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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
 
| Anyone do this to keep algae down? My sister in law swears by it. She says she uses just a few cap fulls in her horses trough and it keeps it pretty much algae free. I clean ours out about every other day but it still gets gross with the weather being so hot and humid. She says it doesn't bother her horses one bit. We are on well water. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
  
Location: Kansas | Why would you pour bleach into your horses water? You wouldn't drink it would you??????
On a lighter note, I use a bleach/dish soap mix to SCRUB my tanks weekly and rinse throughly.....
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I think I'd be wary of feeding an animal bleach...
That being said, they do make those tabs that you can drop in that are supposed to keep algae down. I have no idea what's in them. |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-09-15 2:35 PM
Why would you pour bleach into your horses water? You wouldn't drink it would you??????
On a lighter note, I use a bleach/dish soap mix to SCRUB my tanks weekly and rinse throughly.....
I don't personally do it.. I too feel weird about it. I was just wondering if anyone else out there does it. I Googled it and found several other discussions on it and was surprised just how many horse owners do it. |
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Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I think it would probably relate to the chlorine in the bleach, which chlorine is what they use in pools. But I wouldn't necessarily want them drinking pool water either. |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| I have never did that, but it is really no different then chlorinated city water. That amount is even way lower then chlorinated water. The sun deactivates the chlorine so that would be the reason for adding more every couple of days. |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I think she uses a few cap fulls in a 100 gallon tank. I've read people using up to a half a cup per 100 gallons . Some claim it actually makes the horses consume more water . |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| Bleach we use for our clothes is the same stuff used in our drinking water systems.
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | An old farmer once told me he keeps goldfish in his livestock tanks to keep the algae down.....might be worth a try! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-09-15 2:35 PM
Why would you pour bleach into your horses water? You wouldn't drink it would you??????
On a lighter note, I use a bleach/dish soap mix to SCRUB my tanks weekly and rinse throughly.....
if you are on city water you drink "it" every day.
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-09-15 12:56 PM An old farmer once told me he keeps goldfish in his livestock tanks to keep the algae down.....might be worth a try!
I tried goldfish and some other type recommended.... Not sure if they actually ate the algae... I still had to empty the trough eventually... Fishies didn't last long. |
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | arion - 2015-09-15 3:04 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-09-15 2:35 PM Why would you pour bleach into your horses water? You wouldn't drink it would you??????
On a lighter note, I use a bleach/dish soap mix to SCRUB my tanks weekly and rinse throughly.....
if you are on city water you drink "it" every day.
Actually I'm not but thanks |
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 Expert
Posts: 2013
Location: Piedmont, OK | I use the small chlorine tablets that we use in the pool. |
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  Champ
Posts: 19623
Location: Peg-Leg Julia Grimm | Bleach is a disinfectant. A really good one. I pour bleach in my tanks when I'm cleaning them. Then I rinse it really well before filling it. I don't think it's a good idea to pour it in their drinking water. |
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 Ms. Poutability
Posts: 2362
Location: In my own world | A half a cup of bleach to a 100 gallon tank won't hurt a horse. Won't hurt a person either. Yes I would drink it. I use those little white tablets and figured it was bleach of some form. Can't say if it helps or not. We have to run water every 3 days |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | When I was a kid, the mare I had prefered to drink out of our pool even though we had a water trough for her. She did it for years and it never bothered her, she lived to be 32. I think you could put a very small dose of pool chlorine in the trough but you must be VERY careful to make sure it is at a low dose and balanced. If you dump too much in the water you would probably kill the horse!!!! |
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Expert
Posts: 1207
| I use bleach to clean them and then rinse. I also am on well water and I put bleach down my well only about a cup full. I was told to do that once a year. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | Sandok - 2015-09-15 3:46 PM I use bleach to clean them and then rinse. I also am on well water and I put bleach down my well only about a cup full. I was told to do that once a year.
Yes you are right. Shocking a well is what it is called.
I know several people that do but only small amounts. We bought the tabs but I haven't used them |
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 Texas Lone Star
Posts: 5318
Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked | I used 12 feeder fish (which are gold fish) in a 100 gallon tank and they kept the algae down to almost nothing. I would feed the fish every other day with tetra fish food. They grew to the size of a dessert plate then one day a white loon (cranes) came along and had a fish fry.  I was so mad!!!! |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | I use bleach to clean the tub but have never dumped it in to drink. |
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Regular
Posts: 61
| want2chase3 - 2015-09-15 2:31 PM
Anyone do this to keep algae down? My sister in law swears by it. She says she uses just a few cap fulls in her horses trough and it keeps it pretty much algae free. I clean ours out about every other day but it still gets gross with the weather being so hot and humid. She says it doesn't bother her horses one bit. We are on well water.
Yes, I do it and have for years. You could pour a whole gallon of bleach in a fifty gallon tub and a horse could walk over immediately and drink it and it wouldn't hurt them one bit. In fact a person could drink it with it being diluted that much immediately and it probably might taste really chlorinated but I doubt it would even burn. If you took a drink of straight bleach it would just burn the crap out of your esophagus. Look it up on the internet humans can use bleach to purify water if they have no other way. Bleach breaks down very quickly and basically turns into salt. And to those who said they pour a capful in a well. You aren't doing anything but wasting a capful of bleach. You would probably at the minimum have to pour a whole gallon in a well to get any benifit. Hope that answers your question. :-) |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | It should not be too hard to figure how many Parts-Per-Million (PPM) to keep it clean and remain safe to drink. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| TxBronc - 2015-09-17 3:15 AM
want2chase3 - 2015-09-15 2:31 PM
Anyone do this to keep algae down? My sister in law swears by it. She says she uses just a few cap fulls in her horses trough and it keeps it pretty much algae free. I clean ours out about every other day but it still gets gross with the weather being so hot and humid. She says it doesn't bother her horses one bit. We are on well water.
Yes, I do it and have for years. You could pour a whole gallon of bleach in a fifty gallon tub and a horse could walk over immediately and drink it and it wouldn't hurt them one bit. In fact a person could drink it with it being diluted that much immediately and it probably might taste really chlorinated but I doubt it would even burn. If you took a drink of straight bleach it would just burn the crap out of your esophagus. Look it up on the internet humans can use bleach to purify water if they have no other way. Bleach breaks down very quickly and basically turns into salt. And to those who said they pour a capful in a well. You aren't doing anything but wasting a capful of bleach. You would probably at the minimum have to pour a whole gallon in a well to get any benifit. Hope that answers your question. :- )
I used to clorinate my well about once a year and I think I used 2-3 GALLONS. It WOULD be very strong smelling in the house for a bit but I actually HAD to do this before I sold the house as a part of the seller's agreement. |
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Veteran
Posts: 291
| If your well tests high for certain bacteria they will tell you to poke a little hole in a bottle of bleach and let it drip into your well. Takes care of the problem! |
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | I've poured bleach in my stock tanks for years. Maybe a "glug" or two for a 100 gallon tank whenever the algae starts getting green enough to see. The horses love the taste. They actually drink more after I bleach the tanks. I had one mare who I had to watch out for when I bleached tanks because she would try and drink the straight bleach before I filled up the tank with water. Silly mare. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 396
| I've used those pool tabs the chlorine tabs, but sounds like bleach is maybe safer. |
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 The Famous Hot Wing Chicken Girl
Posts: 2964
| I just go to the bait and tackle store and buy a couple of decent sized goldfish. I've never had a problem and my tanks stay super clean. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast. |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-09-17 5:57 PM Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast.
I unplug bottom, spray real good and let it drain then add a lil bleach and respray it it clean and get the crude off it and then let it fill and add a 1/4 cup bleach. |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-09-17 4:57 PM
Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast.
Keep direct sunlight off the water. Shade of some kind. Direct sunlight speeds the growth. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 396
| I have goldfish in 3 tanks, the one I put a chlorine tab in, the water stays clearer. The tanks the goldfish are in I can't see through the water. |
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-09-17 5:57 PM Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast.
been wondering that too. I can't believe how fast it gets nasty. I already put mine in so I can't move it to a shade. Never thought of doing that before. ARGH! |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | I have used bleach in the water tank before, but don't now because I have fish. The fish eat misquito larvae, but don't help with the algae.
As far as bleach being harmful, my husband is a backpacker and carries bleach tablets with him for emergencies. He usually filters his drinking water, but I have been with him when we had to use the bleach. We let it set for a few minutes before drinking and you couldn't even taste the bleach after.
Edited by just4fun 2015-09-18 10:57 AM
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Dumb question... but how do the horses not eat the goldfish? Do they just stay at the bottom?? |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Longneck - 2015-09-18 11:02 AM
Dumb question... but how do the horses not eat the goldfish? Do they just stay at the bottom??
Mine never eat the fish, I'm sure the fish are too fast! They don't seem to help keep my tanks clean at ALL though. I honestly don't know why I mess with them every year other than they are kind of neat. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Griz - 2015-09-18 11:11 AM Longneck - 2015-09-18 11:02 AM Dumb question... but how do the horses not eat the goldfish? Do they just stay at the bottom?? Mine never eat the fish, I'm sure the fish are too fast! They don't seem to help keep my tanks clean at ALL though. I honestly don't know why I mess with them every year other than they are kind of neat.
Does the cold water straight from the hose shock them? I'd love to have them to look while I'm at the barn... but I thought if you had a goldfish in your house you had to let the water sit so they don't go into shock over the change. |
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SHOOT IT
Posts: 1170
Location: TEXAS | OK, please share how to figure out how many PPM? |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| Wonder if using bleach would keep the yellow jackets away too. They are obnoxious |
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Expert
Posts: 1226
| Good info on here. We have used fish for the Mosquitos and have had the same fish for 7 years. They are resilient. They survive 117 heat and Ice on the top in the winter. But agree do nothing for algae. A few have been picked off by the hawks |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | heidiinaz - 2015-09-18 3:15 PM
Good info on here. We have used fish for the Mosquitos and have had the same fish for 7 years. They are resilient. They survive 117 heat and Ice on the top in the winter. But agree do nothing for algae. A few have been picked off by the hawks
Those are super fish!!! |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | KKCOWGIRL - 2015-09-18 2:07 PM
OK, please share how to figure out how many PPM?
SIGH!!!
Chlorine Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite (5.25%), which is what many of the standard laundry bleaches (only use unscented) are made of, can be effective. You will need to add 2 to 3 ounces of the 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for each 100 gallons of tank capacity. Be sure to mix the tank water well after adding the bleach. This should be repeatedly weekly. When temperatures are abnormally hot and when a lot of organic material exists in the tank, the sodium hypochlorite will dissipate more rapidly and may require multiple treatments per week.
Copper Sulfate: Copper sulfate is a popular algae control and is found in many of the commercial products. It will often come in a crystal form and needs to be dissolved in warm to hot water before making the treatment. Typically, 1.5 teaspoons should be dissolved in 4.5 ounces of water for each 1000 gallons of tank capacity that will be treated. This mixture is then poured throughout the tank. Treatment should be repeated in two to four weeks, depending on algae growth. Algae killed using this method should be removed from the tank and hauled out of the grazing area, as it may contain very high copper & sulfur levels. The use of copper sulfate is not recommended when sheep will be consuming the water, as sheep have a low tolerance for copper and this treatment may be toxic to more copper sensitive sheep. Another important note is that copper sulfate can increase the rate of deterioration of metal tanks and pipes.
Zinc Sulfate: Zinc sulfate is another chemical treatment. Again, the material needs to be dissolved in warm to hot water before being added to the tank. In the case of zinc sulfate, dissolve one cup in one gallon of water. Then thoroughly mix into the tank ½ cup of the solution for every 100 gallons of tank capacity. Repeat as needed.
Biological Control: In these times of consumer concerns over what is in their meat, more and more producers are turning to herbivore consuming aquatic life to maintain reduced algae levels in stock tanks, as opposed to chemical treatments. One of the more common resources is the goldfish. It will take 4 to 6 goldfish for every 100 gallons of tank capacity. Other aquarium species can be more expensive ($3 to $6 each) but still effective. Some of these are the Black Mollies, Otocinclus Catfish, and my personal favorite the plecostomus. Some varieties of plecos, like the Trinidad Pleco, can grow to near a foot in length and spend a surprising amount of their time foraging.
While these biological control techniques do offer a good marketing statement for those selling in all natural programs, they still create issues. First, you are trading algae for fish feces in your tank. Secondly, fishing predators (raccoons, cats, birds, etc.) may become attracted to your stock tank & treatment technique. Thirdly, if you are changing pastures throughout the grazing season you will need to move the fish. Finally, you will need to have a plan for caring for the fish during the winter months.
http://goldenplains.colostate.edu/agri/agri_docs/2011_stock_tank_al...
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | komet. - 2015-09-19 12:47 AM KKCOWGIRL - 2015-09-18 2:07 PM OK, please share how to figure out how many PPM? SIGH!!! Chlorine Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite (5.25% ), which is what many of the standard laundry bleaches (only use unscented ) are made of, can be effective. You will need to add 2 to 3 ounces of the 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for each 100 gallons of tank capacity. Be sure to mix the tank water well after adding the bleach. This should be repeatedly weekly. When temperatures are abnormally hot and when a lot of organic material exists in the tank, the sodium hypochlorite will dissipate more rapidly and may require multiple treatments per week. Copper Sulfate: Copper sulfate is a popular algae control and is found in many of the commercial products. It will often come in a crystal form and needs to be dissolved in warm to hot water before making the treatment. Typically, 1.5 teaspoons should be dissolved in 4.5 ounces of water for each 1000 gallons of tank capacity that will be treated. This mixture is then poured throughout the tank. Treatment should be repeated in two to four weeks, depending on algae growth. Algae killed using this method should be removed from the tank and hauled out of the grazing area, as it may contain very high copper & sulfur levels. The use of copper sulfate is not recommended when sheep will be consuming the water, as sheep have a low tolerance for copper and this treatment may be toxic to more copper sensitive sheep. Another important note is that copper sulfate can increase the rate of deterioration of metal tanks and pipes. Zinc Sulfate: Zinc sulfate is another chemical treatment. Again, the material needs to be dissolved in warm to hot water before being added to the tank. In the case of zinc sulfate, dissolve one cup in one gallon of water. Then thoroughly mix into the tank ½ cup of the solution for every 100 gallons of tank capacity. Repeat as needed. Biological Control: In these times of consumer concerns over what is in their meat, more and more producers are turning to herbivore consuming aquatic life to maintain reduced algae levels in stock tanks, as opposed to chemical treatments. One of the more common resources is the goldfish. It will take 4 to 6 goldfish for every 100 gallons of tank capacity. Other aquarium species can be more expensive ($3 to $6 each ) but still effective. Some of these are the Black Mollies, Otocinclus Catfish, and my personal favorite the plecostomus. Some varieties of plecos, like the Trinidad Pleco, can grow to near a foot in length and spend a surprising amount of their time foraging. While these biological control techniques do offer a good marketing statement for those selling in all natural programs, they still create issues. First, you are trading algae for fish feces in your tank. Secondly, fishing predators (raccoons, cats, birds, etc. ) may become attracted to your stock tank & treatment technique. Thirdly, if you are changing pastures throughout the grazing season you will need to move the fish. Finally, you will need to have a plan for caring for the fish during the winter months. http://goldenplains.colostate.edu/agri/agri_docs/2011_stock_tank_al...
You're always good for info----and that pic is dang funny  |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Mainer-racer - 2015-09-18 6:35 AM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-09-17 5:57 PM Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast.
been wondering that too. I can't believe how fast it gets nasty. I already put mine in so I can't move it to a shade. Never thought of doing that before. ARGH!
It's worse if your horse dunks hay!! The hay I pull out of there is black and nasty after 1-3 days. I might go clean it with bleach today. |
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4641
Location: Texas | I use bleach to clean the water trough, but I never EVER leave it in. I always rinse really well and then when I think I've rinsed the trough enough, I rinse it some more. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Mainer-racer - 2015-09-18 8:35 AM cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-09-17 5:57 PM Is there anything you can do for automatic waterers? The ones in my horses pens get nasty SUPER fast. been wondering that too. I can't believe how fast it gets nasty. I already put mine in so I can't move it to a shade. Never thought of doing that before. ARGH!
Yeah I board so have NO control over where it's at or anything. I can just clean my horses half of the waterer in their pen. |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| You can also dump a little Hydrogen Peroxide in you tanks to deal with algea. Works wonders. |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| I do not do this... but just remember that all chemicals have the potential to be toxic. It is the dose that makes the poison. |
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