XTOL, A question

[Gerry M]

Asking for advice on XTOL. On Feb 4, I mixed up my first 5 liter batch of XTOL. It went into 1 gal and 1 qt containers. I have used all of the 1 qt container, using it 1:1. My question is; When I open the 1 gal (this pm) jug, should I decant the unused into smaller containers, or just leave the remainder in the gal jug? I have read that the shelf life has been improved.
Thanks,
Gerry

 

[Bob-D659]

Always keep the air out. That's why I use recycled 2 liter pop bottles, D76 stays water white for a year even when less than 1 liter in the bottle with no air above it.

 

[cmo]

An old trick:

Buy some butane gas, the cheap stuff that is sold bottled as a fuel for cooking, camping and for cigarette lighters. It is heavier than normal air. Spray some of that into the bottle. It lays like a lid on the liquid so that no oxygen harms the developer. A commercial product made by Tetenal named "Protectan" is more or less the same kind of gas, but at a humongous price.

The downside: you better don't smoke in the darkroom.

 

[markbarendt]

If you have a box of wine that's about done, finish it off, wash it out, put your Xtol in.

Works great.

 

[Gerry M]

To all:
Thanks for the tips. Using other developers, I have been using a tip that I got from varnishing on my boat. As you slowing close the cap, breath out and into the container. That loads the remaining space with CO2. With varnish, since that replaces the oxygen,it really helps slow down the "skinning over". Not sure about the results with photo chemicals, but I do it as a precaution. That is, unless there is too much space in the container and I turn blue .
I do have propane (from my travel trailer) on hand. I will try that.
Mark; By the time the wine sack is empty, it's too late for me!
Gerry