Iron in my water supply

[thefizz]

There is currently a lot of iron in my darkroom water supply and I'm wondering if it will cause any potential problems with my films and papers, short term or long term?

Peter

 

[ann]

perhaps some increase in contrast.

 

[Ian Grant]

If iron particles get near fixer and lodge on film or paper they forms a bleach, persulphate and you end up with small clear/white spots in the emulsion, also iron staining (orangey) in wash water.

Normally a filter is enough to remove the iron particles, but without filtration they usually cause problems.

Ian

 

[thefizz]

If iron particles get near fixer and lodge on film or paper they forms a bleach, persulphate and you end up with small clear/white spots in the emulsion, also iron staining (orangey) in wash water.

Normally a filter is enough to remove the iron particles, but without filtration they usually cause problems.

Ian

Hi Ian,

I do have a water filter fitted so need I worry?

 

[thefizz]

I should add that the water looks clear but tastes a bit off.

 

[boswald]

You can get a specific filter element for metals in your water. When in Az, I found that it improved
the keeping qualities of my chemicals. But, if you can taste it, you might want to filter the whole
house water supply.

 

[thefizz]

You can get a specific filter element for metals in your water. When in Az, I found that it improved
the keeping qualities of my chemicals. But, if you can taste it, you might want to filter the whole
house water supply.

My darkroom is not in my home so thankfully I don't have that problem there.

 

[paul ron]

You can use a filter on the tap itself or just use bottled water.

 

[Ian Grant]

Hi Ian,

I do have a water filter fitted so need I worry?

Depends on the type of filter, not all remove particles, so a water softener/deioniser would need a particle filter.

If you have a particle filter then you should be OK.

Ian

 

[jeffreyg]

We are on well water and there is iron in our water despite a home filtration and softening system. I installed an in-line cartridge filter for my darkroom. There are different cartridges depending on your needs. I use a 5-micron carbon cartridge that works well.

Dead Link Removed

 

[mgb74]

There are different forms and treatment for iron. A good reference here: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/waterquality/iron.html

While you're a long way from Minnesota (US), the chemistry should be the same.

 

[Bruce Watson]

There is currently a lot of iron in my darkroom water supply and I'm wondering if it will cause any potential problems with my films and papers, short term or long term?

Iron is implicated in "early XTOL failure". If you are going to use XTOL, mix it with steam distilled water to avoid this problem.