Simple BlackWater Monitor

[BrknWnd]

My current holding tanks are black and there is no gauge or monitor to see how full they are. I like to keep things as simple as possible and am thinking about installing a sight window. My thought is that the sloshing while underway would prevent any build up that is to thick to see if the tank level is at the window or not. Thoughts? Other ideas for a simple and reliable solution to this problem?

[peghall]

I see you've just joined our merry band of boat owners...welcome aboard!

SCAD tank monitors are top rated and relatively inexpensive, using sensors that attach to the outside of the tank. Scad Tank Monitors

--Peggie

[Andreas W]

Originally Posted by peghall

I see you've just joined our merry band of boat owners...welcome aboard!

SCAD tank monitors are top rated and relatively inexpensive, using sensors that attach to the outside of the tank. Scad Tank Monitors

--Peggie

Nice equipment Peggie. I was looking for something like that for a client. I don't want to make holes in the tank, so the outside sensors work for me. Thanks for sharing!

Cheers,
Andreas

[BrknWnd]

Thanks for the advice but I’d prefer something that doesn’t require electricity/electronics?
Anyone on here have a non electronic solution?

[LostDog88]

Originally Posted by BrknWnd

Thanks for the advice but I’d prefer something that doesn’t require electricity/electronics?
Anyone on here have a non electronic solution?

Steps for no-Electric tank monitor:

1. Drill 3/4 inch hole in top of tank.
2. Install 3/4 inch plug thingy you can get at home depot.
A. While you are there pick up a yard stick.
3. Dip tank when measurement is required.

Sorry. Couldn't resist being a bit cheeky.

I'll see myself out...........................

[Rob_P]

Originally Posted by BrknWnd

Thanks for the advice but I’d prefer something that doesn’t require electricity/electronics?
Anyone on here have a non electronic solution?

A non-electronic solution?

Cut out one side of tank, install Lexan panel in place of cut away tank wall on inside of tank wall, seal really really well.



You could use a sight tube but I suspect it'll get grunged up and non-workable in short order. A better option would be to figure out how to make a flag with a bent wire and a float. You can see them on the tanks of your local septic pump-out trucks.

[Franziska]

Thinking out of the box here.
Might be worth a try.

As liquids and air tend to have different heat absorption rates, one could stick a temperature sensitive strip on the outside of a reasonably thin walled tank.
Pretty sure it would show a different temperature in the section filled with liquid than the empty one.
Where you can see the biggest temperature change, you tank level is.

Use something like this, but attach it vertical. :
https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B078N..._3jGdGbDZ6NG50

If someone tried, please let us know if it worked.

[Stu Jackson]

Tap the tank, as in tap tap tap. Like one hand clapping.


Other folks have used Peggie's book, which is excellent, in which she tells you how many gallons per day people usually contribute, or how much goes in per flush. Handy info to know about.

[BrknWnd]

I like the tapping and temp ideas. Even simpler than my idea! I like the visual from the temp gauge and have a couple of these left over from my blackberry wine making operation. Thanks!

[Franziska]

Hey, glad you pick up the idea. Please let us know how well it works.

[LostDog88]

In the olden days. I had a travel trailer that didn't have tank gauges.

What it did have was a small tube that ran from the bottom of the tank to above the tank fill neck. In that tube was a small floatable plastic BB. When the tank was empty the red BB was at the bottom. When the tank was full the BB was up tall on the plastic see thru tube.
Might work in your situation.

[wholybee]

2 ideas.
The have mechanical fuel tank gauges, with a dial indicator connected to a float. Would probably gum up though.

Drill 2 holes in the side of the tank, one near the bottom, and one near the top. connect them with clear tube.

[Madehn]

tank tender uses a system with air pressure to measure tanks- they are not cheap but last forever and the people that have them like them- a lot. i use one gauge to measure two water tanks, blackwater tank and fuel tank-- they require putting one fitting on the top of the tank and running a small plastic airline to the gauge (line is the size of a pencil lead). no electricity,. no sensors to go bad etc-- neat little system.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Tap the tank, as in tap tap tap. Like one hand clapping.


.

+1 to this. I've been doing this for a year. (It helps that my tank is beside the toilet.)

Surprisingly accurate too.

[Franziska]

This system seems to be good and relatively inexpensive.

If Peggie (THE Authority on anything to do with onboard toilets) suggests it.

Unfortunately I have no idea on what principle it works.

Originally Posted by peghall

I see you've just joined our merry band of boat owners...welcome aboard!

SCAD tank monitors are top rated and relatively inexpensive, using sensors that attach to the outside of the tank. Scad Tank Monitors

--Peggie