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Old 10-23-2013, 11:47 PM   #29
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Would it be safe to use any septic tank additive to the holding tank ,or just Happy Camper?
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Old 10-24-2013, 12:00 AM   #30
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Would it be safe to use any septic tank additive to the holding tank ,or just Happy Camper?

Some use different things. Some use none except for a little more water. Use what is comfortable for you. For us we use none except water. Even at the S&B where we had a septic tank we used nothing extra except water.

The black tank is NOT a septic tank. It is just a holding tank. Chemicals and/or biological stuff needs a little while to work and with emptying the tank every week or so does not usually give it time to do anything except cost you money that you do not need to spend.
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Old 10-24-2013, 06:04 AM   #31
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We use chemical because it seems to cut down on any odors. After I use what I've already purchased I think I will look for more Eco friendly chemicals.
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Old 10-24-2013, 06:21 AM   #32
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We have been using wet wipes that break up in water for the past several years with no problems, the trick is use plenty of water and backflush the tank several or more times when dumping until it runs clear.
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Old 10-24-2013, 07:36 AM   #33
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Would it be safe to use any septic tank additive to the holding tank ,or just Happy Camper?
Septic tank additives like Rid-X are made for large containers which hold the contents for long periods of time. Hence, there is a greater opportunity for biological action to break down wastes. They are not designed or even recommended for use in RV holding tanks. Happy Camper is a black holding tank treatment that is intended for smaller containers like in RVs which get emptied more frequently. It acts as a lubricant, accelerates aerobic bacteria growth (which crowds out odor causing anaerobic bacteria), and liquifies wastes to eliminate odors, ease tank emptying, and keep sensors operating properly. It costs less than anything else, and likely has a lower ecological cost than using copious amounts of water with no additive.
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Old 10-24-2013, 08:28 AM   #34
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Be advised, Angel Soft has changed and no longer makes septic safe. Read the description on the front.
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Old 10-24-2013, 09:40 AM   #35
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Does anyone who says "septic safe" is just fine really know what that means?? Does it mean there are no harmful chemicals in the paper or does it mean that it breaks down faster?

What does "RV" TP really mean?? Same thing as "septic safe". Just what does it mean?? Do TP manufacturers have to meet any kind of industry specs or test? Seems to me it's just an excuse to charge more. You don't need to use "septic safe" TP in a household septic system, any old TP will get digested inside the tank.

Has anyone done the TP test in water to see what your favorite TP does? Proper RV TP does not dissolve in your black tank before you dump. It breaks down into little pieces and makes it easier for the TP and solids in the waste to flow out the tank. It doesn't need to dissolve, it helps when it breaks down into little pieces. With chemicals, does anyone really know what effect they have on breaking down p**p and TP for the duration it's in your tank or are people just shooting from the hip? It'd be nice to see some sort of actual testing or manufacturers data. I don't know how effective chemicals really are, but we'll continue to use them unless there is some good evidence they're a waste of $$.

Some RV TP does not break down (Thetford is one IIRC). I tested some last summer. Some ordinary household brands do break down and are good for RVs. Costco has one brand that breaks down but one brand that does not.

Given that so many people have problems with false sensor readings and emptying tanks, why would you not use a TP that breaks down? You don't have to pay the mafia-inspired RV TP prices. Get the correct Costco one or research the other household brands that work or do some testing yourself. I've been collecting a bunch of test pieces of RV and non-RC TP and will be doing a bigger test next camping season.

You don't want to use the extra-soft, extra-ply TP. It will clump up on you and increase your chances of problems. It behaves similar to tissue paper (Kleenex, eg.)

We had serious problems with our black tank plugging up in the summer. It turned out to be excessive use of glue in the pipe to the tank that was hanging down like stalactites and trapping TP. We had bought the wrong Costco brand that does not break down. If we had been using the RV "version", the problem may not have been as bad.
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Old 10-24-2013, 12:36 PM   #36
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Be advised, Angel Soft has changed and no longer makes septic safe. Read the description on the front.
Angel Soft, all the softness you want, all the strength you need.
Check out the second question and answer.
(All bath tissue products manufactured by Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP are acceptable for use in standard sewer and septic systems.)
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Old 10-24-2013, 12:59 PM   #37
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I bought a bag of DROPPS laundry detergent. They are kinda like the Tide ones that have been on the news lately. I throw 1-2 down the toilet when I break camp. Black water comes out slightly sudsy.



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Old 10-24-2013, 06:06 PM   #38
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Septic tank additives like Rid-X are made for large containers which hold the contents for long periods of time. Hence, there is a greater opportunity for biological action to break down wastes. They are not designed or even recommended for use in RV holding tanks. Happy Camper is a black holding tank treatment that is intended for smaller containers like in RVs which get emptied more frequently. It acts as a lubricant, accelerates aerobic bacteria growth (which crowds out odor causing anaerobic bacteria), and liquifies wastes to eliminate odors, ease tank emptying, and keep sensors operating properly. It costs less than anything else, and likely has a lower ecological cost than using copious amounts of water with no additive.
thank you for this and all other info on this discussion....

Odes anyone out there know if this is available in Canada, or is there a comparable product?

Being just one person and planning as much as possible to use public facilities wherever available how long can this happy camper stay in the tank before emptying?
I will empty at all places available along the way but just wondering how long is too long...!
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Old 10-24-2013, 06:43 PM   #39
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Does a corn cob qualify as being friendly. Jim
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Old 10-24-2013, 06:49 PM   #40
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Does a corn cob qualify as being friendly. Jim

Sure, but it can be hard on the macerater .....
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Old 10-24-2013, 08:13 PM   #41
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...anyone out there know if this is available in Canada, or is there a comparable product?

Being just one person and planning as much as possible to use public facilities wherever available how long can this happy camper stay in the tank before emptying?
Canadian source: :: Happy Campers - Information, Text Title ::

Two tablespoons for every 40 gallons of waste tank capacity mixed in two gallons of water poured down the toilet into an empty tank. Dump when at least half full. That's all there is to it. It can stay in the tank indefinitely, it will continue to work on whatever is in there.
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Old 10-24-2013, 08:59 PM   #42
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We only use RV paper. Helped a fellow camper this summer that was using household TP. Tank would not dump. Various efforts and about 24 hours later the jam finally "relieved" itself. Water is your friend no matter what paper you use...
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