Full or empty water tank in tropical temperatures

[Paul L]

I don't think it makes much difference assuming you are starting with decent water. The majority of uglies grow in the water system piping. That will occur either way when nothing is flowing through them for extended periods.
I leave my water tanks empty. If it is a long layup, >6 months, then I do a bleach shock of the whole system when I return, making sure it goes through all the system's hoses. Then flush the tanks with fresh water. There's usually enough dust etc to wash down on the boay that this flush water can be used up on it.
Then I fill one tank to use. Second tank gets filled by the watermaker as convenient and that water is used for flushes.

[txg]

Originally Posted by Paul L

The majority of uglies grow in the water system piping. That will occur either way when nothing is flowing through them for extended periods.

That's not true when the pipes are dried out which can be done easily by blowing air through them.

[S/V Illusion]

There is no such thing as an “empty” water tank - only those which have residual water at close to 100% humidity and condensation. That recipe results in mold and other bad things as we see everyday.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by txg

That's not true when the pipes are dried out which can be done easily by blowing air through them.

Never tried blowing the lines dry. I'm sure that would help. Don't actually carry a compressor on board.

I've stored on the hard in the tropics a number of times. Never had an issue with the tanks, but have seen growth in the lines. YMMV

[txg]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Never tried blowing the lines dry. I'm sure that would help. Don't actually carry a compressor on board.

Like i said, an electric dinghy pump works fine for that. I guess a manual one would work as well.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by txg

That's not true when the pipes are dried out which can be done easily by blowing air through them.

you will never get those lines dry enough to matter!

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by txg

That's not true when the pipes are dried out which can be done easily by blowing air through them.

That might remove bulk water but it dries nothing and certainly not a tank. Even constant ventilation will likely never completely dry it

[txg]

Well i'm sorry, but this has worked for us even if you can't believe it. After blowing the hoses dry the tanks itself were wiped dry with a cloth and the inspection port was left open (obviously the cover on top of the inspection port was left off as well).

[sailorboy1]

it's not worth the argument

[Oceansailor]

Thanks for the input. Are bleach in that small amount a problem for stainless?

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Oceansailor

Is it stainless or aluminum?

original formosa taiwanese stainless steel from usa.

[txg]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

it's not worth the argument

There is nothing to argue about if you simply come around and state that it's impossible that something i did can work, while it did work perfectly fine. Either you have no clue what you are talking about or you did not unterstand what i've been saying.



Simply stating that something can't work without any backing, may it be personal experience or a scientific background or whatever, is totally useless.

[sailorboy1]

I have over 15 years of treating water systems. A water pipe will never be dried out to point of prevent biological grow by blowing air into it.

Still isn’t worth arguing

[Oceansailor]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I have over 15 years of treating water systems. A water pipe will never be dried out to point of prevent biological grow by blowing air into it.

Still isn’t worth arguing

I do understand what you say and do agree. The question is if it worse with when it is “empty” but humid. Or if it is better if it is full with water.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Oceansailor

I do understand what you say and do agree. The question is if it worse with when it is “empty” but humid. Or if it is better if it is full with water.

You don’t feel you have been answered? Because I feel you have.