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Composting Additive in Holding Tank

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Thisisit, Jul 4, 2020.

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  1. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    For decades, I have simply used odour treatment in my holding tanks. Years ago, I stopped buying the expensive toilet paper and just used cheaper household stuff. I have never had a problem. I have the dock hands rinse the tank with water with every pump out.
    Recently, someone at our marina replaced a leaky tank and over a few beers, we decided to cut the 27 year-old tank open and see exactly how much "stuff" remains. Surprisingly, only a couple of inches of what used to be toilet paper was stuck to the bottom.
    In the cottage, during the 70s and 80s we used to drop yeast in the toilet on Sunday nights to help the composting in the septic tank. Worked very well.
    Does anyone out there do anything or use anything that they have found to be helpful in breaking down fibres in their holding tank? Crappy topic, I know.
  2. Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    We have used Noflex Digestor exclusively and religiously on our boats for over ten years and it has worked as advertised for us. Liquifies sludge and neutralizes odor (rather than mask like so many holding tank products do).
  3. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    Thanks Cruz,

    I looked into this after reading your post. It is available in Canada so I will pick up a can of it and give it a go for sure.
  4. Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    Hopefully you'll be as pleased as we have been. Just be sure to follow their instructions and start with as clean a tank as possible as it shouldn't be mixed with any other treatments.
  5. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    Roger, will do!
  6. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I have never seen a need. However, Dometic does make a very good chemical that does dissolve everything in the tank and flushes all of it out.
  7. Boatingnut

    Boatingnut New Member

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    I always throw a tablet of Tank-Teria to help the bacterial population.... along with Noflex. I just replaced my holding tank two winters ago and I will never go back to chemicals.
  8. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    All good suggestions. Thanks.
    Dometic makes many tank cleaners and tank treatment tabs. I'm assuming it's the one called "Tank Cleaner" which foams in the tank.

    The Tank-Teria is very interesting. Kind of like yeast on steroids. I will check on the availability of this product as well. Looks like there are some good choices, some of which I have never heard of.

    Masking the odour doesn't get rid of it. Killing the source seems to be the trick.
    Thanks again everyone!
  9. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Noflex is pretty good. The 84 Lazzara I run has a temporary holding tank in the lazzarette and there used to be a slight smell. No big deal as it was in the ER companionway. I ve been using Noflex on and off and the smell is gone.
  10. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    The instructions indicate that the Noflex product is added, with water, through the evac fitting. But then there are comments and indications that imply it also scrubs the hoses and seals.
    Can it be added via a vacuflush toilet? In other words, us it safe for vacuflush like the Tank-Teria?
  11. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    The important aspect of adding it through the deck fitting is that none of it collects in low spots in the hoses and is wasted. The effective action of the stuff is as an oxidizer that provides bacteria oxygen enough to thrive and gobble up the waste. The MSDS makes good reading.
  12. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I have it a couple of good flushes after adding it to the a head.
  13. Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    Yes. In the last boat we had with Vacuflush that is how we added it. You just want to be sure none of the crystals get stuck on the ball, possibly preventing a proper seal. I would manipulate the ball with the pedal a couple of times to be sure it all flushed down.
  14. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    Ok, I was wondering about that. I will do that. Pretty sure the stuff will make it's way thru the duck bills as well with a couple of flushes.