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jeaniep
Joined: 30 Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Location: hurst, texas
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 8:08 am Post subject: rainbarrels |
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I have a 55 gallon plastic barrel I use to catch rain water from the gutters
of my house out back. It always has had a bad odor . What to use organic
that would help keep water and not harm my plants?
What would be best to clean it with? It is airing out right Now.
Thank for any reply. :roll: |
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Nadine
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 1162
Location: Carrollton,TEXAS
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| Posted: Thu May 15, 2003 1:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Try adding a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar (5% acidity) per gallon of water. Should you need to clean it again, baking soda would be good to use. It's a great cleanser. |
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jeaniep
Joined: 30 Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Location: hurst, texas
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2003 9:12 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for your reply on my rainbarrel question. I "m planning on
trying your tips.
Enjoy your gardening!!! |
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Nadine
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 1162
Location: Carrollton,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2003 9:28 am Post subject: |
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| Please let me know how it works for you. Thanks! |
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ZIPPER
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Posts: 354
Location: San Antonio,Tx
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2003 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: rainbarrels |
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Jeanie:
Some of the problem is related to the yuck that comes off the roof. :shock:
Is your barrel filled directly from the down spout? If so, is it a standard metal or plastic one?
Is the barrel sealed or vented?
Is the barrel on it's side or upright?
I might suggest you change the down spout to 3" or 4" PVC pipe and add a P trap with a large cleanout plug in the bottom of the curve. A P trap is that item under your kitchen sink except larger.
Also, put a screen over the outlet in the gutter. |
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Bill in Arlington
Joined: 14 Apr 2003
Posts: 38
Location: Fort Worth,TEXAS
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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2003 10:31 am Post subject: |
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| I had the same problem and then I added the vinegar and the smell went away. It occurs when the water sits for a length of time with out any fresh warter, but adding the vinegar takes care of it. |
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jeaniep
Joined: 30 Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Location: hurst, texas
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 7:44 pm Post subject: rainbarrel odor |
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| Thanks, I will try adding the vinegar!! :wink: |
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dangersydgirl
Joined: 16 Jul 2003
Posts: 8
Location: Fort Worth, TX
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| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2003 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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I just read something interesting that someone else was doing to thier rainwater.
In the Organic Farming forum, under the title of "what do you do to your compost teas?"
Thought you might find interesting.
- Emily in Fort Worth |
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tgalbraith
Joined: 16 Sep 2003
Posts: 6
Location: Plano
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| Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:53 pm Post subject: Stinky Rainbarrels |
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I, too, am having a problem with stinky water from my big 75 gallon plastic rainbarrels. The water reeks of dead fish, despite having fine screens on the top of the barrels. :shock:
I will try the vinegar trick...my question is, will this water still be ok to use on my plants? I know a little bit of vinegar is beneficial to plants, but what about the stinky water itself?
Thanks! |
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Mr. Clean
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Location: Garland, Texas
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| Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:10 am Post subject: Re: rainbarrels |
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ZIPPER wrote: ...I might suggest you change the down spout to 3" or 4" PVC pipe and add a P trap with a large cleanout plug in the bottom of the curve. A P trap is that item under your kitchen sink except larger.
Also, put a screen over the outlet in the gutter.
Excellent advice Zipper! An ounce of prevention... :)
tgalbraith, The ratio (Tablespoon/Gallon) suggested by Nadine is just fine. I use that amount when I'm not watering with aquarium water. |
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Oboyett
Joined: 26 Mar 2005
Posts: 6
Location: Cumby,TEXAS
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| Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:01 am Post subject: |
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| You might try airating the water. There are even small decorative windmills with an air pump built in so the energy would be free. |
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Mr. Clean
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Location: Garland, Texas
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| Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:47 am Post subject: |
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Oboyett wrote: ...There are even small decorative windmills with an air pump built in so the energy would be free.
Do you have a link or other source? |
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Dchall_San_Antonio
Joined: 18 Mar 2003
Posts: 1986
Location: San Antonio,TEXAS
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| Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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| I was going to suggest an aquarium air stone and air pump. From Wal-Mart they're about $20. |
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Mr. Clean
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Location: Garland, Texas
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| Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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Dchall_San_Antonio wrote: I was going to suggest an aquarium air stone and air pump...
Yeah, but anyone can do that...A windmill and providing your own power...now that's a horse of a different color :lol: |
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Nadine
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 1162
Location: Carrollton,TEXAS
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:11 pm Post subject: |
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Mr. Clean wrote: Oboyett wrote: ...There are even small decorative windmills with an air pump built in so the energy would be free.
Do you have a link or other source?
Check out www.konderswindmills.com. They might have something you could use. |
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