This article about tank treatments was also very helpful.

4 Types of Septic Tank Treatments Explained

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Septic tank treatments are vital to the maintenance of your septic system. The tank, drain field and soil all serve important roles in the way the system operates. Septic systems help to properly and safely dispose of wastewaters. These waters are produced from kitchen, bathroom and laundry use. Due to the presence of a high content of germs in the wastewaters, it is crucial that you have an effective treatment program. Below are 4 treatment plans.

1.  Bio-Culture Additives

Bacteria colonies naturally occur in sewage systems. They play a vital role because they enable the system to work at its best. When added into the septic system, bio-cultures enhance the way colonies of bacteria work. They reinforce the natural biological processes at work in the septic system. These cultures are very useful when clogged leach fields require to be cleaned. Further, bio-cultures have a high efficacy as a remedy for encrusted build-ups in sewerage systems. They also work to reduce the effects of pollution by household wastes.

2.  Use of Filters

It is a good idea to install an effluent filter in the septic tank’s exit baffle. This feature prevents the discharge of large solids into the drain field. You need to have the filters cleaned whenever the septic tank is pumped. You should also use washing machine filters to minimize discharge of solids into the septic system. Effluent and washing machine filters go a long way to protect your septic system.

3. Septic Tank Pumping

When sludge is pumped from the sewerage system, it reduces the load on the system. The flow of wastewaters into the system is also moderated when the tank is pumped. This reduces the amount of sludge flushed into the drain field. It also provides the septic system and drain field with an opportunity to rest. The reduced incidence of chemicals from household cleaners and bleaches increases the working capacity and efficacy of the bacterial colonies. These colonies get ample opportunity to act on the biomat that abounds in the drain field. It is a good idea to have the septic system pumped every 3 to 5 years. This helps to prevent leach field failure, a common occurrence where systems are not drained regularly.

4.  Regular Maintenance

A rigorous maintenance schedule is one of the most effective treatments for your septic tank system. An annual inspection of the septic system is also a good idea. Some techniques can be put in place to reduce the load on the system. Responsible usage of water in the household is a key measure. Excessive use of water floods the septic system. It also causes discharge of more solids into the drain field. If you spread out household water use, it can help keep the system from too much strain.

You should also reduce use of water softeners. Softeners increase discharge of water into the septic system. It is best to use a softener that doesn’t use high volumes of water. You must also prevent the disposal of garbage into the sewerage system so as to reduce the volume of solids in the systems.

Okay, so since no one responded yet, i did a little research... This article was very helpful, because I was really concerned about the cons more than the pros.

Green Home Designs: Septic Tank Options

In order to conserve water and reduce wastewater pollution, many green home designs now include options for septic tank treatment of wastewater from household toilets, kitchens and laundry rooms. These range from traditional solid tanks with pumps and leachfields, to more modern closed systems that treat the wastewater inside the septic system, releasing much cleaner wastewater into the ground. Learn more below about the various septic tank options available today.

Traditional Septic Systems

A traditional septic tank system includes a large concrete holding tank, with an entry pipe that accepts wastewater from the household. In the tank, gravity divides the wastewater into liquid and solid waste, and then pumps the liquid waste out into a leachfield. The leachfield consists of a bed of crushed stones and tile, which removes more wastewater solids. The water then travels through shallow trenches where soil bacteria further purifies it. Eventually the wastewater, considerably cleaned of toxins, makes its way into the water table.

Problems with Traditional Septic Systems

Solid waste can accumulate in any part of a traditional system, causing blockage and waste backup into the home. One-piece septic tanks should be pumped out every 3 years to prevent clogging and backup. A mound located above ground level is the access point for the septic tank pumping truck. Large septic tanks are made in 2 pieces, and have a central seam. Frequently this seam will develop leaks, allowing untreated solid waste to seep directly into the soil and hence to the groundwater. Traditional septic systems work best when used with as many low-water consumption devices as possible, including low-flow toilets and shower heads, and water-conserving washing machines and dishwashers.

Other Septic Tank Models

More up-to-date septic systems comprise a much smaller solid waste tank, often made out of durable plastic instead of concrete, and a multi-pipe separation system that drains off much higher volumes of liquid waste, moving it to the leachfield more quickly. These have several capped mounds above ground for access.

Newest Septic Tank Models

The newest septic tank systems employ a small tank along with a system of five or more large-diameter flexible pipes that can actually treat the wastewater and decontaminate it intensively before releasing it into the soil. The leachfield is composed of a fine-grained sand instead of stones, that draws out much higher volumes of contaminants than a conventional stone and trench leachfield. The gravity feed of the system eliminates the need for pumps and electricity. The pipelines can be installed on a 25% slope, greatly assisting with gravity feed of liquid waste. The pipes themselves are made of recycled plastic to further reduce the footprint of this septic system on the environment. On small sites that handle large volumes of wastewater, these systems can be installed one above another, helping speed up the flow of waste through the system, and minimizing the ground area occupied by septic treatment.

Septic tank systems, whether traditional or modern, implement a key feature of green home design - localized waste treatment. They will continue to play a key role in sustainable living in the future.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/green-home-designs-septic-tank-options