Head/holding tank treatments

[Wmiii]

For the past 14 years or so, we have used Earth Safe In-Line Treatment system from West Marine.
It is no longer available from West Marine and possibly out of production.

Is anyone aware of a similar treatment system?

What are other boaters recommending for lubricating and treatment?

Thanks

Wm Mayberry
OPTIMYSTIQUE
IP 37-30

[zeehag]

the only thing i found that works is odorlos...not blue stuff, which is bs, but a clear colorless product which is an enzyme--good stuff.

[Tim R.]

I mostly agree with Zeehag except that you can buy Odorlos as a liquid and it is a blueish green color. Both the powder(dissolves clear) and the liquid work excellent. Been using on boats now for nearly 10 years and we get no odor through our holding tank vent when flushing. Will also help with hose permeation.

Powdered version much better for cruising as it takes up very little space.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

.... Will also help with hose permeation.

I'm not questioning your expereince, just looking for clarity.

What is the basis for this statement?

• I can understand that permiation through the tank and vent hose would be less, as there is less stink.
• I don't understand why permiation in the hose would be less. The treatment does not stay there and a 20 second exposure to nitrate isn't going to change the hose.

On a separate topic, the "lubricate" claim always strikes me as pure sales pitch. There is no logic or effect I've ever noticed that lasts beyond a few flushes, even less than olive oil. I've tested dozzens of these products, and they don't contain anything that can lubricate long term. Just nonsense. An annual grease job is what the manual asks for.

[Tim R.]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I'm not questioning your expereince, just looking for clarity.

What is the basis for this statement?

• I can understand that permiation through the tank and vent hose would be less, as there is less stink.
• I don't understand why permiation in the hose would be less. The treatment does not stay there and a 20 second exposure to nitrate isn't going to change the hose.

...

I flush with fresh so I do not do this but I do know a guy who treats his hoses with the liquid version every time he leaves the boat and has claimed the smell from permeation is significantly reduced.

[Wmiii]

Thanks for the Odorlos idea. I haven't given the treatment thing much thought in years so needed some good info.
The blue tablets in my in line system do keep everything lubricated. That's when I know I need a new one.
I'll see if I can find the Odorlos.
Thanks again,
Wm