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Windham Maine

I was wondering if anyone uses a large plastic water tank to hold sun warmed water? If so, do you use anything to help with algae? I have a small amount showing up in my tank and was wondering if I was to use some bleach how much to use, and will it harm plants? Or should I just reach in the tank with a pole and rag ang wipe it down? Open to any suggestions, Thank,s Phil

8/13/2006 6:30:45 AM

Someone more qualified than I will answer the question about bleach "in" the water. I have cleaned my totes and barrels with a bleach solution, pressure washer, and flushed them well afterwards. Painting them dark colors will stop sunlight and all but eliminate algae growth. A friend gave me the tip of running a verticle strip of tape b4 painting,,then removing to see the water level when done.

8/13/2006 7:26:42 AM

ENGLAND

Dan's got it right about eliminating any sunlight getting at the water by painting the tank a dark colour (preferably black) as this will stop the sunlight and also pre warm your irrigation water. I would also add that any openings in the top or sides of the tank be covered as well to help block out the slightest amount of sunlight.

Regards
Mike

8/13/2006 10:16:08 AM

Eau Claire, WI

I use a 600 gallon Plastic tank that I painted black. I have never had algea.

8/13/2006 3:32:02 PM

Windham Maine

Black it is! Thanks all.
Phil

8/13/2006 8:13:59 PM

No Place Special

I wonder if a little algea would maybe be good????

8/13/2006 9:32:30 PM

good,,, probably,,but will plug drip irrigation and soaker hoses if used

8/13/2006 10:30:20 PM

Newcastle England

ive got 2 goldfish in my tank,they eat all the algae and fertilise the water as well.one of them is 3 years old now.peter

8/14/2006 2:30:02 AM

No Place Special

ummm good point Dan

8/14/2006 9:16:38 AM

Montoursville, PA

Try filling the tank, to just what you can use, in two or three days. That will take away the time it needs, to go very far, in it's growing pattern.

The black paint is the best suggestion above. Algae has to have sunlight. It is one thing you will never find in cave water.

8/14/2006 10:41:53 AM