mold in pickle???

[HeadzUp]

Been tanning for a few years and have run into an issue. I have noticed mold growing on top of my pickle solution and on any part of my hides that are not totally submerged in the water. Have never had this issue until recently. We have however moved to a new home and shop. Don't know if there is something in the water?? Ph is perfect as well as the amount of salt. Any ideas why this could be happening?  Capes were all fresh and prepped well. Has happened to a couple of deer, a wolf and an otter. All in different containers at different times. Need to try and get this figured out quick. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I haven't been able to find any info so thought I would ask here. Its driving me nuts! 
Thanks
Shawnee 

[HeadzUp]

With all the knowledge and information on here, all you guys who have been tanning sinve the beginning of time...doesn't anyone have any input or advice?  I was really hoping for something. I don't know where else to look for some answers.

[J Brown II]

Are you using citric?

[HeadzUp]

Oxalic acid. Its what I've used forever. Even ordered a new batch, same results with both old and new.

[J Brown II]

Is it growing on a newly mixed batch or dirty pickle?

[HeadzUp]

The first acid pickle I put rehydrated hides in only lasts about 24 hours or so before I can see it starting. At that point I will mix a new pickle, rinse and spin hides and transfer to the new pickle. Once in the second pickle, mold will start after day 3 or so. The water is very clean I have noticed. I just can't see that I am not cleaning the hides well enough. Anything is possible, I'm not here to argue. Just get advise. Is there a hard/soft/sulfer water issue that could be causing some sort of an issue. I am neurotically checking the pH to make sure it stays right where it needs to be. The first pickle will go off but the second or third I mix up usually stay pretty well right on. They do have a bit of a foul odor also, I have noticed when I take the lids off to check.

[alpinewildsheep]

The only time i have noticed mold on the surface of  my pickle is when i used a lid.

[HeadzUp]

Really?  I use a lid now but always have. Should I not?

[nts2010]

I have had the same problem since changing to citric acid , I intend to put an anti fungal additive into the pickle and se what happens. Every solution that the skins have come in contact with now turn mouldy , pickle , tan & rinse tubs !  When I start getting a few more skins next season I will be experimenting with using oil of cloves to start with as the anti fungal agent , maybe you could try this . Apparently 10 drops of oil mixed into 250 ml water ( approx 9 oz ) and applied thru a spray bottle onto bathroom tiles will stop mould growing on the grout so this is why I intend to try this first .

[HeadzUp]

Nts2010--ok, not to sound stupid...citric and oxalic are not thr same, right?  I know different people call things by different names.

I always worry about adding something into the pickle. I don't even have any junk capes lying around right now. Had to rid the freezers of extra stuff, I got swamped this year with bear and deer. Has anyone tried something like this?

Appreciate the help!
Shawnee

[muscle20]

    Never had mold problem since the early days agitate freq., agitation also helps the pickle process, very important to keep the hydration and pickle moving!