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nazz300 · 04-10-2006, 05:45 PM

I'm new to AS's and it can be confusing when it comes to putting chemicals in the black and grey water tanks. Do you prefer liquid or dry or the drop-ins for the toilet and/or grey tank? Do you put an odor eating chemical in as well or is there a good 2-in-1 product that you use? Do you use the same product in both tanks or is one better for the black tank and another for the grey tank?

And what about a formaldehyde or non-formaldehyde product. Which do you prefer?

Help, I'm so confused!

overlander63 · 04-10-2006, 06:58 PM

I prefer the non-formeldehyde stuff. What I use in our tank is a product called "Odorles". It works in both the black and grey tank, and is basically an enzyme that helps break down the contents of the tank. You can ge it at most RV supply places. I like it because it does not contain the really bad harsh chemicals.

davidz71 · 04-10-2006, 07:47 PM

Like Overlander63 I prefer the Odorless. I tried the Thetford and Camco? stuff sold at Walmart but found that I liked the Odorless best because it neutralized the smell in the tanks without masking it with other smells such as lemon.

RoadKingMoe · 04-10-2006, 08:17 PM

It's spelled Odorlos and even though it might be a bit more expensive, we get the 10 pack of 4 ounce packets which are easy to use.

I'll be honest that it isn't as effective fighting odor as the formaldehyde-based Thetford product, but the latter is not only environmentally-unfriendly even in municipal sewers, but can cause real problems for campgrounds that have their own septic systems.

wingfoot321 · 04-10-2006, 08:41 PM

The PO of my trailer was using potty tabs and they seem to work very well plus a lubricant for the valve.

A friend of mine who is a member of a SOB camping club says the club has used "BIZ" dry detergent for years. I have been using it for a year with no odorous effects. The box says it contains biodegradable anionic surfactants, enzymes, a color safe oxygen bleach, & brightening agents. (I'm sure we need the brightening agents

)

At this point in my trial, it is working quite well.

WayWard Wind · 04-10-2006, 08:49 PM

Dave S. from A/S had an article, in the BB, some time ago about using liquid dish soap and water softner. We've been using it for some time and it appears to work quite well. We recently full timed for 5 months and had no problems . Seems it lubricates the valve as it works.
Best,

Foiled Again · 04-10-2006, 10:10 PM

Isn't there a rumor that Airstream owners think theirs doesn't stink?

Seriously I use ordinary septic tank digestive enzymes in the black tank.... it really is a small septic tank, why use hugely expensive stuff? The septic tank enzymes are dirt cheap (ohmygod another horrible pun) compared to the specialized RV stuff.

Using the tank flushers (oh these newfangled things that the vintagers distain!) when camping is really the most important thing, and eeeeeuuwh! you wouldn't believe how much more comes out after you think the tank is reasonably clean.

Paula Ford

overlander63 · 04-11-2006, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadKingMoe

It's spelled Odorlos and even though it might be a bit more expensive, we get the 10 pack of 4 ounce packets which are easy to use.

That's the stuff. I tried spelling it that way, but it just didn't look right.

nazz300 · 04-12-2006, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the input thus far. It looks like I'm leaning toward the Odorlos product.

Bambi_Bandit · 04-12-2006, 04:29 PM

I recently switched to Odor-con... It simply has worked great at only 1 1/2 capfulls per use!!

http://www.3rodorcon.com/index.html

I'm sure others on the forums have good experience with this product too.

Kevin

**Stefrobrts** · 04-12-2006, 04:57 PM

Rid-X liquid enzyme treatment for septic tanks. A little bottle treats a HUGE tank, so I just use a little splash of it. Seems to work fine.

Over59 · 04-12-2006, 06:44 PM

None. The marine electric head pumps to the black tank. There is no air connection between the head and the tank. I wonder how often foks check their vent stacks to make sure the end isn't to far into the tank...

ScottW · 10-11-2006, 03:12 PM

I use two chemicals: Pine-Sol for the black tank, and Odoban for the grey tank. Pine-Sol (regular, not the lemon scent) is inexpensive, has no offensive smell and contains 15% pine oil which helps lubricate the valves. Odoban (at Sam's Club) kills 99.9% of the germs, has a pleasant smell and is compatible with all RV tanks. Both work fine for us, and we never (knock wood) have had any odor problems, even here in the deep south with the temps/humidity.
Scott