Need a quick answer

If memory serves me correctly ( HAH ), it is nothing but an enzyme treatment. But there are live bacteria ( K. O. ) treatments that a) do the same thing and b)reproduce, reducing your cost ( if you have a good vent ). So, it should be OK, but there may be better options.
 
DO NOT use it in a system with a Lectra/San or Purasan!!!!

For sanitation systems that have holding tanks, it should be OK, provided there's nothing in it that can attack the rubber seals, gaskets, etc. in the toilet.
 
Thanks Vic.
I do in fact have a holding tank made of poly and my thought was to pour some directly into the tank and not introduce it into the system via the toilet itself. My main concern was the affects of the product to the tank itself.
Should be okay if introduced to the system that way?
 
I don't see any problem with putting it directly into the holding tank, but I don't know how much good it'd do you. It shouldn't hurt a plastic tank, as it is used with plastic sewer lines all the time. But what's your basic objective? Rid-X is for clogged septic systems; it wasn't intended for use in holding tanks.
 
Actually the box says (and the TV Commercials) that Rid-X actually contains the bacteria or forms it or something like that which is needed to control odors etc. The box says it's really more of a maintanence item for septic tanks and helps to disolve solids etc.

Not True???????
 
From the Rid-X FAQ:

"Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

* RID-X® has not been tested on recreational vehicles (RVs). therefore we cannot recommend using it in RVs."

They do not mention Marine Sanitation Devices. But if they do not recommend it for an RV HT, then I would assume that they do not recommend it for a MSD. imo.

--

K. O. is designed for MSDs...
 
I use it at home for my septic system but I've never heard of using it anywhere else. Doesn't work all that well for the septic system either.
 
I have been using KO for 8 or 9 years now. It has completely eliminated odor problems.

My holding tank is 60 gallons...so pump outs are not frequent. KO is great stuff.
 
Roger, KO is a great product, and works very well IF your holding tank's vents are big enough and routed properly. The key to any bacteria product working satisfactorily, is that you have to get plenty of oxygen INTO the tank via the vent line(s). All too often, the builders use the smallest vent lines they can get away with, in an effort to cut costs, and the boater and his guests wind up being victimized as a result.

You (and the builders) need to understand that the purpose of the holding tank vent is twofold: 1) to allow any air that is inside the tank to escape as the tank fills, and 2) to allow air to come into the tank when it is being pumped out. Also, to allow new air to come into and out of the tank, particularly when the boat is moving.

A holding tank can be compared (to some degree) to a septic system out in the country. If everything is working correctly, it doesn't give off any odor. But when it isn't working correctly, your neighbors (or dockmates) aren't your friends anymore.

Bacterial holding tank additives such as KO and Odorlos, help to speed up the natural biologic action that goes on inside the tank. If enough oxygen is present inside the tank, you won't have any odor problems. But when the balance is off, every time you flush the toilet, you'll get a blast of stink out the holding tank vent line. Tanks with small diameter vent lines, and long runs of the vent hose before it exits the boat, won't allow enough oxygen into the tank to allow these products to work, so you'll still have a smelly tank.

Other products have been put on the market as workarounds for inadequate-sized vent lines, to include SeaLand's vent line filter. This is a charcoal filter that is installed in the vent hose, and filters the odor from the escaping air going out the vent. They work fairly well, as long as they don't become wet inside - by overfilling the tank and water coming up the vent hose - or by water coming in from outside the boat, due to rough water, hard heeling or mounting the vent line through-hull too low on the side of the hull. Once the charcoal inside the filter gets wet, it's done! Even if it doesn't get wet inside, it has to be replaced annually ($50.00 +), so it needs to be in an accessible location.

There are other products on the market as well, that are designed to mask the odor from the tank with strong perfumey chemicals, or even with formaldehyde and formalin solutions (embalming fluid). These disable the smell receptors in your nose, so you aren't able to smell it - at least that's what I've been told. However, they've been listed as "possible" carcinogens, so I cannot in good faith recommend their usage.

But the best way to do it is to have vent hosing in as large a diameter as possible, to allow plenty of outside air to come into the tank. And oftentimes you won't need anything else. If you do, either KO or Odorlos will be your answer.
 
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