Water Quality Problems

mikeallenbrown · May 8, 2016

Currently I use a 3 gallon plastic bucket that I fill daily. My issue isn't needing to fill this every day it is that algae grows super fast in it! Almost every day I need to scrub it clean. Is there any natural additive I could add to help with the algae? ...side note: I plan on going with a hanging waterer soon (the double walled steel type). Maybe algae isn't an issue with these?

Thanks in advance.

-Mike

sourland · May 8, 2016

Rinsing with a 10% chlorine solution a couple of times a week should help.

pdirt · May 9, 2016

Tips to keep algae growth down:

* Keep the waterer out of direct sunlight, this will help the most.
* Add a dash (1-3Tbs) of vinegar to the waterer (most people use Apple Cider Vinegar)

Note: do NOT use vinegar or any other acid in the double-walled galvanized steel waterers...it will corrode/rust the waterer.

You could also add bleach to the water (instead or in addition to the rinse Sourland mentioned), though I don't know the ratio. And you do NOT want to mix vinegar and bleach. Use one or the other. ACV has some other health benefits whereas bleach does not.

Choco Maran · May 9, 2016

I recommend ACV in their water. It has health benefits not sure right off the to of my head, but I use this and do not have a problem. I have a 7 gallon water. Keep it out of direct sun light as well.

Cindy in PA · May 13, 2016

The only time I had black spots in my waterer was when I put ACV in my water one summer, so I don't believe it is a cure all. I don't know how it will work for algae, but I could ever use it. Best thing to keep it out of the sun. Never had a problem, because my food & water are in the coop by an east facing window.

Water Quality Problems

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mikeallenbrown

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sourland

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pdirt

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Choco Maran

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Cindy in PA

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