Poly Tanks

[mapleguy]

I'm looking for opinions on the use of poly tanks, food grade of course that can be bought at TSC, Has anyone had issues with sap spoilage when temps get above 50 deg.? Seems like about mid way through the season I start having this problem. I should also say it's the tank my tubing drains into and it's located along the side of the road.

[heus]

PIA to keep clean. No positive drainage.

[Russell Lampron]

I have the same problem. They won't drain completely and the sap in the bottom ferments between runs when it is warm. I have found that the 275 gallon cage tanks will drain completely and the problem isn't as bad. My big tank is 1500' away from the sugar house and hard to clean so I do what I can to pump it as dry as possible when I pump it out. Packing snow around it helps keep it cool.

[mapleguy]

heus, I usually wash out every other "run". I installed a 3" I guess you could call it a plumbers plug so I can completely drain it. I was going to order the stainless round bottoms but wouldn't take delivery til late spring. Even washing like I do do you think it's the nature of the poly that holds in bacteria?

[mapleguy]

I put a 3" plug in the bottom like I just posted. Plumbers use this plug when the are pressure testing DWV systems. It allows you to drain completely works really well!

[Russell Lampron]

heus, I usually wash out every other "run". I installed a 3" I guess you could call it a plumbers plug so I can completely drain it. I was going to order the stainless round bottoms but wouldn't take delivery til late spring. Even washing like I do do you think it's the nature of the poly that holds in bacteria?

The bacteria does in-bed itself in the plastic. It doesn't matter how much you clean it is still there. Stainless is the way to go if you can afford it.

[stoweski]

I have a few of them and use them with tubing i. The woods as well as sap storage at the shack. I have a long handle scrub brush that I use - about 20" long. I mix a tablespoon of bleach with water and scrub. After several rinsings and a vacuum to suck out the leftover water the tank has no smell and looks clean. Not sure how much bacteria is alive in there after washing with bleach.

Sure, they really are a pain to use.

As for the temps, I built small "roofs" for each that will keep the rain out and let warm air vent instead of using the black caps that hold in the heat. Works well and sap stays cool... Though I empty them on a daily basis so it doesn't stand a chance of spoiling.

[adk1]

Well stoweski u said u had $ to burn, might at well buy a couple stainless tanks. Haha

[Sugarmaker]

For along the road, I would go with 275 gal cage tanks. Stainless might tempt the scrappers?
Washing the tanks a couple times during the season will help. But don't all the folks want dark syrup now anyway? So let the bacteria build up could be a good thing:)?
Regards,
Chris

[heus]

I agree that cage tanks would be better than he tsc tanks. They drain very well.

[markct]

I wish someone would develop larger tanks with a molded outlet like the cage tanks. Bulkhead fittings on the side just are a hassle

[stoweski]

Well stoweski u said u had $ to burn, might at well buy a couple stainless tanks. Haha

$$ to burn? No. Going to burn through $$ this season. Plenty of it. Won't have any left for SS tanks!

[para2]

Dont let adk1 fool you . His wife wouldn't even let him go to verona. To tight with the dollar!!! Lol