Water Tanks

[julesincyberspace]

Hello. Greetings. First post

Which water tank and how to clean it, particularly low slung water tanks:

Have been advised against a low slung water tank due to build up of algae. Wondering if anyone would recommend low slung tanks and has found a reliable way to clean them. We have no problem avoiding drinking it but would be handy for washing etc.
Seems what we're being advised would be a caravan type arrangement: outside connection to own fresh water supply or that of a campsite.
Seems that would be a palaver at roadside and give us more to carry (would probably carry some drinking water).

Also any other arrangements to recommend instead?

Have searched and couldn't quite find the answers we needed so hope it isn't boringly common question (seems likely somehow )

[TheLongRoad]

Our built in tank was done as part of the full side conversion when the van was imported. It holds about 25 litres. We use those water cleaner tablets to keep it clean. You’ll need to the same with an external tank as you still have pipes inside to your taps. Having more rigid things to store inside is out of the question for us. See what others think.

[sotal]

We have a 10L fresh water bottle under the sink. It does the job for us. I would prefer it if we had the space but it is convenient. We don't really use the sink in the bongo that much to be honest. We normally use campsite washing facilities. The sink often ends up as storage, out for putting dirty items in ready for washing.

The most common use for the water is to give the dog a drink. It is particularly good when we are not camping but need to give the dog a drink.

[Bongo Brain]

Whichever water tank you have - best practice would be to clean with those sterilisation tablets
Also, flush some of it through the tap to clean the pipes & tap. Best to also give the end of the pipe a wipe over, with anti-bacterial wipes
especially if the water tank and sink haven't been used over the winter (like mine!)

[Billybongo123]

Ours is black and is located under the side door. I just use a tablet each time and it's fine for washing up.

[julesincyberspace]

Thanks guys. What a thrill to see some replies Food for thought.

[john]

Ordinary thin Bleach (do not use thick) works fine and is cheap. Use 0.1% by volume ie 0.1ml per litre. Leave for 24hrs, drain & refill with fresh water.
You can dress it up to come in a different form such as a tablet, but I cant see why you'd ignore the basic ingredient - chlorine.
I've been using this in our 150Ltr stainless steel water tank and system since our narrow boat was built in 2005, it has proved entirely successful.

I've also met people that didn't know their tanks and water systems need cleaning periodically (every 12-18 months) and they're still alive!!!

Its just worth mentioning that water supply break tanks (a very similar system) in multi storey buildings have to be chlorinated every 12 months by law!!

[mikeonb4c]

Ordinary thin Bleach (do not use thick) works fine and is cheap. Use 0.1% by volume ie 0.1ml per litre. Leave for 24hrs, drain & refill with fresh water.
You can dress it up to come in a different form such as a tablet, but I cant see why you'd ignore the basic ingredient - chlorine.
I've been using this in our 150Ltr stainless steel water tank and system since our narrow boat was built in 2005, it has proved entirely successful.

I've also met people that didn't know their tanks and water systems need cleaning periodically (every 12-18 months) and they're still alive!!!

Its just worth mentioning that water supply break tanks (a very similar system) in multi storey buildings have to be chlorinated every 12 months by law!!

Great post