Opinion on BIOLYTIX home waste water treatment

Re: Opinion on BIOLYTIX home waste water treatment

I had an issue with the install and wrote to Biolytix to sort the problem out out.
Yes, abosolutley no response which is a bit of a let down. However the system is now in to its second year and seems to be working well. The basic concept is good. Pity about the customer service. Some of the prevous comments may be right in that they are just looking for the money!!!!!

 

Re: Opinion on BIOLYTIX home waste water treatment

I guess too that would be wrong.

 

Wastewater concentrations of Sodium, which can affect soil structure, particularly where potentially dispersive clays are present, are largely derived from what the user flushes into the drainage system, so you need to look at soaps, detergents etc - the type of wastewater treatment system used, be it a Biolytix or a mechanically aerated plant is largely irrelevant to the types and concentrations of cations in the final effluent - Biolytix effluent is just as likely to damage soil structure if applied at high design irrigation rates or loadings as an Envirocycle or Ozziekleen for example.

It all depends on soil types though, generally, if your soils are predominantly sands, dispersion due to high Sodium Absorption Ratio in effluents (or indeed any irrigation water) won't occur as this is a property of clay soils only. SAR is a mathematical expression derived from the relative ratios of Sodium on the one hand (very common constituent of wastewater) and Calcium & Magnesium on the other; this is why you use gypsum (Calcium sulphate) to break up clay soils. Where dispersive clays are suspected in your wastewater land application area, you should always treat them with gypsum when you install the the irrigation infrastructure.

As for chloride concentrations in wastewater, again, the treatment system used is largely irrelevant, most chloride is derived from washing powders, cooking and urine. If your soils are suffering a build up of chloride, then your irrigation area probably isn't big enough.

 

You should not be applying an undisinfected effluent by spray (ie surface) irrigation; there's a potential risk of aerosol formation and inhalation of viral particles, not to mention runoff of these contaminants into watercourses etc during rainfall; what you are doing is illegal..

 

You shouldn't be irrigating Biolytix effluent ON anything - Biolytix systems are only accredited for subsurface drip irrigation or discharge of effluent into an absorption trench. (ie "UNDER")

 

Wastewater concentrations of Sodium, which can affect soil structure, particularly where potentially dispersive clays are present, are largely derived from what the user flushes into the drainage system, so you need to look at soaps, detergents etc - the type of wastewater treatment system used, be it a Biolytix or a mechanically aerated plant is largely irrelevant to the types and concentrations of cations in the final effluent - Biolytix effluent is just as likely to damage soil structure if applied at high design irrigation rates or loadings as an Envirocycle or Ozziekleen for example.

It all depends on soil types though, generally, if your soils are predominantly sands, dispersion due to high Sodium Absorption Ratio in effluents (or indeed any irrigation water) won't occur as this is a property of clay soils only. SAR is a mathematical expression derived from the relative ratios of Sodium on the one hand (very common constituent of wastewater) and Calcium & Magnesium on the other; this is why you use gypsum (Calcium sulphate) to break up clay soils. Where dispersive clays are suspected in your wastewater land application area, you should always treat them with gypsum when you install the the irrigation infrastructure.

As for chloride concentrations in wastewater, again, the treatment system used is largely irrelevant, most chloride is derived from washing powders, cooking and urine. If your soils are suffering a build up of chloride, then your irrigation area probably isn't big enough.

 

Dear Forum participants,

My husband and I have just had a Biolytix septic connected last week. We have been using the system initially this past week, as advised, and have only just received our worms yesterday. Once we add our little soldiers tomorrow, we are pretty much set to go.

I have been doing some research on suitable house hold cleaning products that will not effect the system, however have not been very successful in finding the information I seek. I note Ross way back in November 2008 suggested a few friendly detergents, but would like to know if these are still available or if anyone else may have some suggestions.

I am a clean freak and used to use bleaches etc in the bathroom, but have mellowed somewhat since living on our beautiful bush block.

Grateful for any suggestions, advice and comments.

Cheers
Jennifer

 

Hi Jennifer,
I've long held the view the sodium is more of a problem than Phos especially inland and lower rainfall areas.
Phos can be a problem but soils over large areas of Aus. are generally Phosphate deficient.
exotic grasses (like those in lawns) and many other commonly grown garden plants benefit from the added phos.
If they use it up, it's less likely to be a problem.
Too much of it can tie up iron esp. in high pH soils where it's availability is already compromised.
Gypsum is always a good addition to greywatered areas.

I'll use all the phos I can get.

many "eco-friendly or enviro-friendly" ( stupid terms imo) washing powders have a lot of sodium but dont put that on the label.
frustrating...

Anyway your question re washing powders.
unless clothes are really heavily soiled, I use a fraction of what is reccomended by the manufacturers on the pack.
You may well find most of the info you're after at the lanfax labs site.
https://lanfaxlabs.com.au/

 

hi all,

im looking at making my own treatment sytem along the lines of biolytix and particularly a&a worm farm waste systems.

my system will be gravity fed thanks to the site topography. i was thinking of using a concrete tank as the first stage, not sure what to use for filter though, obviously worms, but what to go between the worm area and the water area? then the water will go down into one of two plastic lined large landscaped areas or reed beds which will look out of place but why not.

oh and stage 3 is profit!

any advices or suggestions? note i'm doing this as cost efficiently as possible, my budget is very tight.

 

Household cleaning agents?
Why not vinegar.
Cider vinegar is supposed to be the best for everything per what I have read so far.
Personally think its alittle expensive to use just for cleaning so maybe just the white stuff for this.
I am using up all the cleaners I have at the moment by which time I should have sussed out whats what.

 

can u drip irrigate under your vegies and fruit tree's.. i've been told i can... anyone help me out with this?

 

Good luck with warranty

As the former owner of, as someone correctly described it, a "disastrous" Dowmus I would be very wary of dealing with Biolytix. In fact I was so wary and trust them so little that when we had to replace our Dowmus - yes replace the bloody thing - we went for an econova instead. Even if Biolytix was the best system on earth I would never trust them to keep their word...they blew it with me.

We were left high and dry (I am tempted to say in the shit - but will refrain) by Dean Cameron, the founder of Dowmus and later the Biolytix when they went broke.

For anyone who does have a Dowmus, there is some help at https://dowmus.hinternet.com.au

I sincerely hope that any biolytix owners don't have to go through what we and other Dowmus owners have had to put up with.

 

Ahh the trials and tribulations of Biolytix.
Here's a tale of 2 systems.
We have had ours for 3 years and it works as good as it can. We had a very good plumber install and maintain it. Have not had to deal with the company so that is a good thing. We have the audible alarm not the internet connected one.
Our neighbour has had one for 4 years and it is yet to work correctly. They could write a book on the terrible service they have received and the crap they have had top put up with. Different installer and internet connected (big mistake). Once you have to deal with Biolytix post purchase cross your fingers that nothing goes wrong. The other thing to watch out for is the greywater area as this is a grey area that Biolytix want nothing to do with even if the reason there is a 3m tall geyser in the backyard and could be a tourist attraction, is because the system has never worked properly it has clogged all the irrigation lines. Finally after 4 years of hounding Biolytix, they know everyone there on a first name basis, the whole system is being replaced including the greywater area.
Ahh the joys of sh...t hey.

 

Biolytix

I see this thread was posted some time ago but I wanted to let a few people know about our experience with Biolytix. We purchased the Biolytix system with our new house and thought it was great due to the whole environment thing. We now use environmental house hold products etc.
One thing we have experienced is the company basically wash their hands of you if you have a problem. They hire contractors to install the system and if there is something wrong with the system and they suggest it may be an install problem, it is up to you to chase the installer for the money for the problem and this can be very expensive for parts. They do not help at all. Also there are not enough service operators to service the system. Biolytix are quick to ask for your $399 service fee each year but getting the service performed may take you a few phone calls. We are not the only ones with a problem, the neighbours had a problem also with the irrigation system, Biolytix said "not their problem, installers problem" and washed their hands of the situation. The yearly fee for the delux is supposed to cover for warranty, service, parts, call outs but we are having no luck at getting any of these since our system has had a problem. Not only is the alarm going off every 24 hours at 830pm each night (and often wakes the kids) but our service operator who was fixing it has gone on holidays for 2 weeks so we cannot contact him or get the system fixed. This is while the alarm is still going off.
By the way if you have a problem on the weekend there is no back up service. All you can do is leave a message on their answering machine and wait for someone to contact you on the Monday.

I must say the system itself is a brilliant idea. The service from Biolytix themselves is not so crash hot. Very friendly but expense all the way.

 

Biolytix is in receivership

Apparently due to the flooding and wet weather Biolytix's Australian operations have gone into voluntary receivership as of 19th of Jan 2011.

Copy of email that i received today

[FONT=&quot]Dear Biolytix Customer,
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Due to months of heavy rain and floods in Biolytix's key areas, its Australian companies sadly were placed into voluntary liquidation on the 19 January 2011. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]For further details on how the liquidation of Biolytix will impact you, please follow the link below: [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]https://www.lawlerpartners.com.au/creditor_reports/biolytix_group_of_companies/index[/FONT]

The above link has a set of FAQ:

FAQ for Biolytix Customers




How do I get the latest owners manual and service manual?
Click here to download your copy of the owner’s manual and service manual.

How do I arrange servicing of my system now?
Biolytix is no longer in a position to directly service your system. In this regard we are currently working in conjunction with Biolytix to locate an alternative service provider if possible.

You will be advised in due course as to the alternative service arrangements. If you require any urgent servicing, please contact your local plumber.

What if I have already paid for my service contract / warranty?
Any service contracts / warranty for your system are no longer valid.
Any amount paid under your service / warranty contract will rank as an unsecured creditor in the Liquidation of the Biolytix Group. In this regard you will receive a formal notice of liquidation shortly.
If you have recently paid for this service via credit card, you may be entitled to a refund from your credit card provider.
What if I have already made a payment for my system?
Biolytix is no longer in a position to provide your system. Any deposit paid will rank as an unsecured creditor in the Liquidation of the Biolytix Group. In this regard you will receive a formal notice of liquidation shortly.
If you have recently paid for this service via credit card, you may be entitled to a refund from your credit card provider.

Should you have any further queries in this matter, please email our staff on [email protected].


Outcome seems to be that all Biolytix owners are on their own.


We have a system installed and it has been operating properly since Aug 2009 with the alarm never going off. Have neighbours whose system has been alarming regularly during the 2010/2011 wet season. Our soaking area is installed on a quite steeply sloped area so the water seems to be able to drain away effectively.

 

Biolytix in receivership

Now I have to chase my credit card company for my service fee I paid in December with no service. Our neighours did the same. Wait till I tell the neighbours. Also our irrigation system has just started seeping out black gooshy stuff. Our alarm still isn't fixed and we have no aerator as no one ever came back to install the one that died on ours. Smell city, here we come.:n:

 

welcome to life aftee Dean Cameeon

Biolytix owners, sorry to tell tou that like Dowmus owners before you, you will be left in rge shit.

Wonder qhere Dean will pop up next...sigh...

As for blaming tge weather, well it is never the directors is it?

 

Maybe "non-existant after sales service" would be closer to the mark

 

Hi to all,

My Company PBV Plumbing Solutions have been the Contracted service agents for Biolytix and are effected badly by them ceasing business,With regard to ongoing Servicing and Maintenance of existing systems I would be happy offer the service of my company to assist Owners of Biolytix systems on a fee for service basis we have been covering an area from North Brisbane through to Gympie,and would be available to service systems out side of this area as part of our servicing procedure you would receive a service report and another service report would be forwarded to the relevant council so that you remain compliant with Councils requirements.

We have been able to source a lot of the necessary parts that may be required in maintaining the Biolytix system and we are confident that we can offer a seamless continuation of Service and care for your system,I am available to assist if you any questions I can be contacted either by phone during business hours or 24/7 by email [email protected]

Regards

PBV Plumbing Solutions
Gary Armstrong
0400702004
P.O Box 7363
Sippy Downs
Qld,4556

 

If anybody is wanting a New BF6 3000L Biolytix filter system I have one available purchaser would need to arrange freight,installation can also be arranged in Northern NSW & Qld email[email protected]