Precipitate in Fixer solution????

jcryan55 · 6th May 2004

Not sure I'm the only one who have this phenomenum. I've not touch the fixer concentrate (FYI, it's Ilford Rapid Fixer). While trying to mix the working solution that day, I notice white clear crystals forming and floating in the concentrate solution? What's that stuff ? Anyone had any idea?

I've seen people trying to use a coffee sieve to separate out the silver flakes in spent fixer but haven't heard of crystal forming from solution that is yet used?

sriram · 6th May 2004

I've used the same fixer to develop prints as well as negs, but in all those years I've never seen any precipitate or crystals. I've often contaminated the fixer with my fingers, dirty containers and other junk but never seen this phenomenon. I can only guess that your fixer has been taken over by thirsty aliens.

insomia · 20th May 2004

My chemistry is a little rusty. Crystal precipitation will occur if the concentration goes above a certain point - perhaps with some evaporation of water, the concentration of the active ingredients of the fixer has reach this threshold point - I suspect it would still work. But then since fixer is essential cheaper in terms of time and effort - junking this and using a new bottle should not be a major problem.

6th May 2004	#1
jcryan55 Deregistered Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,112	Precipitate in Fixer solution???? Not sure I'm the only one who have this phenomenum. I've not touch the fixer concentrate (FYI, it's Ilford Rapid Fixer). While trying to mix the working solution that day, I notice white clear crystals forming and floating in the concentrate solution? What's that stuff ? Anyone had any idea? I've seen people trying to use a coffee sieve to separate out the silver flakes in spent fixer but haven't heard of crystal forming from solution that is yet used? Last edited by jcryan55; 7th May 2004 at 09:15 AM.

6th May 2004	#2
sriram Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,274	I've used the same fixer to develop prints as well as negs, but in all those years I've never seen any precipitate or crystals. I've often contaminated the fixer with my fingers, dirty containers and other junk but never seen this phenomenon. I can only guess that your fixer has been taken over by thirsty aliens.

20th May 2004	#3
insomia Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 102	My chemistry is a little rusty. Crystal precipitation will occur if the concentration goes above a certain point - perhaps with some evaporation of water, the concentration of the active ingredients of the fixer has reach this threshold point - I suspect it would still work. But then since fixer is essential cheaper in terms of time and effort - junking this and using a new bottle should not be a major problem.