Q. How do Plation Floats purify water?
A. Plation floats contain a series of ceramic balls coated with colloidal silver. The silver colloid content of the floats is the purification mechanism. The antibacterial properties of Silver have been known and used for centuries. Records show the Phoenicians used silver vessels to keep water, wine and vinegar pure during long voyages. The American pioneers travelling west used silver and copper coins in their water barrels to keep the water clean.  “Being born with a silver spoon in his mouth" is as much a reference to health as it is to wealth as it is said that babies fed with a silver spoon were healthier. Today silver is used in many health-care products - see...

Q. What is the difference between a PNS, PNK and WCF floats?
A. Plation floats are supplied in three different formats called PNS, PNK and WCF and are designed to maintain the quality of tank stored drinking water to keep it clean and safe.

PNS FLoats (25mm Ø) hold the silver colloidal balls in a flexible netting bag so they it can be fed into a narrow filler cap and inlet pipe of a fresh water tank in boats, barges and caravans.

PNK Floats are similar to the PNS Floats, retaining the silver colloidal ceramic balls in a net bag. But the PNK floats are wider and designed for tank capacities - from 75 to 1500 litres (32mm to 56mm Ø).

WCF Floats are designed for and used in Rainwater harvesting and drinking water tanks to minimise the growth of bacteria. But WCF Floats also use copper, which is effective at stoppig the growth of algae, as well as having an increased efficacy with silver in reducing bacterial and viral contamination.

Q. What bacteria will Plation Floats eliminate?
A. Silver is considered to be a broad-spectrum biocide, with the capacity to eliminate virtually all bacterial growth. In tests, Plation Floats were shown to be effective against pathogenic bacteria such as E-coli and Coliforms, eliminating these in hours. For the elimination of other pathogenic bacteria like Enterococcus and Legionella more time is needed, but Plation Floats will prevent growth. However, because of the variations in the quality and character of water supplies and systems, we cannot provide any guarantees or particular performance figures. We strongly recommend, if you are particularly concerned, that you regularly test your water tank supply.

Q. How often should I change the float?
A. Plation Floats of all sizes and types can provide protection for up to 2 season, or more, against bacterial pollution. However, it is not possible to provide an exact timing as water systems and supplies vary. Heavily chlorinated water may reduce the effective working life of a float. We do advise therefore if used in chlorinated water to check the float after the first season. If the silver has turned black and has therefore oxidised you should replace the float. We also strongly advise on regularly testing your freshwater tank supply.

Q. Which size of float should I use?
A. There are various sizes of Floats. Check the suitability on the Tank Calculator and check the size of your freshwater tank before ordering. Always make sure you order a float large enough to purify the maximum volume of the tank and more. For example if the tank is 300 litres you are advised to apply either a PNS-400 or PNK-400 so as to be sure of maximum purification over the full, recommended 2 seasons. If you are unsure of the volume of your tank you can make a simple calculation here.

Q. Should I use both the Plation filters and Plation Floats?
A. You do not have to use both filters and floats but together they provide optimum purification and protection. With both you will not only have the stable purification and protection of the contents of the freshwater tank, keeping bacteria at bay, but the added filtration of micro contaminants. The Plation In-line Filters absorb chlorine and other inorganic and organic pollutants, improving taste by eliminating odours and discolouration.

In some instances, such as Harvested Rainwater systems where contaminates are more likely to enter the system, we would advise the installation of a Plation Combi or RainPC filters and appropriate purification floats in freshwater storage tanks - click here for more information.

Q. What difference should I notice in the water?
A. Water from a potable, freshwater storage tank can quickly build up bacterial growth, which gives the water a particularly unpleasant taste and odour. The water may also be unsafe to drink. If you own a boat, barge or caravan with such a tank you may be familiar with the problem. Plation removes that smell and taste by filtering and by added silver ions, which simply eliminate the potential for bacterial growth. You will quickly notice the absence of any taste or odour from the water. If you are concerned check the quality of the water.

Q. How often should I clean my potable, freshwater tank?
A. The use of Plation products reduces the need to clean and chemically disinfect your water tank and system. However, we advise the thorough cleaning of the system and tank, using a suitable chemical disinfectant prior to the introduction of Plation. Older systems may have built-up bio film coatings on the inside of pipes, which is difficult to remove. You may consider, as a precautionary action, to remove and replace older pipe work and system parts to ensure that bacterial growth is minimised.

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