Does Copper stop mould in plastic tanks

[sutton sailor]

I am planning to install a plastic water tank in a steel tank. I have seen that the plastic tanks get mouldy and are dificult to clean out. I have heard that placing scraps of copper in the tank will stop the mould from developing in the first place. Does any one have any experience of this problem and or solution?

 

[nigelmercier]

I am planning to install a plastic water tank in a steel tank...

Is the the same tank you asked about two days ago, or another one?

A bit of copper may indeed inhibit some bacteria, so it might be worth a try.

 

[electrosys]

I see Nigel recommended Milton last time - another similar approach is to drop a Campden Tablet (obtainable from any home-brewing/ winemaking shop) into the water tank after each fill. The tablet produces sulphur dioxide and one is enough to treat 20 gallons.


I'm pretty sure that metallic copper submerged in fresh water won't kill bacteria, as metallic copper is insoluble in fresh water. It's bacteriocidal properties rely on the formation of copper salts (chloride, oxide etc) which are soluble in water, and are well-known to be toxic to many forms of plant life, including lichens, mosses and algae.

 

[vyv_cox]

My GRP tank has copper outlet pipes at one end. Mould grows in it.

 

[sutton sailor]

water tank

Yes this is the same tank.

 

[VicMallows]

I thought it was silver that you need? Starts to get expensive though.

I'm sure VicS will soon enlighten us as to the chemistry.

Vic

 

[nigelmercier]

Yes this is the same tank.

WHOOSH!

 

[Chris_Robb]

I am planning to install a plastic water tank in a steel tank. I have seen that the plastic tanks get mouldy and are dificult to clean out. I have heard that placing scraps of copper in the tank will stop the mould from developing in the first place. Does any one have any experience of this problem and or solution?

Once a year dose the tanks with any old household bleach - the thin not thick variety.

Run some water through each tap, and then leave for 24 hours.

Then pump the tanks and refill with fresh water.

If leaving for the winter - drain, if sailing in the summer take some bottled water until next refill to drink, the taste left over goes shortly and is not harmful in anyway - except to the mould.

Do this every year, and you don't allow conditions to deteriorate to allow growth.