i'm tanning my first batch of deer hides and i'm using a formic acid pickle. My question is, i didn't have a salinometer to read the % in the pickle. I have a hydrometer but it reads specific gravity. Can the hydrometer be used instead of the salinometer to tell me if i have the proper amount of salt in the pickle? I used the 1 pound of salt for 1 gallon of water to 1.1 ounces of formic. Should my salt be fine with this dosage. I've checked my ph a couple times a day and it's held steady at 2.5. I'm just worried the salt % is not adequate and i'll end up acid swelling my hides. Am i worrying over nothing? Thanks in advance.
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1 lb to the gal is the recommended formula. The salt content won't decrease, if anything it will increase as the water evaporates. If you are going to leave the hides in for more than a couple/3 days, re-check the PH. Add more acid if it gets over about 2.7 This is where I use safety acid, to kick it back down, it doesn't take as much to do the job as formic does.
Dan K