Black Water Tank - Ever Empty?

Eric - mine says "empty" and stays that way for about 2 days of use (or so) after pumpout. I regularly use the "No Flex Digestor" (don't you love that name) and it helps dissolve the "solids" that remain in the tank and keep the sensors clean (so it advertises). The pumpout tube is a "dip tube' that extends in from the top of the tank - at least it does on my last three boats...
 
Our gauge shows zero when the tank is pumped out.
 
As stated by Carter, mine also enters from the top of the tank and goes to bottom internally.

While we’re on this subject, I wish there was one last warning between the “half” reading and the “full - do not flush” warning! There've been a few times when I’ve delayed getting a pumpout and there’s always that suspense around wondering when you just hit the last allowable flush!
 
Mine shows empty. I also use a digestor to break up the solids, and I also put in about 1/2 tank of water after I've pumped the tank out. I let it sit for a few minutes then pump it out again. I think my layer of undissolved solids at the bottom of the tank is pretty small.
 
As stated by Carter, mine also enters from the top of the tank and goes to bottom internally.

While we’re on this subject, I wish there was one last warning between the “half” reading and the “full - do not flush” warning! There've been a few times when I’ve delayed getting a pumpout and there’s always that suspense around wondering when you just hit the last allowable flush!

I'm with you Jeff - because of that, I pumpout imediately if it ever says 1/2, and usually pumpout even before then...
 
I’ve got 60 gallon capacity so I’m comfortable going beyond half. When I see half I usually add a week before we pumpout. Problem occurred a few weeks ago when the half light was not on beyond what I thought it should be.... went down in engine room and tank was 3/4 full!! Float switch had stuck. The 3/4’s indicator would be a nice failsafe!

Helpful thing is the tank is right at the bottom of the engine room ladder, so it’s easy to put eyes on.
 
Hmmmm....ok...Thanks guys.

I have been using two things to keep things clean and flowing..One is the WM blue liquid and the other is some granular white bio treatment.... I guess I might need to hose down the inside and do a through cleaning.

Jeff, I think they make an ext. tank sensor that you could mount at the 3/4 level that might work for you.
 
Not sure if it was on this site but one person puts ice cubes in their tank then drives around. Claim is it loosens up material. Ni idea if it works.
 
With my 290 DA fixer-upper I bought last year I had some issues with the level senders but after a few cleanings and flushes everything seems to be working properly. I'm thinking the previous owner mothballed the boat for months during the sale listing and some sludge built up.

Last week I just changed over to a new septic product so I'm hoping the tank will just get cleaner and cleaner as I use the system.

Before you tear into your tank I would probably make sure the lights and the senders are functioning by using a volt/ohm meter
 
All sensors are operational...It's simply the bottom isn't being collected. When I searched the system online it states that 1"-2" will remain with the way the pumpout hose is connected. I think in later years they might have changed the design.

I just thought I'd ask the group what your has been. Looks like most are able to get to empty...
 
No Flex Digestor is what I use as well. Rinse once, add a.little water and some No Flex and you're ready for next weekend.

As far as ice cubes go, I've heard that but how do you het them IN the tank? That's a head scratcher! I guess down the toilet but that seems kind of harsh on the joker valve.
 
No idea how to get ice cubes in other than by fitting on top of the tank. But if you open the fitting on top of the tank you might as well pressure wash the inside of the tank.
I find if I pump out fill 1/4 tank pump out again and repeat the stuff coming out of tank looks cleanish.
 
As far as ice cubes go, I've heard that but how do you het them IN the tank? That's a head scratcher!
You mix up a good adult beverage with several ice cubes in it. As you drink the beverage the ice cubes will have melted some. When the drink is empty, pour the ice down the head and flush.

Repeat as needed until you feel you have enough ice in the tank or you feel like you need a nap.
 
You mix up a good adult beverage with several ice cubes in it. As you drink the beverage the ice cubes will have melted some. When the drink is empty, pour the ice down the head and flush.

Repeat as needed until you feel you have enough ice in the tank or you feel like you need a nap.

Just so you are not taking a nap with your head in the toilet.
 
There have been times in my life when I've had my head firmly in the white throne but it was more for the purpose of getting rid of my stomach contents than taking a nap.

Fortunately it has been many, many years since I've had to do that.
 

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