Attack of the Blob!

[BrentB]

I know there are many threads about how to sanitize tanks, and I have done that, but I still have a problem. While using my water pump, water would flow ok for a while, then slow to a trickle and stay there. I finally discovered that the pump filter was clogged with algae. I cleaned the filter, but the same thing happened again, so I decided to take a look in the tank and found that there are large chunks of algae in there.

This gunk is not fazed by bleach, even at 200 ppm, and is too big to drain through the tiny 3/8 inch drain hole. I would love to scrape and scrub the inside of the tank to get rid of it, but of course the problem is gaining access. My first thought was some kind of access port, but I am having difficulty finding something that I think would work.
I found this, but it seems too small: https://www.marinesan.com/Holding-Tank-3-Clean-out-Kit-p/307238685.htm
I found this, but it seems too large: http://www.hendersons.co.uk/boattank/Tank-access.html
And I’m not sure if either will withstand the pressure of being submerged. (There is no access to the tank from above.)
I also thought of installing a larger drain fitting, hoping that the gunk will drain out, but I see that the spin weld fittings require a router, not a drill, and I don’t want to buy one of those. The only access to the tank is from the bottom or one end and the tank is about 4-5 feet long.
I just ran across this, not sure if it would work to build a larger drain: https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=89951
I really want to clean the gunk out without removing the tank as that is not easy to do.
Does anyone have any other solutions that I haven’t thought of?

[2012Coleman]

[BrentB]

Let's try this: (seems like an onerous way to have to load photos.)
[img] Click For Full-Size Image.[/img]

[BrentB]

By the way, I have a photo of the stuff, but I see no way to post a photo that is on my computer. Am I missing something? It's easy to do on all the other forums I visit.

[_1nobby]

BrentB wrote:
This sounds like it could work, but is it safe for a potable water system?

Safer than that green s**t growing in your tank..LOL.

Drain... fill with water....take it on another drive, drain, fill, drain.

They put it in pools that people swim in....so if you're fully rinced there should be no problem.

Anyways, I always bring a 5 gallon jug of water from home for drinking.

[opnspaces]

I second the pool shock, but look in the hot tub section as they are typically around 200 gallons instead of 10,000 gallons. On the positive side the shock is many times sold in plastic containers so I doubt it will damage the tank.

[BrentB]

MSchu wrote:
once it's drained and flushed it should be fine. Pools use it all of the time, and I don't think you can get in a pool without accidentally drinking at least a little water.

OK, Thank you.

[MSchu]

once it's drained and flushed it should be fine. Pools use it all of the time, and I don't think you can get in a pool without accidentally drinking at least a little water.

[BrentB]

#1nobby wrote:

MSchu wrote:
Before replacing the tank, I would try some pool shock treatment first. That is meant to get rid of almost all algae and bacteria growth, and should be stronger than the bleach. Give it some time to work, and it might take few applications if there is a lot of algae in the tank. It should kill everything and break it up enough for it to flush out.

And while you are shocking it.....take the TT down some bumpy, curvy roads.

This sounds like it could work, but is it safe for a potable water system?

[Grit_dog]

Bleh!!

[Edd505]

Use the tank for shower water, toilet, & doing dishes. Get some 3 gallon jugs for drinking water, .25-.35 a gallon to refill.

[_1nobby]

MSchu wrote:
Before replacing the tank, I would try some pool shock treatment first. That is meant to get rid of almost all algae and bacteria growth, and should be stronger than the bleach. Give it some time to work, and it might take few applications if there is a lot of algae in the tank. It should kill everything and break it up enough for it to flush out.

And while you are shocking it.....take the TT down some bumpy, curvy roads.

[MSchu]

Before replacing the tank, I would try some pool shock treatment first. That is meant to get rid of almost all algae and bacteria growth, and should be stronger than the bleach. Give it some time to work, and it might take few applications if there is a lot of algae in the tank. It should kill everything and break it up enough for it to flush out.

[aguablanco]

Not knowing exactly what is in that tank I would take no chances and replace it ASAP. I would also do my best to replace the suction line as well. As was said earlier, " Life is too short." Could be shorter or less comfortable if you don't do this right.
RichH

[mgirardo]

Are you sure it is algae? Normal green algae is very sensitive to chlorine and would die quickly with regular household bleach, even at 10 PPM.

I think you have something else going on in that tank. Even if you were to remove the tank, the inlet is about 3/4 inch to an 1 inch. Doesn't leave much room to get into the tank. Just replace it.

-Michael

[Nv_Guy]

If you have a non pressurized tank fill how about rigging up a suction tube to a wet dry shop vac and feeding that down the inlet? Might be able to suck up the algae.