Algae in the water tank

[jhortonvt]

Last Fall I bought a '02 245 WE, as I was winterizing it (2 days after buying it) I found the 11 gallon fresh water tank so contaminated with algae that it would clog the inline screens at the pump. The tank is a translucent white plastic and you can see the dark algae lining the inside of the tank.

My question's:

-Should I just bail on that tank and buy a new one, if so is there an aftermarket option?
(the closest Sea Ray dealer is 3 hrs away)

-How do I save this one? If I remember right there are but 2 small holes, for fill and outflow, so getting in there to mechanically brush the tank isn't an option. I have 3 small children and would like to 'trust' what comes out of the tap (at least for brushing teeth, etc.)

 

[tdappleman]

You will most likely be able to remove the algae with just a bleach concentrate and letting it sit in the tank for awhile. If you can get it out of the boat it would probably make it easier since you wouldn't have to clean out the remains from your pump or other lines/faucets. Once you've got a bleach concentrate in the tank - say 16 ounces or so to a full tank of 11 gallons - let it sit and 'slosh' it around occasionally to loosen things up. I'd let it sit at least over night if possible and then repeat with a much lower dosage of bleach. Then a final couple of rinses with just water to ensure you've gotten everything out. Then you can move to something like this for at least the first tank of water you plan to actually use:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=11&subdeptNum=27&classNum=279

 

[wingless]

Bleach, then rinse.

Periodic bleach for prevention.

 

[Boatingnut]

Agree with the remedy. Best way to prevent this is to continue to use water and refill your tanks often, always leaving them full when you leave the boat. Don't let the water tanks set with the same water for weeks.

 

[northern]

We have a 100 gallon tank and at least twice a year we put in 2 cups of bleach and let it sit for a few hours. It takes 3 fills to get rid of the bleach smell in the water. We have never had any problem algae. The bleach has nor damaged pump, piping or tank.

 

[skolbe]

When you go to fill your tank in the spring let it overfill for a bit - should force some algae out the filler neck. Then bleach it.

 

[Presentation]

1. Use a solution of 1 pint Purex or Clorox bleach to 25 gallons of water). With tank empty, pour chlorine solution into tank.

2. Complete filling of tank with fresh water. Open each faucet and drain cock until air has been released and the entire system is filled. Do not turn off the pump; it must remain on to keep the system pressurized and the solution in the lines

3. Allow to stand for at least three hours, but no longer than 24 hours.

4. Drain through every faucet on the boat (and if you haven't done this in a while, it's a good idea to remove any diffusion screens from the faucets, because what's likely to come out will clog them). Fill the tank again with fresh water only, drain again through every faucet on the boat.

5. To remove excess chlorine taste or odor which might remain, prepare a solution of one quart white vinegar to five gallons water and allow this solution to agitate in tank for several days.

6. Drain tank again through every faucet, and flush the lines again by filling the tank 1/4-1/2 full and again flushing with potable water.

 

[savignr]

fresh water tank so contaminated with algae that it would clog the inline screens at the pump. The tank is a translucent white plastic and you can see the dark algae lining the inside of the tank.

I had the same problem at the beginning of last year, at first I thought the pump had gone bad on me it was that bad. I think your getting some good advice here... worked for me!

 

[Henry Boyd]

Our dock is about 300' from the house. So our water fill up system is dedicated 'drinking water safe' hose that runs down from the house through the woods to the dock. As a result I add a shot glass of plain non-scented bleach to the tank with every fill up.

Bleach smell does not quite go away, so for cooking and drinking we have a couple gallons of spring water. But for washing, flushing the head, rinsing off salt the tank water is fine.

I got the ratio of bleach to water from a FEMA website on purifying water after a disaster, so despite the smell the water is potable.


Henry

 

[jhortonvt]

Thanks for all the tips, I'll be taking care of it in a couple months (if Wx cooperates).