Powdered Fixer Chemical, rock solid with moisture. Is it usable ?

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

My neighbor is a photographer and I ordered 1 kilogram white powder to use as fixer. I think it was something thiosulfate or alike. I never used it and powder turned to rock solid. Is it usable after all ?

Umut

 

[mopar_guy]

If I remember correctly regular fixers are Sodium Thiosulfate and rapid fixers were Ammonium Thiosulfate. To check for activity, put a clipped piece of film in the fixer and see how quickly it clears.

 

[mopar_guy]

Umut, If you try to mix the powder with water, I think that your chances to disolve the powder are excellent. Use water at 20 C.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

The anhydrous forms of both sodium and ammonium thiosulfate will absorb moisture from the air and set like concrete. This is why sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and ammonium thiosulfate 60% solution are usually sold. They are probably OK just get out a large hammer to break up the chunk.

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Thank you Dave and Gerald.

Dave, I love Cars, no new group like the 80s.