Water storage

[romoshka]

Am about to begin collecting rainwater in barrels and ibc totes. As it may sit for prolonged times I'd like to give it a sip of bleach periodically. Does anyone have an idea on dose and frequency sufficient to retarded algae growth?

[Gray Wolf]

Try to use only black or blue barrels to block sunlight and algae growth. Clear ones might be painted?

[Harry Chickpea]

Yep. Just cover or paint them.

[Eric Shultz]

Use 1 tsp of Clorox per 5 gallon. The cheap stuff should have a concentration of between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent.

A better way is to shock large storage tanks with HTH (High Test Hypochlorite) you buy for swimming pools. A pound bag is cheap, it will treat 10k to 12K gallons if you are talking about large storage tanks. HTH or any chlorine will break down and evaporate over time so simply setting the shocked water out in the sunshine will clear off the HTH.

[romoshka]

Hey guys thanks for all the tips. I was trying to figure how often to add the bleach. Is there a quick&dirty and cheap test kit out there that folks use and like?

[Harry Chickpea]

I use a $10 kit of the liquid test for chlorine and acid in swimming pools. For quantities of water that small and relatively clean, you are looking at 1/4 cup of bleach or so per charge. There is no exactness, as pollen and dirt can change the needs.