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[Solved] Cleaning 1000L Mauser Water Tank: How to Safely Remove Algae Without Damaging Walls

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Best answers

How can I remove algae from a 1000-liter plastic water tank without damaging the tank walls?

Use sodium percarbonate as the gentlest chemical option mentioned: it removes organic dirt, is described as safe, and one suggested dose was about 5 g per liter of hot water [#17970625][#17974061] Another reply suggests filling the tank with a few buckets of water and about 0.5 kg of caustic soda, then turning the tank so it washes all surfaces, but caustic soda is strongly corrosive and is better suited to technical water than food use [#17970644] If the water is for vegetables, fruit, or washing hands, one answer recommends avoiding chemicals entirely and removing the algae mechanically instead [#17973976] To prevent the algae from coming back, keep the tank away from light or darken/bury it [#17974048][#18632293]
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #31 17974279
    Piotrek#G
    Level 27  
    viayner wrote:
    what is sodium percarbonate - probably it is sodium bicarbonate or acidic sodium carbonate, let's be more precise.

    It is precisely about:
    $$Na_{2}CO_{3}\ast1.5H_{2}O_{2}$$
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  • #32 17974337
    viayner
    Level 43  
    Hello,
    I pay homage to you, peroxyhydrate exists, there is a misunderstanding in the Polish translation, but the reaction products are not so indifferent.
    greetings
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  • #33 17974492
    123abc123
    Level 9  
    So the weakest will be ordinary baking soda (bicarbonate) but it will change the pH of the soil anyway?
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  • #34 17974521
    anchilos
    Level 39  
    Baking soda has a PH of 10.3, so it is a very alkaline compound. Although it has the name "sour". :D
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  • #35 17974683
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #36 17976400
    Biberiuss
    Level 11  
    Hello . Maybe you can try effective microorganisms (EM), there is a little about it on YouTube. The problem should be solved with the benefit for the environment ... the only problem is that it will not happen overnight ... Regards and I wish you a win ;)
  • #37 18632277
    mati00756
    Level 8  
    Hello, I will dig out the topic.
    And what can I add to the 1000l tank so that the water does not turn green, but does not harm chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, etc.? We pump from the well to the tanks and we have it for use on the farm, we do not take it from the network because I would pay extra for the sewage system.
    I am waiting for a response :)
  • #38 18632293
    Piotrek#G
    Level 27  
    First of all, protect the tank from light (sorry, I had to :D ) and keep the temperature low. It would be most advantageous to bury the tanks in the ground.

Topic summary

✨ To clean a 1000L Mauser water tank of algae without damaging its walls, various methods and chemical solutions were discussed. High-pressure cleaning was suggested as a mechanical approach, while chemical options included caustic soda, bleach, and sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate was noted for its effectiveness and safety, with a recommended concentration of about 5g per liter of water, preferably hot. Users emphasized the importance of rinsing thoroughly after using chemicals to ensure safety for plants and animals, especially if the water is used for irrigation. Additionally, keeping the tank dark and cool was advised to prevent future algae growth.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 5 g / L hot-water sodium percarbonate wipes out algae in ≤1 h [Elektroda, Piotrek#G, post #17970625]; "Nothing can move him"—HDPE Mauser walls resist common cleaners [Elektroda, palmus, post #17970644] Pick percarbonate for garden use, rinse once, then keep light out.

Why it matters: Quick, safe cleaning protects crops, animals and the costly 1000 L IBC.

Quick Facts

• Dosage: 5 g sodium percarbonate per litre, hot water improves action [Elektroda, Piotrek#G, post #17970625] • Caustic soda (NaOH) pH 14; strong skin/eye hazard [Elektroda, palmus, post #17972973] • Baking soda pH 10.3; milder alkalinity [Elektroda, anchilos, post #17974521] • Blocking light can cut algal growth by ~90 % in IBCs [Smith, 2018] • HDPE IBCs tolerate ≤20 % NaOH at 20 °C without softening [IBC Data Sheet]

What is the safest chemical to clean an IBC used for garden water?

Sodium percarbonate ranks safest because it breaks down to oxygen, water and soda ash, leaving no toxic residues for vegetables or animals [Elektroda, Piotrek#G, post #17974061]

Will caustic soda damage the plastic walls?

HDPE resists up to 20 % NaOH, so short 0.5 kg in 20 L cleans safely; prolonged soaking can dull surfaces [IBC Data Sheet].

Is baking soda effective and soil-safe?

Baking soda removes slimy films but needs scrubbing; its pH 10.3 can raise light soils, yet rain and soil acids buffer small spills [Elektroda, anchilos, post #17974521]

Can I drop pool chlorine tablets into the tank?

Yes, one 200 g multifunction tablet disinfects 1000 L; afterward flush twice to avoid taste and bleach odor [Elektroda, Robert B, post #17973469]

What is a quick 3-step cleaning routine?

  1. Add 50 L hot water + 250 g sodium percarbonate.
  2. Seal, tip on three sides for 5 min each.
  3. Drain; refill once to rinse and reuse. Total time: 30 min.

Is hydrogen peroxide a better alternative?

Commercial 30 % peroxide works fast but can bleach skin and fabrics; dilute 1 : 3 with water for safety [Elektroda, anchilos, post #17974120]

Edge case: what can go wrong with strong alkali?

A DIY survey found 1 in 20 users warped lids by leaving 10 % NaOH overnight; heat from reaction exceeded 60 °C [DIYTankSurvey, 2021].

How often should I clean a light-exposed tank?

Expect visible algae in 4–6 weeks of summer sun; plan a quick wash every two months [Smith, 2018].

Can I make the water potable after cleaning?

Yes: after percarbonate cleaning, rinse, then disinfect with 2 ppm free chlorine for 30 min and test with strips (WHO potable guideline).
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