pink algae?

[beeksnfeet]

Although it is a pretty color (?), I am having a problem with pink algae. We have 2 homemade waterers constructed from PVC. There is a clear tube along the side which lets us know when the water is running low. Is there anything can I do, other then constantly washing the waterer out, to get rid of this icky stuff? I add ACV to my gallon water jug and then fill them from that. Water is mixed as needed and always fresh. Any suggestions?:/

 

[Kelsie2290]

Pink Algae is actually a type of bacteria, we get it in the plastic stock tanks sometimes, it is also a real common problem in swimming pools. The problem with PVC seems to be that the bacteria can really stick to it and you can't really get it off. Soaking in a bleach solution and drying everything out in the sun seems to be the easiest thing to do and works with the stock tanks, but they are pretty much open, not pipes. If you Google swimming pools they have various chemical ways to treat it, not sure what would be workable for using on a chicken waterer if you can't control it any other way.

 

[beeksnfeet]

Pink Algae is actually a type of bacteria, we get it in the plastic stock tanks sometimes, it is also a real common problem in swimming pools. The problem with PVC seems to be that the bacteria can really stick to it and you can't really get it off. Soaking in a bleach solution and drying everything out in the sun seems to be the easiest thing to do and works with the stock tanks, but they are pretty much open, not pipes. If you Google swimming pools they have various chemical ways to treat it, not sure what would be workable for using on a chicken waterer if you can't control it any other way.

Thanks. I think it annoys me more then anything. I can see it in the clear tube we have attached to the outside of the pipe which lets us see how much water is left. I also have a drain spiggot on the waterer so I can rinse and drain it when I clean. It is attached to the outside of the coop with the nipple pipe being on the inside. I've washed it with straight vinegar and even hosed it out, but it doesn't stay clean more then a day or two. We also have a pool, but I have never had pink algae only an occasional greenish bit pop up. Never a problem tho. I will look into it! Thanks for your help!