My problem is that no matter how much or how little water I put in, the water sits so long that the bottom of the container turns green and there is no way I can get into it to clean it. I guess I could change the water every 12 hours, but I think it would be much nicer if I could just find a way to clean it. If anyone has tips or ideas, please share!
I have small bottle cleaners, but the angle makes it impossible to clean the inside.
I hope someone has better idea than I do......I would put some bleach in the container (if possible) and swish it around to kill the alga. Always rinse really well.
ReplyDeleteMake sure it doesn't sit in the sun when in use as that adds to the problem. I read somewhere that alga developes faster on a clear surface than on a dark one (as in clear plastic hoses) but I don't suggest you paint it black. Does your water have chlorine in it?
This is how I clean my glass coffee pot and it really works in a hurry and no scrubbing.
Grandma
I will ask Julie and Kathy since they have cats I am sure they have some type of pet waterer because the cats are always inside.
ReplyDeleteBleach water is what we used in Search and Rescue to keep the big water jugs clean.
It is safe and it doesn't take much I think 1/4 cup per gallon.
I just asked Cheryl and she said Kathy was having the same problem.
she started using filtered water from the fridge. I would think bottled water would work. Try different ones. Some bottled water is full of yuk. Don't think expensive is better.
Dad
Be sure to find out for sure how much bleach is safe before you try using it. Seems I read somewhere that it only takes a drop or two per gallon to sanitize it. Hmmm... I just bought one of those waterers for Snowphish, since she decided her previous water bowl was a toy to be tossed around. Maybe I should go downstairs and check on it, make sure it isn't green? ;-) Mom/Tracy
ReplyDeleteJulie said that she had one and it got green and she quit using it.
ReplyDeleteIf you do use bleach be very careful.
we don't want mocha sick or worse.
Make sure to rinse it very, very well.
Kathy said filtered water didn't help that much and she plans on investing on a waterer that circulates the water hoping that the circulation will help.
Not much help but i am trying
Dad
Thanks everyone. I don't think Mocha is so spoiled or special that she will get filtered/bottled water or a automatic water pump. :) Maybe someday. I am a little nervous about the bleach, but I was thinking about using vinegar. Either way, I'll check some pet sites to see if I can find anything. I haven't had any luck so far. For now she is just drinking out of a little dish.
ReplyDeleteI just saw a web site about keeping algea out of birdbaths and one suggestion was to put a copper penny or piece of copper in the water and the chemical action stops the algea. I am going to try it in my birdbath and see how it works. There was a suggestion about adding a small bundle of lavender. Also to clean with vinegar.
ReplyDeleteI would write to the maker of the water container and see what they say.
Grandma
I certainly couldn't fit a penny in there, but maybe I can find a small piece of copper. Unfortunately that isn't something I just keep laying around...
ReplyDeleteI thought about writing the company, but they don't have an email address. I can use snail mail or call them. I really see no point in calling them. It'll take longer, but maybe I'll just write a letter. I can't remember the last time I did that... wow! I might as well be using a party line and lighting my house (not on fire!) with candles!
The penny goes in the holding tank not the basin.
ReplyDeleteG. Grandma swears her flowers last longer when she puts a penny in the vase.
Tried to email you but was rejected. Said "blocked using blackholes.excite.com. Sender address rejected. "
Gram