Free camping Also referred to as bush camping, off power camping, dry camping and boondocking. Save money while travelling. Courtesy and etiquette discussed.     Sanitation Products/Toilet Chemicals Do your part by choosing environmentally friendly biodegradable chemicals and avoid products containing formaldehyde.

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I have algae in the top tank of my portable toilet / porta potti.  How can I treat this?

If you have leaf like pieces of algae appearing in the portable toilet bowl on pump flushing, you may have developed a mild case of algae in your flushing tank.  Any sediment build up in your toilet system will eventually cause the slides etc. to jam.

Even if you have used the correct concentration of chemicals, this still may occur and is quite easy to eradicate.

Method to remove and clean tank

1. Empty the bottom tank and rinse until clean.
2. Empty the top tank and operate the pump several times to expel any top tank mix that may still be in the pump suction and pressure lines.
3. Add a mixture of bleach and water to the top tank. (Usually 1/2 cup of bleach to 1L water). Put the cap back on the top tank and shake/swirl so that all sides, top and bottom have been coated with the bleach/water.
4. Refit the top tank to the bottom tank and operate the pump so that the bleach mix is drawn into the pump and lines.  Continue pumping all the mix from the top tank is in the bottom tank. Ensure all the mix is cleared from the pump.
5. Remove the top tank and invert it so that any excess mix can drain away.
6. Shake/swirl the bottom tank so that all sides, top and bottom and also drain tube have been coated with the bleach mix. Drain and invert to dry.
7. The unit is now ready for use or storage.  All traces of algae should be removed. If storing for a length of time, store in a dark environment.  This will also be beneficial as algae needs light to thrive.

It is advisable to maintain the rubber sealing around the opening to the bottom tank by regularly applying a small amount of non petroleum based oil.  eg. Cooking oil

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