How to keep water fresh for up to two weeks without using a hose?

[citychicks99]

I'm not sure how that one would work. Do you have that exact thing? If so I'd think the float and hose would have come with it.

I don't. Just trying to save some money. I can buy two float valves for $16 since I already have the bucket and waterers. I think the other thing is just a hose. I'll take some time when I get back to think on this.

 

[MGG]

I don't. Just trying to save some money. I can buy two float valves for $16 since I already have the bucket and waterers. I think the other thing is just a hose. I'll take some time when I get back to think on this.

Sounds good, just thought I'd mention it as an option. Have a safe trip!

 

[GCrumb]

The issue is not them running low on water, but needing to dump the water and change it because it grows red algae or gets slimey after a few days, right?

Drop a peice of copper in the water.

I do this for a two-gallon water-jug my cat uses. I use a big old british copper penny, the size of a silver dollar. No copper, I must change the water at least weekly or it gets slimey. With copper, I can wait 'til it's nearly empty and the cat has gotten fuzz and stuff in the drinking bowl part and the whole thing is due for a wash.

No, it won't put enough copper into the water to harm your animals. This phenomenon is the reason for copper plumbing. A length of leftover copper plumbing pipe will do you perfectly. A foot of new copper pipe will probably set you back about $3 at the hardware store.

 

[tranquiliti]

The issue is not them running low on water, but needing to dump the water and change it because it grows red algae or gets slimey after a few days, right?

Drop a peice of copper in the water.

I do this for a two-gallon water-jug my cat uses. I use a big old british copper penny, the size of a silver dollar. No copper, I must change the water at least weekly or it gets slimey. With copper, I can wait 'til it's nearly empty and the cat has gotten fuzz and stuff in the drinking bowl part and the whole thing is due for a wash.

No, it won't put enough copper into the water to harm your animals. This phenomenon is the reason for copper plumbing. A chunk of leftover copper plumbing pipe will do you perfectly. A foot long chunk new will probably set you back about $3 at the hardware store.

I’m tempted to try this!! Thanks.

 

[GCrumb]

@tranquiliti I understand that silver works too, better, even, and that the mechanism of action for these somehow makes it so bacteria don't develop resistance.

People used to drop a silver spoon in the milk jug to keep milk fresher longer, and you could probably store the cream-pitcher from that silver-plated coffee-service somebody gave you in the bottom of the chicken waterer and get some use of it that way.

 

[citychicks99]

The issue is not them running low on water, but needing to dump the water and change it because it grows red algae or gets slimey after a few days, right?

Drop a peice of copper in the water.

I do this for a two-gallon water-jug my cat uses. I use a big old british copper penny, the size of a silver dollar. No copper, I must change the water at least weekly or it gets slimey. With copper, I can wait 'til it's nearly empty and the cat has gotten fuzz and stuff in the drinking bowl part and the whole thing is due for a wash.

No, it won't put enough copper into the water to harm your animals. This phenomenon is the reason for copper plumbing. A length of leftover copper plumbing pipe will do you perfectly. A foot of new copper pipe will probably set you back about $3 at the hardware store.

Yes!! Exactly the tip I was looking for. Had no idea. I don't have time tomorrow to go to the hardware store but I'll drop some pennies in. Thank you!!