Good call on the overflow setup, wish I'd thought of that sooner. I did the shaded barrel thing too, but found it tricky balancing shade with proximity to downspouts...ended up building a little cover instead. Works pretty well and algae's been minimal since.
Interesting approach with the cover—I've been considering something similar myself. Right now, my barrels are partially shaded by a nearby tree, but I'm noticing that leaf debris is becoming a bit of a hassle. I installed some basic mesh screens, but smaller particles still slip through and settle at the bottom. Have you had any issues with sediment buildup in your setup?
Also, since we're on the topic of algae control, I've read mixed opinions about adding small amounts of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide periodically to rain barrels to keep algae growth down. Personally, I've hesitated because I'm unsure how it might affect plants when watering later on. Has anyone experimented with these additives? Curious if there's a noticeable difference in water quality or plant health.
On another note, regarding overflow setups—mine currently just drains into a gravel pit nearby, but I'm starting to wonder if there's a more efficient way to redirect excess water. Maybe channeling it toward garden beds or even into a small constructed wetland area? Seems like it could be beneficial for both water management and landscaping aesthetics.
Would appreciate hearing about any experiences or insights on these points...
I've seen sediment buildup become a real headache, especially when smaller particles slip past basic screens. In one setup I worked on, we switched to finer mesh filters (like mosquito screen material), and it significantly reduced the debris settling at the bottom. As for additives like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide...I'd advise caution. I've had clients experiment with diluted peroxide—seemed okay for algae control—but vinegar can alter water pH, potentially affecting sensitive plants. Redirecting overflow into garden beds sounds smart; I've done similar setups, and it's worked pretty well.
"Redirecting overflow into garden beds sounds smart; I've done similar setups, and it's worked pretty well."
Glad to hear this, as I'm considering the same. For sediment, have you tried layering different mesh sizes? Heard it helps catch finer particles without clogging too quickly... might give it a shot myself.
Heard it helps catch finer particles without clogging too quickly...
I've tried layering meshes before, and it does help catch finer sediment without clogging too fast. Just make sure you start with a coarser mesh on top, then progressively finer layers below—that way larger debris gets caught first and won't block the finer mesh underneath. Also, keep an eye on it after heavy rains... sediment buildup happens quicker than you'd think, and regular checks are key to avoiding overflow issues.
