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04-22-2010, 03:37 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: norwich
Posts: 7
M.O.C. #9608
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Tank Chemicals-Natural vs. Chemicals
Which is the better to use in the black water tank, natural bacteria or chemical additives? And if one goes with the natural bacteria, do I have to stay away from antibacterial soaps since they might make the bacteria ineffective?
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04-22-2010, 03:42 PM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Three Rivers
Posts: 266
M.O.C. #1249
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I have used natural bacteria for the last 6 years & I use anti-bacterial hand soap and have had no problems. I use a brand called Krones or Kronens, I think that's how it's spelled I don't have the bottle to look at right now. nice smell to it also. Stacy
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04-23-2010, 12:56 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 2,710
M.O.C. #7992
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We have used both chemical and bacterial additives in the black tank. Don't notice any difference between the two. I think the bacterial soap would end up in the gray tank instead of the black so it should not be an issue. Jim
__________________
2006 3000RK
2009 Ram 2500
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04-23-2010, 02:16 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: _
Posts: 5,238
M.O.C. #6337
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Unless Tana is going to be sitting unused for more than a few days we don't use chemicals. We dump every couple of days (unless in campground where there is no onsite dump). It is our opinion it is not needed. When we are grounded at the stick built I will add some to the tank.
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04-23-2010, 03:35 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Chemicals kill bacteria..bacteria kills waste. Simple choice.
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04-23-2010, 04:55 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Grand Blanc
Posts: 2,508
M.O.C. #5965
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We flush regularly when traveling and do not add chemicals. We do flush the comode with plenty of water, though. When it does go into storage for a few weeks, we use chemicals, not sure which kind.
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04-23-2010, 04:56 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 5,316
M.O.C. #15
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Water. And more water. When we first started RVing we used the chemical stuff. But we soon learned that it was not necessary. We simply use a lot of water when we dump the black tank. We flush the tank as many times as necessary until it is clear water only coming out.
In the gray tank we use the liquid soap anti bacterial type stuff and have not noticed it being a problem. Our bathroom sink and shower go into the rear gray tank. In the kitchen sink we use the same type soap plus kitchen type soaps. No problem there either.
Good luck.
Dennis and Mary Kay
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04-23-2010, 05:28 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Pittsburgh (Carroll Twp)
Posts: 545
M.O.C. #90
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I always wondered if Rid-Ex would work? The stuff that they sell for campers only seeme to be for covering up odor's and nothing more.
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04-23-2010, 05:51 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Rid X is for home septic tank use and is not fast acting enough for the short time waste is in a RV holding tank. The enzyme based RV product is fast acting but results are still questionable when in the tank for a very short time. We will be home for 6 weeks. The tanks are treated with Rid X. We seldom use any chemical in the tanks when on the road....lots of water and dump often and well.
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04-23-2010, 08:12 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
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We use one cup lid of Calgon and lots of water.
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04-23-2010, 09:31 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hamilton
Posts: 143
M.O.C. #9497
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I picked up the Calgon tip here and use it with the Thetford and it works like a charm. I only use the Thetford as we are often away from the unit for weeks.
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04-23-2010, 09:52 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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Well shucks, someone has to stick up for the chemical industry!! We have used the orange stuff from Wal-Mart for years. We do notice a difference (odor) when it is not being used as a result of running out and will pick up another bottle the next time we are at Wal-Mart. We dump daily as others do, but still use the chemicals. Of course, having four to five people making contributions to the black holding tank may have something to do with it. I must mention of course, that my contributions does not supplement the odor!!! That was the politically correct term for "doesn't stink"!!
Bingo
__________________
Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
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04-23-2010, 11:40 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Portland
Posts: 1,107
M.O.C. #8045
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DW has a very sensitive nose and smells really bother her. I quit using any chemicals a couple of years ago and she never even noticed. I dump about once a week and never have any problems. I also use whatever TP is on sale again never any problem.
These are not recommendations for anyone just what we do with positive results.
The only time I ever had any problems was when I tried out a MH and when I tried to dump someone else had so kindly built up the chocolate pyramid before we even used it.
We have also been using the sewer solution for about 4 years, and I do use the black tank flush.
Good luck.
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04-24-2010, 11:08 AM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lawrenceville
Posts: 279
M.O.C. #5356
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Since we do not want to turn the HOLDING tank into a septic tank, we do not use anyting which promotes more bacteria. One cup of Calgon does the trick for us and a great cleaner.
Randy
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04-24-2010, 11:17 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Shore
Posts: 6,009
M.O.C. #7110
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We always use the chemicals also. The only thing we try and remember is not get any chemicals with formaldehyde in it. The reason being is that we once stopped at a RV park and they refused to allow anyone to dump if they were using it. They said it would mess up their sewer system and they were picking on that because a group of campers stopped overnight and with all of them dumping there it caused a problem for them. So we usually just buy the formaldehyde free chemicals but I really like using the drop in baggies the best. It leaves less of a mess and you always place the same amount in each time that way. We can tell a difference if chemicals aren’t used.
__________________
2011 GMC 4X4 dually CC, 6.6 Duramax with Allison Transmission. Formally 2001 Montana,2007 3400RL Montana, presently 2018 3401RS Alpine.
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04-24-2010, 11:46 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
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We only use Calgon and it does the trick. Works better than chemical for us. Delaine has a chemical sensitivity and we try very hard to stay away from chemicals. GBY...
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04-24-2010, 11:48 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Layton
Posts: 1,048
M.O.C. #666
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We are in the Calgon and water camp too. I actually don't care for the chemical smell when we used it. Any other smells I either can't smell or don't bother me :}
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04-24-2010, 12:50 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
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We have not used anything for years. Does not seem to be necessary. Just something else to make money from RVers.
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04-24-2010, 01:32 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posts: 4,876
M.O.C. #1944
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As with any subject this one too has its pros and cons. Sometimes I use Snowfresh and sometimes I don't. When I don't, the black water discharging from the sewer outlet contains a lot of chunks that don't appear when I'm using Snowfresh. So, guess there is some validity to using some type of chemical.
Orv
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04-24-2010, 02:34 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW
Posts: 255
M.O.C. #7895
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Calgon for us along with Angel Soft TP...it disolves.
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