rising pH question

[bullwhacker]

I have been trying McKenzies pickle and prior to that used Safety Acid for some time. They both seem to get a rise in pH after a few days.

My question is that I always follow the instructions to a T when mixing and the pH is always right in the proper range. Once it goes up I just throw a little in, check it, and add more if needed. Is this what you are supposed to do if you want to leave the capes in it for more than a few days?

[muscle20]

   Yes add acid to keep the pH 2.0 or lower, once it is stabilized, check it once in a while for pH and evaporation if storing skins in the pickle.

[cyclone]

Keep track of how much you are adding. 

Why not add that extra acid up front?

[bullwhacker]

My other question is if the pH is in the proper range for the first week, then gets too high, will the cape slip?

[muscle20]

     It can be left in the pickle for an indefinite time as long as you maintain your pH 2.5 and lower, that way there is a cushion from The critical point of the pH is 3.0 if left for an extended time period 3.0 pH and above yes, you can have slippage, I have experimented on this subject using a pine marten, and a few beavers, yes I removed a naked pine marten and had bad slippage on the beavers from the pickle float, I used specimens that I collected myself, so as the mammals were skinned warm, then went into the pickle at a pH of 2.0  the skins were in excellent pickled condition after a few weeks, It is normal procedure for me to store skins in a pickle,sometimes up to a year, but on this group of skins I let the formic acid evaporate off to the critical point and a little above. Just add enough acid to maintain a low pH and you will not have to worry about it if proper field care has taken place.