A word of caution about CD25 water tank

[JimL]

Looking into my water tank, I thought I could clean it up with the chlorine method. Curiosity got the better of me, and I opened it up (early CD25 top is removable, I don't know about later).

I got quite a shock....there were some hard black critters growing in the upper corners, that had to be chiseled loose. This stuff had eaten through the gel coat, and turned the original silicone seal into a foul smeeling goo. There were a few spots in side walls that had gel coat eaten through, by this stuff.

To make a long story short, I chipped it all away, sanded out the entire tank, and lid, then epoxied the whole thing. Do not use any dye when using epoxy inside a water tank. Wash with hot soapy water, after cure, before using the water for consumption.

I would also like to advise extra caution using the charcoal filters and chlorinated water combo. If your chlorination level gets too low, the carbon filter becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The filter can develop runaway growth in a week, putting your health at risk.

My best friend, Dan Wagner, is a member of the National Water Quality Association and an expert in small and large system water treatment. He is putting together some information for us, on 12 volt UV systems, dealing with types of bacteria, parasites, and virus, and some good tips on safe water. I'll put a posting on the board, as soon as I get an article together.



leinfam@earthlink.net

[John R.]

Thanks Jim, I for one would definitely like to read your friends information on a 12V UV treatment system. That would be an excellent solution to maintaining an onboard water supply. I just hope it is very easy on power consumption.

Looking into my water tank, I thought I could clean it up with the chlorine method. Curiosity got the better of me, and I opened it up (early CD25 top is removable, I don't know about later).

I got quite a shock....there were some hard black critters growing in the upper corners, that had to be chiseled loose. This stuff had eaten through the gel coat, and turned the original silicone seal into a foul smeeling goo. There were a few spots in side walls that had gel coat eaten through, by this stuff.

To make a long story short, I chipped it all away, sanded out the entire tank, and lid, then epoxied the whole thing. Do not use any dye when using epoxy inside a water tank. Wash with hot soapy water, after cure, before using the water for consumption.

I would also like to advise extra caution using the charcoal filters and chlorinated water combo. If your chlorination level gets too low, the carbon filter becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The filter can develop runaway growth in a week, putting your health at risk.

My best friend, Dan Wagner, is a member of the National Water Quality Association and an expert in small and large system water treatment. He is putting together some information for us, on 12 volt UV systems, dealing with types of bacteria, parasites, and virus, and some good tips on safe water. I'll put a posting on the board, as soon as I get an article together.