Water retention in Archival Print Washers

[ghostcount]

I have a 16 slot 11x14 print washer and it uses a lot of H2O just to fill it. My print session usually yields 8-10 prints (8x10 or 11x14).

For the sake of conserving water and money in the light of today's economic status, is it advisable to not dump the water out of print washers after washing prints? I probably print 3-4 times a month so the water would have to remain unused for a several days. I know it will become stagnant and possibly undergo biological growth. If I add chlorine bleach to the water, with the anticipation of long periods before my next session, harm prints?

 

[dpurdy]

Bleach will bleach paper. I use a 16x20 washer for everything and it doesn't even have a drain (old Z6). The water will develop some algae or something after awhile. I use mine nearly every day and even then the tank starts to get algae built up on the bottom and sides. When it looks like it is getting bad I dump the washer and give it a good scrubbing in bleach water. Then I give it a good running rinse to get out the bleach.
Dennis

 

[ghostcount]

Thanks Dennis. Silly me, I've used chlorine bleach to clear prints and films before.

At least it's good to know that I don't have to dump my tank every time I finish a washing session.

 

[Robert Hall]

I keep mine full but if I will let it sit for a week, I will dump some clorox in to it and run it out next session. It keeps the slime down and the washer clear.

 

[ghostcount]

Oh good idea. I did notice a slight slime build up on mine.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have a 16 slot 11x14 print washer and it uses a lot of H2O just to fill it. ... For the sake of conserving water and money in the light of today's economic status, is it advisable to not dump the water out of print washers after washing prints? ...

How much water does it hold? As discussed in another thread, a gallon of tap water costs around 1¢ in industrial countries. This amounts to 0.1¢ per gallon per print in your case. Is this really a serious economical thread to you?

 

[ghostcount]

Michael, I need a lot of practice and still learning and only a very few worth showing.

Ralph, never really thought about cost just seeing all that water down the drain at once made me cringe a bit. Though, I probably dump more when I develop film. :confused:

 

[RalphLambrecht]

... Ralph, never really thought about cost just seeing all that water down the drain at once made me cringe a bit. ...

Well, you fooled me:

... For the sake of conserving water and money in the light of today's economic status. ...

 

[ghostcount]

Ralph,

Oh no... Cost was completely visual for me as far as relating to economy. At any rate the washer holds 11 US Gal. or 9.16 UK Gal. or 41.6 Liters. I guess at 11¢ per fill is in the noise. Thanks for the rate.

 

[cowanw]

Seems to me you needn't bother with washing for any sort of archival longevity if you don't mind getting fungus in your gelatin.

 

[ghostcount]

OK I guess I was wrong.

"There are a great many things I am in doubt about at the moment..."

Thank you.

 

[cowanw]

OK I guess I was wrong.

"There are a great many things I am in doubt about at the moment..."

Thank you.

Truth is it is hard to know what is right or wrong in this world these days