Replenished Xtol Quality & Sediment in larger tanks

[Nicole]

After many years I'm finally converting from 2.5ltr brown bottles of Replenished Xtol to a 10 litre storage tank, in which sediment will gather at the bottom of the tank. I always fear asking a question to avoid the "doh" factor... but here goes:

When I skim the Replenished Xtol from the top of a larger tank for hand developing (avoiding stirring up the sediment), will the quality of the replenished solution at the surface be of lesser quality than further down the tank closer to the sediment?

In case you ask, I dev approx. 20-30 rolls per week.

Seasons Greetings with Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" to you all,
Nicole

 

[markbarendt]

I don't technically know, but my guess would be no, as long as there's a bit of stirring that happens on a normal basis.

 

[MikeSeb]

Nicole, so let me understand---these are those large cylindrical tanks with floating lids (spigots at the bottom?), right? I've often wondered whether solutions last as long in those as they do in the tightly sealed glass bottles in which I usually store Xtol. I take it you're using conventional inversion hand tanks, right? After hearing the praises of replenished Xtol, I'd like to try it but with a Jobo it's nearly impossible, or at least impractical.

 

[Nicole]

Thank you Mark.
Mike, I have two (some type of plastic) solid, slightly rectangle tanks from Kodak with both floating and top fitted lids. One tank is for LF and another for 135/120. Yes, I develop by hand in stainless steel tanks and the best tool in my darkroom (apart from the bin) is the magnetic mixer.

 

[df cardwell]

Nicole

I'm certain the solution is uniform, but I just take pictures. Better you ask PE !

You can always filter out the sediment.

 

[Nicole]

Thank you Don. It's nice to see you old friend.

 

[dpurdy]

My situation is similar in that I have 10L mixed up in a tank and I use it to exhaustion ... which is 150 rolls. However I process right in the tank with film on reels. During the course of the time it takes to go through that much film the tank develops quite a lot of greyish sediment and particles. I also dip off the top of the tank to process sheet film and then pour the used developer back in. The sediment is definitely ugly and gives me concern as it stirs up and turns the whole tank of developer opaque and grey but I have never seen anything come of it as far as specks stuck to film or any type development problem.

 

[PHOTOTONE]

I too, use Xtol in a 3.5 gallon Kodak plastic tank with floating lid and cover. It does develop grey sediment that coats the bottom and sides of the tank and when replenishing and such the sediment is stirred up. I don't like the sediment, but so far, I have not done anything about it. I wonder if I would harm anything by filtering the tank of developer thru a filter, and scrubbing the tank out with warm water and a scotchbrite pad and then filling it back up with the tank solution of used/replenished developer? I think the sediment is stuff that is a byproduct of the film developing, and does not contain active ingredients, but I don't know.

 

[markbarendt]

I have filtered my Xtol with a coffee filter. It took two to do 1.75 liters so plan on plenty of filter material. Worked great.

I too, use Xtol in a 3.5 gallon Kodak plastic tank with floating lid and cover. It does develop grey sediment that coats the bottom and sides of the tank and when replenishing and such the sediment is stirred up. I don't like the sediment, but so far, I have not done anything about it. I wonder if I would harm anything by filtering the tank of developer thru a filter, and scrubbing the tank out with warm water and a scotchbrite pad and then filling it back up with the tank solution of used/replenished developer? I think the sediment is stuff that is a byproduct of the film developing, and does not contain active ingredients, but I don't know.

 

[Ian Grant]

I haven't used Deep tanks for a few years now, just 2.5 litre bottles these days but I still always give a very gentle stir first missing the bottom without a problem, I do filter my stock solution once in a while, usually decanting off most first then just filtering the last part with the sediment.

It always surprises me how few photographers replenish their developers these days as it's so efficient and makes processing so much easier and consistent while giving excellent quality.

Ian