Algae / Slime in watering system

[jeepster]

I made a watering system using a 5 gallon bucket, tubing, and some watering cups. It works beautifully and my quail take to it within a few hours of being put in the pen with it.

My issue is that the bucket and tubing are developing a slime or algae. I have been putting apple cider vinegar in the water at 4 tablespoons per gallon but the problem persists. I am using tap water that is chlorinated.

What can I do to solve this problem?

 

[RonP]

How often do you wash out the bucket?

Best to wash out the bucket every once in a while with a bleach solution.

 

[jeepster]

I wash it out once a month, but I don't use bleach. I will try that next time to see if it helps. Still wondering if there is something else I can do to keep this from happening?

 

[allpeepedout]

This may be a bit expensive for your needs, but perhaps other similar products are available in smaller quantities. This is used to disinfect animal quarters and equipment. I have used it to kill persistent algae in horse water tanks that scrubbing and detergent would not touch.

You have to mix it with an activating agent, ascorbic acid, wait a few minutes until it changes color, dilute, then soak the equipment for 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon how meticulous you're trying to be. It is supposed to expire but my original gallon purchased years ago still works very well. You may find other uses, also. I have also used it to soak a horse's hoof to kill a bacterial infection on the sole.

http://www.amazon.com/Oxine-Animal-Health-AH-Gallon/dp/B000HT7H8W

Edited to add: if you purchase the Oxine, I think you can pick up a little citric acid powder to activate it for cheap in a health food store. Or maybe crush Vit C tablets, if the same?

 

[RonP]

Seems what you are doing is not working.

Personally, I would just clean more often, say twice a month instead of once.

Bleach is inexpensive compared to most cleaning agents, and will be effective battling your algae slime.

Dollar stores will get you a gallon and last a year or more...you don't need much.

 

[jeepster]

I just cleaned it today with a heavy bleach mix. Then refilled with water and ACV. I will watch and see how long it will take to start seeing algae again.