Got a leaky metal developing tank, any good ideas to fix it?

[rpavich]

I have a two reel stainless steel tank that has the plastic lid. I don't use it that much and I don't leave it on the tank when not in use. I just used it to develop a couple of 35mm reels and it leaked pretty badly. I ended up wrapping it in a towel to stop the slop but I'd like to figure out how to stop it from happening before I buy a new tank and cap.

Has anyone fixed this issue with their stainless steel tank and plastic lid combo?

 

[jim10219]

I have a stainless steel tank with a stainless steel lid that leaks pretty bad. I tape the lid down with masking tape. It prevents the leaks, and keeps the lid on tight.

 

[rpavich]

I have a stainless steel tank with a stainless steel lid that leaks pretty bad. I tape the lid down with masking tape. It prevents the leaks, and keeps the lid on tight.

Do you mean you just go around the outside circumference with the tape? (at the tank/cap seam?)

 

[David Brown]

One can buy just a new plastic lid. They're pretty universal. That "might" solve the problem.

(Strictly anecdotal) Every metal lid on a metal tank I've ever used has leaked to some extent, but no plastic lid has, UNTIL it gets a split. Those plastic lids, as they age, will become harder and eventually a bit brittle, and they will split from being stretched a bit even time they are put on the tank. You might look to see if yours is split - hard to see sometimes, black on black - then a new one would be in order.

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/161816-Arista-Tank-PVC-Replacement-Top

 

[rpavich]

BTW: I have determined that my leak is on the small cap, not the main cap.

 

[rpavich]

One can buy just a new plastic lid. They're pretty universal. That "might" solve the problem.

(Strictly anecdotal) Every metal lid on a metal tank I've ever used has leaked to some extent, but no plastic lid has, UNTIL it gets a split. Those plastic lids, as they age, will become harder and eventually a bit brittle, and they will split from being stretched a bit even time they are you on the tank. You might look to see if yours is split - hard to see sometimes, black on black - then a new one would be in order.

I will look. I wouldn't mind buying a new plastic lid if that would solve it.

 

[David Brown]

I will look. I wouldn't mind buying a new plastic lid if that would solve it.

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/161816-Arista-Tank-PVC-Replacement-Top

 

[rpavich]

https://www.freestylephoto.biz/161816-Arista-Tank-PVC-Replacement-Top

Thanks, just ordered two.

 

[David Brown]

Thanks, just ordered two.

I hope that takes care of the problem.

Plastic lids have a life expectancy. That's why they are sold separately.

 

[rpavich]

I hope that takes care of the problem.

Plastic lids have a life expectancy. That's why they are sold separately.

Me too.

FYI: on the 3rd and 4th roll I switched the small lid and the leaking stopped so I guess there is something wrong with the leaky one but I didn't see a crack or anything.

 

[jim10219]

Do you mean you just go around the outside circumference with the tape? (at the tank/cap seam?)

That is exactly what I mean. Just run a string of tape along the seam, maybe two. It will obviously soak into the tape and eventually dissolve the glue, but I’m long done with the developing before that happens.