keeping chemical up to temp

pesphoto · Dec 26, 2008

I know this has been talked about but I cant seem to find the old thread I was searching for. I seem to remember people talking about a "warming" pad that some would sit their chemical trays on to keep tham warm. There were links to a couple of them and I'm trying to find with the search function but no luck. Anyone know those links by any chance?

MurrayMinchin · Dec 26, 2008

I still haven't bought one (long story, don't ask...) but I hear they work great;

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/prod1;ft1_hog_equipment;pg106120_106122.html

When I get one I'll be getting the thermostat as well. Good luck

Murray

pesphoto · Dec 26, 2008

That's it! Thank you. Hope you get one soon. I wont ask......

Jeff Searust · Dec 26, 2008

I have a portable oil filled heater (looks like a radiator) that I have under my sink (and therefore under trays). I have had to use it once this year. When put on low heat it will warm everything up, and as the sink is directly above it, will make the sink warm. I really don't suggest any sort of pad under a tray just as I would think it would be a bit dangerous.

dpurdy · Dec 26, 2008

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=110318532334

I recently bought one of these Aquarium/hydroponic submersible heaters. I love it. My darkroom sink runs about 54º F and I was running hot water baths and having my developer temp never be the same for two minutes in a row. This heater has controls away from the element. The element fits nicely in the end of an 11x14 tray, or if you want to use a smaller tray you could create a larger tray water bath and keep the heater in there.

I not only use it in my paper developer, I have been putting it down into my 10 liter film developer tank and warming that up too. It goes down to 68º.

Dennis

pesphoto · Dec 26, 2008

Thanks Jeff, I have one of those heaters sitting around!
I hadnt thought of putting it under the sink but that could work. I'll give it a try.

gb hill · Dec 26, 2008

Hi pes, I'm just begining to start processing soon. The room I will be using stays quite cool in winter months. Are the chemicals, once standing in the trays really that diffucult to keep a consistant temperature? What is the ideal temperature for making prints? Sems like I read around 75 deg.f somewhere.

Bob-D659 · Dec 26, 2008

Water will evaporate from the open trays and cool them very quickly if the humidity is low, I have to use heat or the dev will drop to 16.7C in a couple of hours.

keeping chemical up to temp

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