Black water tanks - "natural" vs. "more natural"

DROdio · June 02, 2006, 06:59:51 PM

OK so it's pretty clear to me that i shoudn't be using the "blue" chemical black tank cleansers, because I want to foster bacterial growth in the black water tank to break everything down.

However, I'm wondering which of these 2 methods is better:

1. the "Geo Method" proposed by http://home.mindspring.com/~cbruni/index.html . Basically this writer suggests only using some powdered water softener and laundry detergent in the black water tank.

2. the "enzyyme" approach, as proffered here: http://www.valterra.com/RV/inthenews.htm and http://www.sea-zyme.com/

3. the "good bacteria" approach, as proffered here: www.eco-save.com

Right now I'm inclined to go the eco-save approach, but let me know if you have other suggestions... Also please let me know if you've used eco-save.

phil4501 · June 02, 2006, 07:15:19 PM

I vote for eco-save, enzymes too slow for how long we camp. I have no experience with the first method but it seems it would work good with a starter, left from the previous batch.

Make sure the tank is vented well.

Phi Zisakis

TomC · June 02, 2006, 07:58:40 PM

I use the Eco stuff from Camping World. The make slips my mind, but it comes in a green box. Use the powder that doesn't have a smell. Works well. Good Luck, TomC

gus · June 02, 2006, 09:10:43 PM

DRO,

We use nothing, it doesn't take much to get the little guys to grow fast. I get some very minor odor if the tank gets a really good shaking up but this doesn't happen too often and is caused by lack of a good vent than anything else.

Just don't completely empty the tank or was it out so the microbes can keep growing.

niles500 · June 03, 2006, 01:14:59 AM

YEAST

Hobe · June 03, 2006, 03:12:27 PM

In 20 years of camping. I have never used anything in my black gray tank. I have never had a problem with anything hard in my tank. I dump it every 4 or 5 days when we get to a dump station. The sloshing back and forth keeps it sturred up and it flushes clean. Fred North Florida Bus Conversion

TomCat · June 03, 2006, 03:41:10 PM

All I have ever put in my black tank is...
1. Number One
2. Number Two
3. Toilet paper
4. Water
and have not had a foul smell or any type of blockage.

Jay
87 SaftLiner

boogiethecat · June 03, 2006, 10:55:44 PM

I vote for Eco Save. I've used it in da Crown for 4 years now and it's great. Gives a nice aroma to the tanks, breaks things down really well, never anything but good.
That said, I don't like their powdered form, only the liquid. I've tried both and the powder stuff seems to not keep things smelling as good...