{"id":1532,"date":"2023-03-15T17:12:10","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T23:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntotank.com\/blog\/?p=1532"},"modified":"2023-03-22T21:16:48","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T03:16:48","slug":"reducing-algae-in-a-water-tank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/reducing-algae-in-a-water-tank","title":{"rendered":"Poly Tanks | Reducing Algae in a Water Tank"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Many water tank owners, and rainwater tank owners, are all-too familiar with the problem of green algae growing in their stored water resource. Perhaps it goes without saying, but algal growth is undesirable. Algae is not only undesirable but also problematic as it reduces usable water quality, can clog equipment such as pumps and filters, and generally makes the water unpleasant to work with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growth of algae can happen in many cases whenever water is being stored. Applications such as agriculture or livestock, in aquaculture or aquaponics, uses around your personal house or property, in rainwater harvesting<\/a>, commercial processes, or in long term storage as an emergency supply, algal growth can occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Algae can rapidly bloom in stockpiled water and sunlight is the key to whether it will happen or not. And for most, algal blooms are the opposite of a welcome event, and most would rather reduce or eliminate altogether this occurrence that will repeat if preventative measures aren\u2019t taken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Unwanted Grammar Lesson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before we go any further, an unwanted lesson in grammar and spelling: algae is the plural noun form of alga, which is a singular noun, (think, water tanks vs a water tank<\/em>), and algal is an adjective, such as in to reduce algal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Algae<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But what are algae? The algae that want to contaminate your water tank are living, microscopic, plant-like organisms<\/a> that grow using sunlight and photosynthesis. There are many different types of algae. The kind most likely to grow in a water tank is a common green alga and is not one of the types common to cause so-called harmful algal blooms (HABs)<\/a> that can be hazardous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But what are algae? The algae that want to contaminate your water are living, microscopic, plant-like organisms<\/a> that grow using sunlight and photosynthesis. There are many different types of algae. The kind most likely to grow in a water tank is a common green alga<\/a> and is not one of the types common to cause so-called harmful algal blooms (HABs)<\/a> that can be hazardous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Is the Algae in My Water Tank Harmful or Toxic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to many recent developments, many can be concerned on whether or not the algae growing in their water tank is harmful, either to themselves, livestock, or their pets. According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture<\/a>, there are more than 2000 algae species known and only around 80 species are known to be responsible for harmful toxins that can be dangerous to humans and animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the growing conditions and nutrients required for significant algal growth that can result in toxin production, the odds of this happening in a water tank are fairly unlikely. A water storage tank, most often, holds pure freshwater, near pure water, or mildly dirty rainwater. The amount of nutrients and sunlight available inside a storage tank are often too low to cause what is known as a harmful algal bloom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The takeaway: while we would not recommend drinking water from a water tank growing algae, it is unlikely to be a toxin-producing alga that could cause harm. A water storage tank growing algae should be treated before being used for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Know Whether Algae Will Grow or Not<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How do you know if algae will grow inside a water tank? The answer: if sunlight can reach the water. Where does algae come from? The answer: algal reproductive spores or cells are widespread, found in the atmosphere, and likely already in the water. Even if filtered and treated water is used, if the water is left open or somehow exposed to the air, all that becomes needed for algae growth to begin is sunlight as algal spores are likely present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To test how much sunlight is reaching the inside of a fully enclosed poly water tank<\/a>, on a sunny day, open the lid just enough to look into the tank. If the sidewall of the tank appears illuminated rather than dark with the tank color, then sunlight is passing through the side and will reach any stored water and meaning algal growth should be expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Poly Tanks Series post, we will review the 10 most common ways to prevent or reduce algae in a water storage tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Ways to Eliminate or Reduce Growth of Algae in a Water Storage Tank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reducing algal growth in your water tank focuses primarily on restricting the amount of sunlight that reaches the tank interior and therefore, the valuable water stored inside. Without sunlight, algae will be unable to photosynthesize and grow. Heat can also play a role in how quickly algae grow as they grow better in warmer climates and warmer water versus cooler temperatures. In addition to limiting sunlight, specific chemicals or equipment can be added to inhibit the algal life cycle and altogether prevent reproductive blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When trying to maintain fresh water within a dedicated storage tank, there are ten (10) preventative measures that can be used to effectively eliminate or reduce the growth of algae. Some methods can completely prevent algal growth on their own, while others may only reduce algae and may work best when paired with additional methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Use a Tank Dark in Color<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use a Tank Dark in Color <\/strong>\u2013 The color and related transparency of the water tank plays a large role in algal growth based on the amount of sunlight the color lets through. The best colors for restricting sunlight transmission and reducing algae are tanks in black, dark green, light green and beige colors. Due to the added color, dark water tanks are considered opaque and more effective in blocking sunlight. Natural white plastic water tanks are the least effective option for outdoor water applications in terms of reducing or preventing algae as white water tanks are considered translucent and readily allow sunlight to pass through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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White color poly tanks make great water storage tanks but are best when installed and used indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Internal Tank Liner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Internal Tank Liner<\/strong> \u2013 Some modern water tanks come with an additional internal tank liner installed. These liners, sometimes mentioned as sun block technology, are designed and added solely to eliminate sunlight transmission and will significantly reduce, if not entirely eliminate algae growth while not affecting water quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pick a Good Tank Location<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pick a Good Tank Location<\/strong> \u2013 The location of a water tank location is important for limiting the amount of sunlight and warmth the tank receives. The best place for a long term, above ground water tank is in the shade provided by vegetation, a building, or by a designated structure. For people living in the northern hemisphere, placing a water tank on the north side of a building can be effective in keeping it in the shade most, if not all, the time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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4. Use Water Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use Water Treatment<\/strong> \u2013 There are four water treatment methods that can be used to clean the stored water and reduce the occurrence of algae:<\/p>\n\n\n\n