We see all kinds of products that make all kinds of claims, this includes the latest “Internet Hacks for RVers”. I decided to do a very basic review of several products in this space, looking at what claims they make, the ingredients they list, and a price point comparison on the upfront cost for the product and its per use breakdown. This study did not look at or evaluate if the products claims for how well it works over a period of time met expectations. That would be a very lengthy study, spanning multiple years. We looked at 8 products/methods for treating your holding tanks. To do the comprehensive review I would want to give each product 3months of use, inspect the condition of the tanks before and after each product’s evaluation cycle, Hydro-Jet the tanks after each cycle and bring them back to the baseline. This would take about 2years to complete following that standard, not to mention the cost for all the product needed.
So we will keep this one high-level and on point.
Meet the competitors:
- Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment
- Unique RV Digest-IT Holding Tank Treatment
- Just Science TankTechsRX Probiotic RV Tank Treatment
- Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins
- Waste Tank Formula (WTF) RV Black Tank Treatment
- Eco Strong RV Toilet Holding Tank treatment
- Eazy2hD RV Toilet Treatment Holding Tank Deodorizer for RV Black Tank
- Pine-Sol with Calgon Bath Beads
Holding Tank Treatment Comparison
This comparison was based on information readily available online and associated with each product as advertised for sale. Leveraging information provided by the manufactures for the products ingredients, and any claims made about what is not in the products. Such as harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, biocides, bronopol, chlorine dioxide, and antibacterial additives. You can view the results by downloading the spreadsheet below by clicking on the image.
We looked at the following:
- Number of treatments per container
- The upfront cost to purchase the product
- The breakdown for per treatment cost
- The delivery method (liquid, powder, pods, tablets)
- Key ingredients (as listed) and any claims made by the manufacture
It is in our opinion that liquid based products have a clear advantage for the ability to be thoroughly mixed. Powders and tablets can turn into a pancake batter type sludge in the holding tanks if not properly dissolved prior to being added. Pods have issues with the plastic wrapper that hold the product in the Pod, they do not always fully dissolve and can cause blockages, especially if you use a macerating pump. The wrapper products get jammed in the blades of the pump causing them to lockup, potentially overheating the motor, and damaging the pump.
We also feel it is all our responsibility to help preserve the environment. That being said any products that contain harsh chemicals will score much lower and are not recommended for use. Our holding tanks need to have beneficial bacteria in them in order to breakdown the solids in the tanks, and keeping this balance is critical for maintaining the wastewater ecosystem. So products that also have anti-bacterial qualities will not be recommenced as these products will kill off the beneficial bacteria that is needed. The final element we will consider is if a product is banned for sale or use in any region.
Results & Recommendation
It is clear from the results that Just Science TankTechsRx Probiotic RV Tank Treatment came out on top. Providing a product that is all natural 100% environmentally friendly and openly publishes its content and ingredients. Just Science uses Purified Water, Molasses, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Delbruekki, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, and Rhodopseudomonas Palustris.
Lactobacillus Casei – is a type of probiotic (“Good” bacteria) found in the infant digestive tract. It helps breakdown food, it is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and probiotic supplements you may take.
Lactobacillus Plantarum – is a strain of probiotic bacteria naturally found in the mouth and gut. It also helps in breaking down food, is found in foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, and in probiotic supplements.
Lactobacillus Delbruekki – is used for Italian and Swiss cheeses and yogurt production.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae – is a species of yeast and is instrumental in the wine making, baking, and beer brewing processes. It is the microorganism behind the most common type of fermentation.
Rhodopseudomonas Palustris – is widely utilized in the areas of aquaculture industry and wastewater treatment. It is rich in biologically active chemicals, including proteins, vitamins, polysaccharides, pantothenic acid and folic acid, which contribute to its function as feed supplement.
From a price point perspective it is in the middle of the pack at $0.78 per treatment, and a 16oz bottle will render 32 treatments, with a purchase price of $24.95
You can order the product on Amazon or directly from Just Science at https://www.justscience.com/