Steps To Prevent Algae Bloom in Your 300-gallon Water Storage Tank

 Steps To Prevent Algae Bloom in Your 300-gallon Water Storage Tank

Water is one of the essential natural resources. It makes life possible on the planet. However, safe drinking water is even more imperative. Contaminated water can lead to innumerable diseases, such as typhoid and diarrhea. Thus, you have to ensure that the water you store in your 300-gallon water storage tank is free from algae and bacteria growth.

In this blog, we will tell you how you can prevent algae bloom so that your water is fit for use.

Preventing Algae Growth

Heard of the phrase “prevention is better than cure”? Well, it stands true in our case too! It is better that you take proactive steps to prevent algae growth in your water storage tank. Here are some preventative measures to follow:

Choose the right water tank color.

This is one of the most underestimated yet crucial steps. The prevention starts right from the time you head out to buy your water storage tank.

Keep in mind that some algae are light-sensitive. To put it another way, they grow in sunlight-exposed water. So, if sunlight can pass through your water tank, it becomes more vulnerable to algae, microbes, and bacteria.

This is when your tank’s color comes into the equation. If you choose a darker color tank, it will keep sunlight out of the tank. This will reduce the risk of algae growth in your tank—do you see why black water storage tanks are so popular today?

Choose the right material.

The material that your tank water is made from also plays a role in stopping or encouraging algae growth.

The best tanks available in the market are poly tanks that are made from food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene. They are a perfect alternative to plastic water tanks that have high toxicity levels. Keeping in mind the purity standards, they will stop algae from growing inside your tank and contaminating the tank water.

Remember to choose tanks with smoother walls rather than corrugated ones. Smoother walls are much thicker, preventing light and heat from hitting the water. As a result, they are far safer. If a corrugated-walled tank is your only option, keep up with routine maintenance to ensure safety.

Employ multi-stage filtration system.

The multi-stage filtration system combines two filtration systems: gravel pre-filtration and slow sand filtration. It is a sustainable water technology that every homeowner can easily use. The system does not require the help of any professional and is user-friendly.

It was introduced to minimize the chances of algae bloom and water contamination. In fact, this combination of two filtration systems is highly potent and can treat water that is way more contaminated than what one filter system can treat alone.

Locate your tank wisely.

This is another seemingly small yet highly effective step. To prevent algae from blooming, place the water tank in the shade. The objective here is to prevent light and heat from reaching your 300-gallon water storage tank.

Because both light and heat promote algae growth inside the water tank, it is best to locate your tank in a spot where none of these elements can reach.

However, if you own a UV-treated water tank, you can place it wherever you want to. These tanks are not impacted by light and heat; thus, they are less susceptible to algae growth.

Use chlorine.

Chlorine is your “frenemy”—yes, friend as well as an enemy. Chlorine is highly effective at inactivating algae, viruses, and bacteria that can cause diseases. However, high levels of chlorine in water can be dangerous.  

The rule of thumb to follow when chlorinating your water storage tank is one quart of chlorine for every 250 gallons of water. Wait at least 2 hours for the chlorine level to drop to 0.2 to 0.6. This is the level of chlorine in the water that is considered safe to drink.

Clean the Tank Regularly

To prevent algae growth, you have to clean your tank regularly. If it is under direct sunlight, you will have to clean it more often.

Here’s how you can clean it: open the outlet valve located at the tank base and connect a hose to the valve. Let the tank water collect in a separate container—you can also clean the tank when there is less or no water left inside.

After draining the water, clean the interiors of the tank with a solution made of mild dishwashing detergent and hot water. Use a long bristle brush to clean thoroughly. You can even use a high-pressure hose. But be careful with it. Once cleaned, rinse and let it dry before refilling.

Do this cleaning routine 3-4 times a year. You can even hire professional cleaners and get your tank deep cleaned once a year.

With all these measures, algae and bacteria will stay away from your 300-gallon water storage tank.

Gill Daniel

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