside, is it after flushing or at all times?
If outside and the vent is too close to the cockpit, aft deck, open hatch then put a filter in the vent.
I doubt an extra vent is going to make a difference
Do you have an odor problem? Where, inside or outside?
If inside, is it after flushing or at all times?
If outside and the vent is too close to the cockpit, aft deck, open hatch then put a filter in the vent.
I doubt an extra vent is going to make a difference
Chris I agree as long as you use the proper treatments one vent will work fine. However the treatments can get pretty expensive so adding the 2nd vent never hurts. You still should use the treatments (CP) ocassionally to keep the tank sludge and hoses clean from build up to a minimum.
Bill
Bill
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I m not sure how treatments can help cut sludge. whenever I pump out using a station with a piece of clear piping near the nozzle I can see how liquid everything is and how small the particles are. I just don't buy the sludge build up theories
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CP - Cleans Potties - not a tank treatment.
KO - Kill Odors - Aerobic tank treatment.
KO requires quite a bit of air. I would recommend two vents for KO, OR, add an aquarium pump. Before I enlarged my vent line I ran an aquarium pump for a 25 gallon fish tank to my 20 gallon holding tank. It worked great with KO. This isn't all that crazy either as Practical Sailor also just documented this method.
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I agree, because scat ain't all liquid. There will always be some solids that build up. With the pump out inspection pipe approach I can pump out, and fill the tank with water and pump out again. You'd be surprised how many times it can take to get clear water out of the holding tank.
What I do wonder is if the treatments will prevent it from turning into a thick liner inside the tank if proper rinsing is not performed. Additionally I wonder if they will actually help remove hardened material from the tank walls and floor.
If it still works I am not going in there!
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RE: CP
If it cleans the potty sides etc, why would you not expect it to clean the sides of the HT? Same stuff, same action...
If it cleans the potty sides etc, why would you not expect it to clean the sides of the HT? Same stuff, same action...
I over do everything usually using 4X the recommended dosage for CP and Odorless. You can open the tank's 6" inspection plate after a few nasty flushes and within an hour there is no odor in my system.
I think it is importent to not allow your holding tank and hoses to get build up because then you have an uphill battle that eventually leads to replacement of hoses and even the holding tank. I even use CP on my shower sump and floor drain hoses. I do this by turning off the shower sump fill the floor drains until they are topped off then let sit overnight. In the morning I turn on the shower and sump to flush the system. This still doesn't replace the need to clean the trap inside the sump box.
Bill
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Billy and Kurt: you're right on the money!
For the others: CP is used primarily as a toilet bowl cleaner. However, it is a multi-use product. It can be used in shower drains and sumps to dissolve the soap scum, hair, and whatever else you may find down there. It takes a while to work, so it's best to add it to the drains the last thing before going to bed at night, so it'll have all night to work.
CP can also help to retard the buildup of sludge inside a holding tank. But it isn't a miracle product, you can't use it to shine your car, polish your shoes, waterproof your canvas or predict the next thunderstorm.
KO, on the other hand, is strictly a holding tank additive. It keeps down odor, breaks down and and liquifies the contents of the tank. It can also be used to get rid of musty smells from pillows and cushions, and to deodorize onboard pet "accidents." For the situations other than holding tanks, it must be sprayed full strength and must completely saturate the area. Pillows and cushions should then be placed out in the sun to dry.
For the others: CP is used primarily as a toilet bowl cleaner. However, it is a multi-use product. It can be used in shower drains and sumps to dissolve the soap scum, hair, and whatever else you may find down there. It takes a while to work, so it's best to add it to the drains the last thing before going to bed at night, so it'll have all night to work.
CP can also help to retard the buildup of sludge inside a holding tank. But it isn't a miracle product, you can't use it to shine your car, polish your shoes, waterproof your canvas or predict the next thunderstorm.
KO, on the other hand, is strictly a holding tank additive. It keeps down odor, breaks down and and liquifies the contents of the tank. It can also be used to get rid of musty smells from pillows and cushions, and to deodorize onboard pet "accidents." For the situations other than holding tanks, it must be sprayed full strength and must completely saturate the area. Pillows and cushions should then be placed out in the sun to dry.