Holding Tank

[jbleech]

I have a 27 gallon holding tank that has a build-up of sludge. I am in the Caribbean with no pump out stations, so I am thinking I probably need to use Muriatic Acid. How much should I use and for how long should it remain in the tank before flushing it out.

[AllenRbrts]

Originally Posted by jbleech

I have a 27 gallon holding tank that has a build-up of sludge. I am in the Caribbean with no pump out stations, so I am thinking I probably need to use Muriatic Acid. How much should I use and for how long should it remain in the tank before flushing it out.

Is the tank full now ? I never had tried acid in a full tank. For an empty tank I put in 5 gallons of a 10% solution. Typically what you buy is 33%. The acid is great for dissolving the calcium carbonate which comes from urine and sea water. Be very careful with acid, don’t add water to acid, add acid to water.

[jbleech]

Tank is about 70% full.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, jbleech.
You might consider a microbial treatment.
As Thinwater suggests, there may be a mobile septic system pumpout service available.

[thinwater]

I wouldn't bet on acid working, and then what?


Ask around. I bet there are septic and portable toilet pumping companies.

[AllenRbrts]

Originally Posted by jbleech

Tank is about 70% full.

I suggest finding a way to empty before adding anything to the tank. I have found that using a dinghy pump to pressurize the outlet will clear a clog sometimes.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by AllenRbrts

I suggest finding a way to empty before adding anything to the tank. I have found that using a dinghy pump to pressurize the outlet will clear a clog sometimes.

I’m sorry, can’t help myself, but I just got a vision of how this might go spectacularly wrong. [emoji23]

[a64pilot]

If you can flush the tank out, then just flush it out?

[AllenRbrts]

Originally Posted by GILow

I’m sorry, can’t help myself, but I just got a vision of how this might go spectacularly wrong. [emoji23]

When I have had to resort to this, I have somebody inside all set to close to valve when the clog clears. I have not found any other option to clear a clog in the outlet.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by GILow

I’m sorry, can’t help myself, but I just got a vision of how this might go spectacularly wrong. [emoji23]

Standing by with a big supply of popcorn...

[roverhi]

If you are in open water especially if it is flushed by tidal currents, pump away. Almost all things that are harmful to humans are rendered inactive within minutes of exposure. Putting acid in the tank before pumping out will take care of any nasties before you pump out. take the boat to sea and empty the tank.

Know the poo police will be freaking out but the population density is so low for a boat not in a restricted marina that it will have virtually no effect on the environment. Yes there will be some additional nutrients in the water but so small as to have no effect.

[TassieBloke]

^^

[GILow]

Originally Posted by AllenRbrts

When I have had to resort to this, I have somebody inside all set to close to valve when the clog clears. I have not found any other option to clear a clog in the outlet.

Don't get me wrong, not having a go at you, just couldn't get the vision out of my head.

So... this person inside... are they CLOSER to the source of the blast.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

Standing by with a big supply of popcorn...

I'd cover it first. Just saying.

[masonc]

Where in the Caribbean