algae growing in water system...help

[mtpeke]

We took a 5 gallon white bucket attached pvc pipe and chicken nipples to water our flock. Algae is growing in the tank. We cant dissasemple it as the pipe is now permanently attached to the bucket with plumbers putty. Its going to be tough to clean. Any suggestions on how to keepit from growing? Also how do you keep it from freezing. I am located in western nc in the mountains.

Thank you

 

[BarredRockMom]

We took a 5 gallon white bucket attached pvc pipe and chicken nipples to water our flock. Algae is growing in the tank. We cant dissasemple it as the pipe is now permanently attached to the bucket with plumbers putty. Its going to be tough to clean. Any suggestions on how to keepit from growing? Also how do you keep it from freezing. I am located in western nc in the mountains.

Thank you

Hi mtpeke:

I know that adding 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar/gallon of water (preferably the organic, raw, unpasturized kind will keep your water from getting funky & prevents algae from growing. I know that Bragg's brand is such & that's what I use. You're probably going to want to discontinue using your current system until you get the funk outta the reservoir and the dispersion system, since you don't want your flock ingesting that. I think It's a good idea to add ACV to their water anyway, but that's my opinion. (You should be able to search this site for the topic, as there are lots of posts discussing it on here.)

As for preventing it from freezing, I know that there are lots of devices that exist for just that purpose, but I don't use one. I'm in PA & only have a small flock. I'm able to change their water daily, so I've never had need of such a thing. I'll be that if you search this site, you'll find at least someone who's using something successfully.

Hope that helped.

 

[Den in Penn]

Paint the bucket and lid to block the light the algae needs to grow.

 

[chipahoy4]

Hi, You have to use a dark bucket, I used a blue bucket bought at Lowes, better yet get a black bucket somewhere. The light coming through the white bucket is what is causing the algae to grow. Also, Put in a pvc union right after the pipe comes out of the bucket. This way all you have to do is unscrew the union and you can clean the bucket and also the pipes if needed. It's kind of small, but thats what I used in my avatar picture. Hope this helps

 

[ageranger361]

I agree, paint the bucket a dark color to block the light. You can use an alternative water source temporarily until it dries and while you clean it. Try the ACV first, but if that doesn't work you can add 1/8tsp of unscented regular household bleach to every gallon of water in the system to shock it clean. Drain the system and refill it with fresh after about 3 hours of sit time. Then you can add 9 drops per gallon of bleach once per week to help prevent it. The bleach will off gas out of the water within 24-48 hours after treatment if left vented to the air.

 

[Den in Penn]

I will add that, you paint the outside of the bucket. The paint can flake off and you don't want that in the system.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

Make sure you always keep the lid on and put in clean water and it really shouldn't grow much since it is a contained system. We use waterer cups and don't have any problems. I imagine nipples are the same way since they shouldn't let water go back into the system. As far as getting out what is in there, sounds like a tough one. Scrub the bucket the best you can and run ACV through the line.

 

[ageranger361]

I will add that, you paint the outside of the bucket.  The paint can flake off and you don't want that in the system.

If you use regular exterior latex paint it remains pliable for a long time and its latex so even if it did get into the system somehow the only problem it would cause is blocking the system. It isn't going to cause a health concern. If the bucket is plastic use a plastic paint. If its metal use a metal paint. Oil based enamel is best on metal and once cured its fairly Durable and safe.

 

[centrarchid]

Chlorox will control algae. The vinegar may simply select for another species to dominant.

 

[MsRiderUp]

How much chlorox/liquid bleach is safe to use? Drops/gallon? I read some university research that actually, ACV is not so good for the 'modern' chicken breeds. Anyone have any research-based suggestions?