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Black Tank Management
Yahoo Message Number: 85970
Thanks to reading all the tips on this site, researching other methods, and "living the life," I think I've finally got a workable black-tank-management system. Maybe these insights will work for others as well.

1. The black tank readout on my rig has never read correctly, so I  wing it.

2. If you feel you must dump after a short trip, be sure to FILL the  tank with water before you dump, then "prepare" the tank using your  favorite method (or read your manual).

3. Since my readout isn't correct, when is the right time? Hello, when  you see the "end of the line" in the toilet!  
4. Shortly before this "time," a bubble appears while flushing.
 (Gross, but a good indicator!)  
5. I apologize to all you aficionados of specific products for
 black-tank management, but I've tried most of them, and the only method that doesn't result in odors (for me) is the Geo method (Google it): dump one cup of Calgon water softener into a gallon of hot water, stir it around to dissolve it, add one cup of liquid laundry detergent, dump it in the toilet, and that's it. I haven't checked the color of the "outflow" like the Geo guy recommends; all I know is I've got a non-smelly bathroom and I'm assuming the tank is healthy. That's good enough for me.

Jeanne 2002 RK Datastorm #4028
Re: Black Tank Management
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85978
Have you tried the tank cleaning solutions?  I had the same problem with my readouts.  The gauges work by a wire going to a stud at different heights in the tank.  When the liquid hits the stud it grounds out the wire and lights the gauge.  What happens is the sides crud up and ground the studs and show inaccurate readings.  There are lots of products that you dump into the tanks, then fill them with water and let them soak overnight or so, drive the rig around for a while (agitating action) then drain.  I used one on mine and they work perfectly now.
Re: Black Tank Management
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85979
Quote
Have you tried the tank cleaning solutions?  I had the same problem with my readouts.  The gauges work by a wire going to a stud at different heights in the tank.  When the liquid hits the stud it grounds out the wire and lights the gauge.  What happens is the sides crud up and ground the studs and show inaccurate readings.  There are lots of products that you dump into the tanks, then fill them with water and let them soak overnight or so, drive the rig around for a while (agitating action) then drain.  I used one on mine and they work perfectly now.
Thanks, Dan, for the great suggestions. I guess my point was, I don't pay any attention to the readout anymore. I've figured out how to guage when it is time to dump. I don't really care what the tank is doing as long as it doesn't smell! Call me a heretic! ;-)

Jeanne>
 
Re: Black Tank Management
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85981
Yea, I never worry to much about my black tank.  I'd never fill it up even on a week long camping trip.  But my grey tank I have to keep a pretty close eye on.

Quote
On Nov 15, 2007 8:17 PM, jgearing13 jgearing39@...> wrote: