I have been studying my stack of catalogs trying to choose a tan
but have noticed some warn against use with well water. Is there
a tan available for use with well water? If I purchased distilled
water how much water is needed for a small mammal (lifesize)? Thank you.
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A 20-quart (5-gallon) flat back (fits againsat the wall)hard plastic container from Big Lots Store...$1.99...will do the trick.
.....Well water is not recommended. Every underground source of water contains the disolved minerals that are in the ground that it comes out of. These minerals can combine with the chemicals in your pickle and tanning solutions, rendering them less effective. or worst yet, not effective at all. The softer your water the less minerals it contains. Just because you have soft water, it still may not be totally free of contaminates. You need to know what is in your water and how much. If you have taken high school or college chemistry, you know that ALL solutions and All cleaning is done with distilled water to eliminate the contamination that can effect the results.
and doing only 1, I normally use a 1/2 gallon mason jar. Fill 3/4 full with pickle and this will give plenty of room for the daily stirring the hide.
I use well water, have been for 8 years. I don't use commercial tanning solutions; however, I prefer a formic acid pickle followed by liquid tan. This way as long as my pH is correct I know the pickle is ok. Always follow directions with your tanning kits though..
and doing only 1, I normally use a 1/2 gallon mason jar. Fill 3/4 full with pickle and this will give plenty of room for the daily stirring the hide.
I use well water, have been for 8 years. I don't use commercial tanning solutions; however, I prefer a formic acid pickle followed by liquid tan. This way as long as my pH is correct I know the pickle is ok. Always follow directions with your tanning kits though..
One of the reasons to use SOAKZ-IT 553 is that it will keep calcium , magnesium and iron, among other minerals, in solution. This will allow you to use water from various sources, during times of the year when mineral concentration in the water is at raised values. It acts as an insurance for your process in that in helps your process perform the same, day to day, dispite the variations in water conditions. For more information, call 1-800-868-1454 and ask for Tech Data on SOAKZ-IT 553 TC-2. You can then get the product from your favorite supplier. Well water may contain other contaminants. You should test your water from any source at various times of the year so you know how it changes. If you don't have a local place to do that, maybe we can help you find where to have it done. Good luck. Dave.
I tan using well water and have for years. I use Lutan-F in the tan and have never had any problems. But, my well water could have different mineral levels than yours.
HH