sanitize formula

I used 1/4 cup for my 20 gallon tank, and can still smell it after flushing another 20 gallons through the system. I'll be going with less next time. I let mine sit at least 2 hours, it's contact time not the amount of bleach that actually does the sanitizing.

I think what I ran into is the only bleach available is "ultra" ... even the cheapest store brand is "ultra" now, so whats in the bottle is more concentrated.

A 1/4 cup to every 15 gallons is what my owner's manual states, we let it sit an hour or two although quality bleach will do the job quickly.

Here are the directions I copied from the American Red Cross several years ago.

Purify water
Shock, 1 cup/50 gal
Drink, 1 t/5 gal

Sandia Man wrote:
A 1/4 cup to every 15 gallons is what my owner's manual states, we let it sit an hour or two although quality bleach will do the job quickly.

X2

Hondavalk wrote:

Sandia Man wrote:
A 1/4 cup to every 15 gallons is what my owner's manual states, we let it sit an hour or two although quality bleach will do the job quickly.

X2

X3

THAT is the correct ratio for sanitizing fresh water systems

GordonThree wrote:
I used 1/4 cup for my 20 gallon tank, and can still smell it after flushing another 20 gallons through the system.

Some use baking soda, but I like to use vinegar. Flush the bleach, refill with water plus a cup of clear vinegar. Drain, refill again, and there will be no bleach smell or taste.

RoyF wrote:

GordonThree wrote:
I used 1/4 cup for my 20 gallon tank, and can still smell it after flushing another 20 gallons through the system.

Some use baking soda, but I like to use vinegar. Flush the bleach, refill with water plus a cup of clear vinegar. Drain, refill again, and there will be no bleach smell or taste.

I don't mind it that badly to waste another full tank of water. It's like drinking "city water" where I'm used to my well water.

Thanks for the suggestion

The best way to get rid of residual bleach taste or smell is to use and ounce or two (amount not critical) of Hydrogen peroxide. It is non-poisonous and destroys bleach on contact instantaneously.
You will be amazed how fast this works.

You can always add some hydrogen peroxide to the rinse water. I believe like a cop of HP will neutralize a gallon or so of bleach

I do something similar when cleaning my CPAP hose and tank