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SEPTIC TANK 

The septic tank serves as the initial storage receptacle where the first stage of treatment takes place.  Wastewater enters the tank through an inlet; solids (sludge) settle to the bottom where some anaerobic digestion* occurs, and grease and fats (scum) float to the top.  A cleaner, partially treated wastewater layer develops between the sludge and scum layers.  After 24-48 hours, this wastewater goes on to further treatment.

 *Digestion is the decomposition of waste by bacteria and is an anaerobic process, meaning that oxygen is not required.  Basically the same thing that happens in our gut occurs in a septic tank. Microbes excreted from our gastrointestinal tract (E. coli, for example) carry out the breakdown of sludge solids.  Gases are produced and must be vented.  In the septic system, the gases help to stir the sludge, scum and liquid layers, promoting further digestion of the solids.  A properly functioning septic tank will convert most of the bulk of solids into liquid waste through this process of decomposition.

Source  --->
Septic Tank -->
Recirculating Filtration System --->  Greenhouse --> Discharge Site