Re: fjordhorse-digest V2007 #66 [FISH IN STOCK TANKS]
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I am still wondering about the fish poop itself in the tank. Also, Gunnar is an avid salt eater and the salt block is near the water tank. So the water becomes brackish in short order. Do I need salt water fish? :) Jean Gayle,,, who started Gunnar out, today, on the menu he has always wanted, alfalfa, oiled grain and vitamins! Author 'The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949 Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press 7403 Blaine Rd Aberdeen, WA 98520 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Fw: fjordhorse-digest V2007 #66 [FISH IN STOCK TANKS]
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sorry I missed the post as to what kind of fish? ** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Fw: fjordhorse-digest V2007 #66 [FISH IN STOCK TANKS]
This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> - Original Message - From: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 10:20 AM Subject: Re: fjordhorse-digest V2007 #66 [FISH IN STOCK TANKS] Carol wrote, I'm interested in using fish in our stock tanks, and maybe have missed the answers to my questions in previous posts. The Questions: -- * Is the idea that you never clean the tanks, that the fish do that? NO, YOU STILL NEED TO CLEAN THE TANK. I CLEAN MINE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR * What do you feed the fish? And do the horses eat this fish food? THE FISH EAT WHAT FALLS FROM THE HORSES MOUTH. EVER NOTICE THAT A HORSE DRINKS AFTER EATING, AND STILL CHEWING?? * Does the fish food float on the top or sink? BOTH, THE FISH ALSO EAT BUGS, SOMETIMES JUMPING OUT OF THE WATER TO CATCH A LOW FLYER. * If it sinks between the coils of the heater, why aren't the fish shocked? IF YOUR HEATER IS WORKING PROPERLY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SHOCKED. THIS IS WHY YOU ALWAYS USE A GROUND FAULT PROTECTOR. IF YOUR HEATER WAS DEFECTIVE, IT COULD ELECTROCUTE YOU, OR YOUR HORSE. * Should the tank be in the sun, shade, or partial shade? -- Ours would have to be in the sun. Will that work? EITHER WAY WILL PROBABLY WORK. IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO INSTALL A METAL COVERING OVER PART OF THE TOP IN HOT AREAS. - Please keep in mind that the main reason that I have fish in the tanks are 99 percent for the health of the horse. The bonus is,, I don't need to clean my tank as often. In fact when you clean your tank if will take about a month for the good bacteria to start working again. [ I clean mine with a pressure washer in less than 10 minutes] Fish in stock tanks is not for everybody. On the flip side, I talked to a lady last week that cleans her tank every few days. She uses chlorine. WOW!, What about the fumes she is breathing, and on her skin, the large amount of chlorine going into the ground.?? The residue going into the horses bellies.?? Unbelievable If you are not familiar with probiotics, do a Google search. Don't put to many fish in your tank. About 6, or 7, for a 100 gallon tank is about right. All this information I got from the CDL list a couple years ago. I know people that have been using fish in their tanks for many years. As far as other animals, and birds, getting the fish, anything is possible. That's when I get the 22, out, or a trap out. We are having a problem with jackrabbits now because the coyote population is down. They can destroy a garden in one night. Easy to trap. Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson, Ca. For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS (insulated water troughs)
This message is from: Sarah Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> An Alaskan tip: broken deep freezers make excellent water troughs! They are already insulated and fjord proof. Just remove the lid. I only use a 250 watt submersible heater in ours (25 cubic foot) and it works down to -10 degrees, and if it stays colder that -10 for more than a day I switch to a 1000 watt. It's also a great way to recycle an appliance that would otherwise become a hazardous material in a landfill. It's been cold here too, -20 at night, but sunny and warmish during the day. Sarah Soldotna, AK The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> But what about the fish "droppings" Jean Gayle Author 'The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949 Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press 7403 Blaine Rd Aberdeen, WA 98520 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "Lori Garone" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> so the fish are the septic system and then adding water even chlorinated water as the horses drink the water keeps the water being replenished so no ammonia build up and the fish eat the bacteria to keep the tank clean and everyone is living in a happy little ecosystem? ;0) Lori ~( / / > /> Lori Garone, PT, HPCS NCEFT Program Director Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist 5001 Woodside Road Woodside, CA 94062 phone: 650 851 2271 x 2# Fax: 650 851 3480 The Protected Health Information (PHI) contained in this email/fax is CONFIDENTIAL. It is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee. It is to be used only to aid in providing specific healthcare services to this patient or individual. Any other use is a violation of Federal Law ( HIPAA) and will be reported as such. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jean Ernest Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2007 2:36 PM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think the man made pond was an Indoor pond (in the house?) and maybe The stock tank is bigger? and gets the water replaced as the horses drink it down, while the indoor Koi pond had a filter system that was supposed to keep it clean, but no water replaced at regular intervals as in the stock tank. Then when the filter system broke, the water got too full of ammonia and other refuse. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, sunny and +5, but with wind.. >>Why is this? That the fish will live in a water trough and not a man >>made pond? >>Lori The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] jerrell friz wrote: The fish are really a good indicator of the health of your tank. Dead fish, bad water. Pretty soon,,, dead horses. This is a gross overstatement. Many things that aren't even a slight health concern for a horse, such as poorly oxygenated or overly-warm water or physical stress due to the lack of habitat or shade in a stock tank, will quickly kill fish. DeeAnna The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think the man made pond was an Indoor pond (in the house?) and maybe The stock tank is bigger? and gets the water replaced as the horses drink it down, while the indoor Koi pond had a filter system that was supposed to keep it clean, but no water replaced at regular intervals as in the stock tank. Then when the filter system broke, the water got too full of ammonia and other refuse. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, sunny and +5, but with wind.. Why is this? That the fish will live in a water trough and not a man made pond? Lori The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Why is this? That the fish will live in a water trough and not a man made pond? Lori GOOD QUESTION! I would say it works like your septic tank system. If you did nothing to your stock tank but add water once in awhile [especially city chlorinated water, kills all the good,and bad, bacteria] it would become a sludge mess. So, you do need to do some maintenance on it. Same as you do with your septic tank. We have ours pumped every 3 years. If we had a house full, then it would be more often. The fish are really a good indicator of the health of your tank. Dead fish, bad water. Pretty soon,,, dead horses. Our solders, [many years ago] used to carry canary's, to detect poison gas, dead canary, better get the gas mask on pronto! dah ! Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson,Ca. For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "Lori Garone" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Why is this? That the fish will live in a water trough and not a man made pond? Lori ~( / / > /> Lori Garone, PT, HPCS NCEFT Program Director Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist 5001 Woodside Road Woodside, CA 94062 phone: 650 851 2271 x 2# Fax: 650 851 3480 The Protected Health Information (PHI) contained in this email/fax is CONFIDENTIAL. It is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee. It is to be used only to aid in providing specific healthcare services to this patient or individual. Any other use is a violation of Federal Law ( HIPAA) and will be reported as such. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve McIlree Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2007 7:49 AM To: jerrell friz Subject: Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Several years ago the folks with whom we boarded our horses went on vacation, leaving their pets in the care of a neighbor. After they had been gone for several days, we got a call from the neighbor in a panic because the koi in the indoor pond were looking sick. We went out there to see what could be done, and by the time we arrived all the fish were belly-up. The problem seemed to be that the expensive filter system had failed, and I couldn't see any way to fix it. The only thing we could figure to do was move the nearly dead fish to the horses' stock tank. As soon as we put them in the tank, a couple of the fish revived, but one seemed to be beyond rescue. However, we left it there, and hoped the horses wouldn't think is was a toy. When we went out the next day, we found ALL the fish swimming happily in the tank. When they returned from vacation, the owners chose to leave the fish in the stock tank, and they seemed to thrive. -- Steve McIlree - Pferd, Skipper & Clust - Omaha, NE/Las Cruces, NM, USA Who would give up liberty to gain security deserves neither liberty nor security. -- Benjamin Franklin The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Several years ago the folks with whom we boarded our horses went on vacation, leaving their pets in the care of a neighbor. After they had been gone for several days, we got a call from the neighbor in a panic because the koi in the indoor pond were looking sick. We went out there to see what could be done, and by the time we arrived all the fish were belly-up. The problem seemed to be that the expensive filter system had failed, and I couldn't see any way to fix it. The only thing we could figure to do was move the nearly dead fish to the horses' stock tank. As soon as we put them in the tank, a couple of the fish revived, but one seemed to be beyond rescue. However, we left it there, and hoped the horses wouldn't think is was a toy. When we went out the next day, we found ALL the fish swimming happily in the tank. When they returned from vacation, the owners chose to leave the fish in the stock tank, and they seemed to thrive. -- Steve McIlree - Pferd, Skipper & Clust - Omaha, NE/Las Cruces, NM, USA Who would give up liberty to gain security deserves neither liberty nor security. -- Benjamin Franklin The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
re:FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "John & Eunice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Well Catherine I see why you say .<> Especially when they got to be this old <>. ~Eunice in s-w Ontario where the weather is quite changeable. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "Reena Giola" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Gus's tank actually froze this past winter with about 2" of ice when we had some cold weather go throughI was worried about the fish, but they were fine. In the summer they stay down at the bottom of the tank and we don't see them often reena I get a lot of pleasure with this, and very seldom clean my tanks. Our tanks have frozen on top and gotten fairly hot, with no problem. Gail The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "Reena Giola" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> When I got into horses in California, that was the standard to have fish in the tanks...when we moved to MI they thought I was a nutcase and couldn't believe we had fish in our tanks! hahaha we have them here in AZ and they are thriving...huge fellows I have to say. I didn't see them for quite awhile and thought uh oh, the heron got them (the barn owners lost all the fish in the backyard pond to a heron that started to visit) so off to the store I went to get some more..only to find out about 2 weeks later that the original fish were still there. So as of right now we have three huge goldfish and two smaller 'calico' type gold fish, all doing well.We love to watch them come up to the top. They are great to have and keep the mosquito larve down. Reena AZ Since I have never seen much on this list about putting fish in the water tanks, thought I might mention it. After 1 year now, of not cleaning the tanks, and only losing one fish this Winter, not to mention the hot Summer of 2006. I can say it is working good for me. Anderson, Ca. "Ride and Drive your horses barrel to get the correct timing" For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I wonder how the fish would do in Northern Minnesota, if the tank is heated? The dream was always running ahead of me. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was the miracle. - Anais Nin ** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I seem to remember someone on this list telling of their Fjord waiting at the tank to catching the goldfish as they came to the top, and then eating them! At best they tossed them on the ground, enjoying a new game! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, still clear and coldAn all time record breaking March and last half of February. We have used fish in our large tanks for years. The fish become "pets" after a while. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: "Gail Russell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We put mosquito fish in our tanks, but what I love best is the feeder goldfish we put in. I buy a bunch and put them in the tanks. Some of our tanks are 8 feet in diameter, and near two feet deep. In each tank I now have one LARGE goldfish (5 to 6 inches long), after years of doing this. I suspect the goldfish eat the mosquito fish, but they reproduce fast. We have seen egrets sitting on the edge of our tanks before. I get a lot of pleasure with this, and very seldom clean my tanks. Our tanks have frozen on top and gotten fairly hot, with no problem. Gail The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We have used fish in our large tanks for years. The fish become "pets" after a while. The only time we have lost one was when a person was cleaning out the well and poured bleach into the well and forgot that the bleach would kill the fish... Instead of running the water elsewhere, this person thought they would be helpful and fill up my water tanks for me. Needless to say, we lost a crop of 11 year old fish; but then, they only cost me 10 cents each at Wal-Mart. Catherine Lassesen Hestehaven - The Horse Garden Bed, Barn, Breakfast & Baskets Southern Oregon The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: FISH IN STOCK TANKS
This message is from: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all, I keep fish in my stock tanks as well. It works great! I just have minnows and gold fish and they eat all the mosquito larvae. Question: Does anyone know the formula for estimating a fjord's finished height by measuing their legs when they are young? Thanks, Bonnie MacCurdy Visalia, CA - Original Message - From: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 9:16 AM Subject: FISH IN STOCK TANKS This message is from: "jerrell friz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi List, Since I have never seen much on this list about putting fish in the water tanks, thought I might mention it. After 1 year now, of not cleaning the tanks, and only losing one fish this Winter, not to mention the hot Summer of 2006. I can say it is working good for me. Someone on the CDL list give the directions a couple years ago. I used to clean my tanks once a week, using baking soda, and a scrub brush, what a job, time consuming to, cuts into ones driving time.. Here is how it works. 5 to 6 fish per 100 gallons. I prefer, Shubunkins, [do a Google search to find out about them] They are about $2 each @ Wal-Mart. The tank will function like your septic tank. The heavy sludge will go to the bottom. The good bacteria will rise to the top. [like gray water] Keep your tank FULL of water. Put a few big rocks in for the fish to hide behind. The fish will get their feed from what falls out of the horses mouths. [ I supplement them with a little Dynamite grain pellets, once in awhile.] I cleaned the tank after 1 year,[ using the sludge in the bottom for the garden,] with a pressure washer. [ 10 minutes] The fish are now about 4-5 inches long. They are fun to watch. I believe the horses drink more water. Have you every seen your horse drink from a mud puddle? I have. The good bacteria at the top, is the same as a probiotic. This saves me money as I was buying a lot it. The fish also eat insects, larvae, etc. Regards, Jerry Friz, Anderson, Ca. "Ride and Drive your horses barrel to get the correct timing" For your security this Message has been checked for Viruses as a courtesy of Com-Pair Services! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
frozen stock tanks
This message is from: "Philis Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Carol M and list, Philis Anderson is fine..but I'm trying to deal with the headaches of this cold, snowless winter in northern Minnesota. Our stock tank froze (underground pipe from the house) several weeks ago. It refills automaticallynormally..but not now. I purchased a 100 gal Rubbermaid tub with heater and am filling it with a hose every three days. I've gone on a few sleigh rides but there hasn't been enough snow to cover the ice that we've had all winterI usually go crashing up in our back pasture over exposed rocks. My husband made me a little single horse sleigh for Christmas. It's a bit more durable than my 100 + year old cutter, but I use both depending on the amount of snow. This is not a normal snowfall winter. One day I took a mare and cart out on the road and just went up and down the road..boring. Many homes in northeast Minnesota have frozen septic systemsespecially the mound type.glad we don't have one!! Some people have had their systems pumped more than once.only to have them freeze again! Spring is coming, I hope. The temps are supposed to reach 50` this week-endmaybe. I'm waiting on my Katinka mare to foal in April. All in all, life is pretty good. Philis Anderson
Re: frozen septic tanks
This message is from: "Jon A. Ofjord" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 10:19 PM 3/12/2003 -0900, you wrote: This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Jon, How deep do folks there bury their water and sewer lines and septic tanks? My water lines are at 8', but the one for the barn that comes up into the heated tack room has a heat tape in it. The local grave digger had frost to 5 ' in undisturbed soil last week. Anything driven on will, of course, have the frost driven much deeper. My leach tank is in the horse corral and for the last several years with very little snow my septic system quit about the middle of February. The leach tank and lines are buried 6' down with a layer of styrofoam over the top before back filling. Our septic lines are not as deep and are o.k. so far. However, our mound (drain field) is starting to freeze. It is layered material built up about 5 or 6 feet over our lovely impermeable clay. We do the foam thing, too. Several year ago when we had sparse snow and very cold temps evedrybody's septic systems and wells wre freezing and it was the first year my well line froze after 24 years..had never plugged in the heat tape before. The frost went down as much as 8 ft that year. Last summer I piled a big pile of manure over the leach tank which heated up and so far so good...but it has been a very mild winter! That helped my tank, also. It was just a little below zero this morning, but the Fjords are shedding profusely. Hopefully they know something we don't. Jon Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: frozen septic tanks and mosquitos
This message is from: Sarah and Mike Stacy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> More advice from Alaska - my husband lays in dec approved septic systems and water lines here, and they bury at least 10 feet deep with 2 inch blue board insulation. We have never had a problem. Our mild winter has taken a break here with temperatures around zero and winds up to 70 mph. For the first time this winter, my Fjords actually decided to spend the night inside their barn! About mosquitos - we have lots of individual swallow bird houses stuck on trees. They all fill up every summer and they are a huge help with mosquitos. We also keep guineas because they eat wasps and carpenter ants. Sarah Soldotna, Alaska How deep do folks there bury their water and sewer lines and septic tanks? My leach tank is in the horse corral and for the last several years with very little snow my septic system quit about the middle of February. The leach tank and lines are buried 6' down with a layer of styrofoam over the top before back filling.
frozen septic tanks
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Jon, How deep do folks there bury their water and sewer lines and septic tanks? My leach tank is in the horse corral and for the last several years with very little snow my septic system quit about the middle of February. The leach tank and lines are buried 6' down with a layer of styrofoam over the top before back filling. Several year ago when we had sparse snow and very cold temps evedrybody's septic systems and wells wre freezing and it was the first year my well line froze after 24 years..had never plugged in the heat tape before. The frost went down as much as 8 ft that year. Last summer I piled a big pile of manure over the leach tank which heated up and so far so good...but it has been a very mild winter! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska >On another note: >Stock tank heaters have been selling very well here in the land of frozen >septic tanks. > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Dynamite and water tanks
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] On the Dynamite I only used the supplement not a complete feed. My father was a race horse trainer and he always told me to try and keep the horse's diet as natural as possible, grass hay, straight oats if you give any, and a supplement for vitamins and trace elements. He said as he was raising horses and they had so MANY both race horses and working stock (mostly morgans) they very very rarely had a case of colic. Yes I have 10 seperate water tanks and scrub them out every other day to battle the algae. It is not practical to put a goldfish in those tubs because the horses will drink the water down to a few inches. Bye bye fishie. Plus, the one time I did put a fish in there, a heron came over and took it out. Thanks Misha, he gulped. I think I have a fairly unique situation. The holding paddocks are each several acres. The pastures are 6-10 acres each. I try and give the horses a LOT of space to move. (And boy do they run and play!!!) Plus I have them separated out by age and or sex. So that means a lot of water tanks. Obviously, it's not a situation that I can run heaters to. But the horses don't seem to mind the cold water, always drink A LOT. In fact, I like the cold water in the winter too. When you are working outside it is much nicer to have a glass of cool water than warm. But then again, think of it, I fill the tanks each once a day, that is water that is at least 40 degrees (underground spring) so it is not bad. (Yes they have water available at all times). I really do think the ideal situation for the horse is to have them pastured in some 400 acres and they get a little supplement to keep the health up, and wormed regularly of course. But most of us do not have that kind of option. Best of luck Misha
Tanks
This message is from: "Catherine Lassesen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> An old-timer told us. Place a 1/2 pound of hamburger outside for the flies to harvest on it. Wait until you cannot stand the smell, then flush it down the toilet. He never had a problem with this tank in 30 plus years. Catherine L.
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> One more thing about Septic systems: In our very cold winters you can run into trouble by not running ENOUGH water down into the system. I now flush the toilet with hot water in hopes that my system will not freeze up THIS ywear as it has for the past 4 years. But we got a lot more snow this year and the frost depth is less. Last year the frost got dowhn to 8 ft and even my well line at 6 ft froze. Septic sytems all over the area were freezing. Oh yes, the leach tank is in the horse corral which certainly doesn't help. :-( My water comes out of the well at 35 degrees, so heating the water that flushes the toilet might help. We'll see. It always seems to happen in the middle of February. Last year I was taking all my showers at the athletic club and the only warm water that went down the drain was from the dishwaher and occasional hand washing, etc. I mistakenly thought that the LESS water I put down the septic, the better. I guess there is a happy medium..enough warm water to keep it from freezing up but not so much to cause water to stand in the pipes for any length of time. If mine freezes this year I must get it redone this summer! Hey Ruthie, if You're "the sticks" what does that make me? The great ALaska Bush? Jean in still balmy Fairbanks, Alaska, +25F degrees >Gene knew a septic pro who told him NEVER use anything but WHITE tissue, >that the colored can cause problems. Why, sure we know about such things in >"The Sticks." Ruthie (catalogs indeed!) > > > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks for the compliment - it was a labor of love for my Fjordy friends. But wait! We forgot, don't drive over field - even if the pipes are deep enough not to be crushed, the compaction of the soil causes problems:). At 05:51 PM 2/5/2000 EST, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Good Post GAil on the septic stuff, guess we both covered just about >everything you can learn in Septic info 101 LOL hope everyone >listens and learns!! > >Mike and Michele Noonan > > Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Clicker List Web Site : http://clickryder.cjb.net
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 05:51 PM 02/05/2000 EST, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Good Post GAil on the septic stuff, guess we both covered just about >everything you can learn in Septic info 101 LOL hope everyone >listens and learns!! > >Mike and Michele Noonan > Gene knew a septic pro who told him NEVER use anything but WHITE tissue, that the colored can cause problems. Why, sure we know about such things in "The Sticks." Ruthie (catalogs indeed!)
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good Post GAil on the septic stuff, guess we both covered just about everything you can learn in Septic info 101 LOL hope everyone listens and learns!! Mike and Michele Noonan
Re: Septic Tanks
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here are a few Myths about Septic Systems, Mike was in the septic business for a few years, as well as his best friend is a septic designer and waste disposal specialist 1. Do not use any PRODUCTS sold in the market place that claim they HELP your septic system They dont! its the biggest scam around 2. Dont bother throwing, dead mice, cats, rotten cabbage etc, They dont do a thing 3. Do not let your horses or cows graze in a drainfield or tank area, they COULD crush the pipes in soft, wet ground 4. PUMP your tank every 3 years wether you have a back up or not. This will keep you from having one, and maintain the balance in your drainfield 5 Use limited amounts of bleach, and harsh chemicals in your washer, cleaning and sinks, this upsets the NATURAL balance in your tank and drainfield Well enough said, Any other questions, email us privately and Mike will go on and on and on about this HEE HEE Mike and Michele Noonan
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
In a previous life I was positively OBSESSED with septic tanks.
Cool! Hey list, all of the experts keep "surfacing" out here in wegespace!
We have 2 vets to refer to, 3 nurses (that I know of), an authoress,
trainers and breeders too numerous to mention, and now, our very own "in
house" septic specialst!!! I am sure the list goes on and on...am sure we
can add to it
Gail,you win the "What's my Line" award for the month!! @~@
^
\__/
{ But, I am going to print it out and pass it on to my neighbor here at the
ranch...he is always having septic woes...Tanks allot!}
__
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Stallion testing and septic tanks
This message is from: "linda hickam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
YUK..I don't see how rotting animal flesh would enhance ANY septic
systemwe use a packet of Brewers yeast once a month to keep our tank
"in motion" {active}
--
>From: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: , <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Re: Stallion testing and septic tanks
>Date: Fri, Feb 4, 2000, 12:50 PM
>
>This message is from: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>Wow Carole, that was a terrific post .. very interesting. It reminded me
>that I have a question to ask everyone on the list who has a septic tank ..
>a little off topic, but maintenance of the septic system is key to anyone
>living in the country ..
>
>The question .. I have had two neighbours, country born/raised, who told me
>that the best thing you can do for your septic tank is toss the dead mice
>and/or voles, etc you find in your traps down the toilet ?! helps keep the
>tank "active" .. We have lived in the country a total of 27 years, on two
>separate farms and I have never heard anyone mention this .. but both
>neighbours claim it's common knowledge and everyone does it .. How have I
>missed this and does anyone on the list do this?? or know what the science
>(I think it falls under the rubric "traditional knowledge", not necessarily
>limited to native N. Americans!)
>
>
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> In a previous life I was positively OBSESSED with septic tanks. In fact, did a bit of travel in the Gulf Islands of B.C., lecturing in rural areas on how to maintain healthy septic systems so as to forestall the need to put in expensive sewers that would drive all the rural folks out of town due to high installation and operation costs ending up on tax bills. So... my understanding (from what I can remember) is as follows: One of the biggest helps to your septic is to limit the water that goes into - so the leach lines have a better chance of draining well. Helps to keep the aerobic bacteria in the surrounding soil alive that digest the bad beasties - and keeps the water from surfacing prematurely - before the soil can do the cleansing work it is supposed to do.Not all soil is suitable for leach lines, and there are a lot of leach lines installed in unsuitable/marginally suitable soil. So the best preventive measure is to limit water flowing into the system. (low flow toilets, don't leave the water running when you brush your teeth, insulate your hot water lines so no need to run a long time before the hot arrives). The other big danger to your leach lines is septic sludge going out into the leach lines and clogging the soil - so water sits in the lines - same problems as above. Pumping the tank every few years - at least every four - is best. If you really want to be careful - open up the top of the tank and stick a stick in it - with a rag on itso you can feel when you hit the sludge layer- and figure out where the level of sludge is. I can't remember the whole procedure - but it is probably out there on the internet somewhere. Doing this allows you to properly time the pumping - so you do not pay for pumping when it is not yet needed (it can be expensive). Most septic tanks are NEVER pumped. Not good. The way to limit the amount of sludge in your tank is to do as a friend of mine did. Hang a sign over the potty that says, "Do not put anything in the toilet that you have not previously eaten." You can add an exception for toilet paper if you want - but my friend's policy of providing a TP receptacle - which was later burned in the wood stove is actually best. A little hard to sell this idea to the masses though. :) At least - one should refrain from putting hygiene products, or paper towels or... into the toilet. \ And finally - mice and rats fall into the category of "things you have not previously eaten" - we hope. The logic for putting mice and rats in is to provide organic matter for the bacteria to work on to digest the sludge (so the tank won't fill up so fast with sludge - and then go out into the lines). However, if it is not previously digested by YOU - it means that the sludge bacteria have more to handle - so you are working against yourself. And the hair, tiny bones and teeth are really hard to digest. :) Re putting yeast in - there should be plenty of the "starter bacteria" needed to digest sludge in "things you have previously eaten." It is true that you do need some things you have eaten - tanks that have only grey water going in do not get the right kind of bacteria - so I am told. But, of course, they do not get a lot of solids (which make up the sludge) going in either. Another thing to do is limit grease going into the tank. Hard for the beasties to digest - the tank probably feels that same way about it as your tummy does after eating too much cheesecake... Also, heavy use of garbage disposers puts a lot of additional sludge-building material in your tank - necessitating more frequent pumping. And another thing. The tanks installed in about the seventies (concrete) apparently had the "sludge baffles" (keeps the solids from just floating on out into the leach lines before they can be digested and settle to the bottom of the tank) attached to the top of the inside of the tank via wires. Well - the wires rusted out, dropping the baffles. When the tank is pumped, this should be checked. The other thing you can do is dig up the junction box at the outlet side of the tank (you should have a junction box on a newer system) and see if there is sludge in it. Well - I think that is about it. More than you ever wanted to know about septic - as I remember it. At 09:41 AM 2/4/2000 -0800, you wrote: >This message is from: "Denise Delgado" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >i think the normal amt of gray water and human feces would do it to keep >your septic tank "going." any mice, rats or voles at liberty around here >either get eaten by satchmo, my black outside cat or cork, our cairn >terrrier. they luv em!!! denise > > > Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Clicker List Web Site : http://clickryder.cjb.net
Re: septic tanks
This message is from: "Denise Delgado" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> i think the normal amt of gray water and human feces would do it to keep your septic tank "going." any mice, rats or voles at liberty around here either get eaten by satchmo, my black outside cat or cork, our cairn terrrier. they luv em!!! denise
Re: Stallion testing and septic tanks
This message is from: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wow Carole, that was a terrific post .. very interesting. It reminded me that I have a question to ask everyone on the list who has a septic tank .. a little off topic, but maintenance of the septic system is key to anyone living in the country .. The question .. I have had two neighbours, country born/raised, who told me that the best thing you can do for your septic tank is toss the dead mice and/or voles, etc you find in your traps down the toilet ?! helps keep the tank "active" .. We have lived in the country a total of 27 years, on two separate farms and I have never heard anyone mention this .. but both neighbours claim it's common knowledge and everyone does it .. How have I missed this and does anyone on the list do this?? or know what the science (I think it falls under the rubric "traditional knowledge", not necessarily limited to native N. Americans!)
