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No Place Special

This year will be my first real attempt at collecting, storing and using a large qty of rain water. I have a few questions.
1- How long can it be stored for and still be good?
2- Does it need to be circulated and or supplied with air to keep it from becoming stagnant?
3- Do you allow the tank to sit in the sun or do you keep it shaded?
4- Do you add any chemicals to it to help keep it fresh... I.E. - something that prevents algea growth?

I will have two 330 gallon tanks and roughly 2000 sq ft of patch. Reading the previous post, Jepson states that 620 gallons will deliver 1" over 1000 sq ft. So when my tanks are full it sounds like I can give all 4 plants a nice 1/2" drink of rain water. Does anyone disagree with this? Im thinking an extra 1/2" of rainwater a time or two in the dry months of July and August could be very beneficial.

Any and all thoughts / ideas are appreciated. You can reply here or feel free to email me. mikefrantz@mchsi.com


Thanks in advance,

Mike

5/6/2008 3:47:57 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Water doesn't really go bad. However if left uncovered it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If left in the sun most poly tanks will have algae which also isn't a problem for the plants.

Last year we emptied our tank every 2-3 days so there was no issue with letting it sit too long.

5/6/2008 11:18:44 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

if you dont have covers for water you can put a little veg oil on top to keep skeeters out. in the shade you will get less algae growth

5/7/2008 9:22:59 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Dark colored tanks, hold heat and reduce algae growth!! Peace, Wayne

5/7/2008 7:06:58 PM

Fresno, Ca

You could also spray kerosene on top to kill skeeters but that would not help your pumpkins out a whole lot! LOL

5/7/2008 8:47:37 PM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Tossing a Mosquitoe dunk "Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis" in each barrel will keep the mosquitoes out and it's organic so you won't have to worry about putting it on your plants.

5/9/2008 5:30:40 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

You could also look into using the product "Physan 20" to help control algea. is a broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide which effectively controls a wide variety of pathogens on hard surfaces and plants.
An added benefit to it's use is helping the control of downy and powdery mildew.

5/9/2008 5:42:21 AM

No Place Special

Thanks guys!

5/10/2008 10:17:14 PM