sterilising water tank

Submitted: Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 21:16
ThreadID: 6623 Views:3935 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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I have an off road camper and want to add iodine to the tank to sterilise the water that wont drain out of the tank when not in use. Does anyone have any ideas on amount I should use. There is tablets available but very expensive and I have been told to use iodine but not told how much to use has anyone any ideas
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Reply By: nugget - Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:15

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:15
greenant
What I'm about to say may sound like I've lost my marbles but I do believe that red cordial when added to water will after a while sterilise it (kill bacteria). I dont think concentration levels are anything like what you'd use when making a drink, (imagine cooking the veges or having a shower in red cordial!) to the point where it wouldnt be noticed and whats more very cheap. I'm sure I'm going to cop abuse over this one but hey I dont mind taking the heat off Truckster for a while.
AnswerID: 28127

Follow Up By: Ed - Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 23:00

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 23:00
No abuse from me nugget....

Heard about this one years ago...
specifically, it's RASPBERRY cordial, containing at least 35% fruit (raspberry) juice...
Go to www.google.com.au , type in "raspberry cordial" & hit the "search" button.. on the 1st page, there are a couple of references on this very subject...

He who can, >>>> Does!
He who cannot, >>>>Teaches!

Ed. C.
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Follow Up By: Hugh - Monday, Aug 18, 2003 at 23:12

Monday, Aug 18, 2003 at 23:12
Nugget,

The rasberry cordial works for this sort of thing. We always take it on trips to Bali as it stops Bali Belly - works too. Even the Dept. foreign Affairs & Trade web site refers to this practice.

Hugh
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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:46

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:46
Gday
Bicarb soda a teaspoon or two in some water in the tank will do the trick. Flush it out with a few tankfulls of water afterwards to get the taiste out.
Andrewwheredayathinkwer mike?
AnswerID: 28129

Reply By: Mick - Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:59

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 22:59
Chlorine will also kill bacteria in water - it's the most commonly used anti bacterial treatment for pools and water supplies. However, if your tank is black plastic, and therefore the water is not exposed to light, bacteria will not grow. I've had my van for 25 years and simply top up the tank before a trip and the water is always excellent. Only problem I've ever had was after filling it using a new hose and the water tasted of plastic! The secret is no light - as in underground caves where you'll find crystal clear water.
AnswerID: 28132

Follow Up By: Tuco69 - Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 23:39

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 23:39
I agree with Mick.

The black tanks do not allow algae to grow - however if you have clear inlet or outlet or vent hoses - these will let it grow and get into the system.

I have all three hoses on both tanks on our camper in black poly. Never have a problem. Same with the tank under our Toyota Surf.

If you do have some clear hose that is difficult to replace with black, then just lag it with split loom tube or some other black material of some sort. Just make sure that the light can't get at the water - anywhere.

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FollowupID: 19480

Reply By: basecamp15 - Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 09:18

Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 09:18
Chlorine is definitely the way to go.
Although you may have a dark tank to prevent growth, it's possible the water you put in is contaminated with bacteria (not algae).
It can be very tricky getting the right concentration though.
You want a free residual of around 0.5 mg/L. Household bleaches (domestos etc) have a concentration of around 5%, that equates to 50 000 mg/L. Gives you an idea of the dilution factor.
If it's only to keep the dregs clean when not in use like you say it can't hurt to add a bit more (one squirt)
AnswerID: 28159

Reply By: jonny knowalittlebit - Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 11:15

Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 11:15
try miltons anti bacterial solutions it can be gottin from shopping centre. alls it is is very week chlorine.
i use it every now and again in my camelback bladder one cap for 3 litre is all i use. dont know if thats correct or not but it does the job.
AnswerID: 28170

Reply By: ToyMotor - Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 16:23

Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 16:23
Iodine is a bit extreme! Potassium Permanganate is the go (Condy's Crystals). Can also be used as a cheap method of sterilising unknown water supplies - add until colour just becomes perceptible in the water. Also good for horse's hoof infections!

Cheers
AnswerID: 28197

Follow Up By: Mick - Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 22:34

Sunday, Aug 17, 2003 at 22:34
Don't tell me you've come across a cure for the disease that horse's hoofs get!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Shawn - Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 at 13:55

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 at 13:55
LOL, very goodKeep your powder dry
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