Holding tank vent filters?

[OceanGirl70]

Do you use them?

Our head stinks SO bad!!! It's a 97 SCR 3000 that has been sitting for several years without much use - we just bought it a week ago.

A couple of people have said that the smell is probably coming from the holding tank (which we did just get pumped out) and that we need to get a holding tank vent filter.

I'm looking for recommendations on them, I've seen a couple online for anywhere between $80 to $100. Also, any tips or techniques for installing it would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance! Now I need to find a gas mask to get in there and scrub, it's nasty, LOL!

[Phillbo]

I have no input on the vent as I've never owned a boat that needed one. What type of head do you have?

I'm curious what you plan to scrub? Are you treating the waist tank?

[OceanGirl70]

I can only tell you that it's a manual head at the moment, I will bring the paperwork home when I go to the boat later and review it.

We did buy holding tank treatment chemicals, but haven't put them in yet.

I am only planning to scrub the toilet itself and the sink. The boat is pretty filthy and needs TLC.

[Phillbo]

I believe the manual heads that draw in sea water have a tendency to stink a bit more than a vacuflush that uses the fresh water tank to supply it. Get the chemicals in as soon as possible.

[mmwjr]

I know folks that use the filter and claim it works great. Some have made them out of PVC pipe so they can replace the filter material cheap. It's just fish tank filter material.

Sometimes the hoses need to be replaced as over time they absorb the odor.

[jamanati]

I made mine out of PVC pipe.
You will need about 18 inches of pipe, 1.5 or 2 inches is good.
A PVC threaded coupling (so you can take it apart in two pieces
End pieces with a barb fitting to connect your vent hose, usually 1/2 inch or 5/8.
ScotchBrite Pads
Activated Charcoal from a local pets store.
Once you've assembled the end caps, the barbed fittings, and the pipe, cut out circles out of the scotchbrite pad as follows
- the diameter so you can place one at each end of the inside of the pipe, keeps the charcoal from going out the barb fitting
- the diameter, a bit snug, to hold the charcoal in place while you screw the two pieces of pipe together.

I replace the charcoal and scotchbrite each season, costs less than $5.
The pipe and fittings will probably cost about $20 or so.
Replace the vent hose and clamps while you're at is may be a good idea.

Just cut out a piece of the vent host, place your pipe filter inline, tighten with clamps, and secure it to floor, hull, etc.

Idea comes from this url => DIY Holding Tank Vent Filter $cheap

[Kevlar7r]

If you properly manage your tank, smell is not an issue.

Not all tank treatments are created equal. Most are just antibacterial agents and scent. The scent doesn't really work.

If you use good microbes, not a problem. Check out microbialogic.com

[shrew]

Manual flush, electric flush or vacuflush. The contents of the holding tank will still stink and the air needs to be displaced out every time you pump in. Admittedly, vacuflush uses freshwater, so that does reduce odors, but the rest of the stuff you put in there still stinks and time doesn't help.

The vent filter is fairly easy to install. Locate the vent line, locate a place to mount the vent filter bracket. Cut the line and insert. You might need to purchase more line for routing. The installation instructions on the filter are good.

This needs to be replaced yearly.

Also, make sure not to leave contents in the holding tank more than 5 days. We pump out every Sunday. We flush fresh water into the head and pump it back to teh holding tank prior to the pumpout. Following a pump out, we push holding tank chemicals through the head along with freshwater until it gets to the tank.

This practice should eliminate all head odors.