Acid question

[hurricaneracing]

New anodizer here...The first batch of acid I mixed I used 1 gallon acid to 3 gallons water. I probally should have thought before I did this. The acid was probally a little stronger than usual 1600 on the hydrometer!!! 2nd batch I decided not to use the free 1600 acid and spent the whopping 5.00 for a gallon of 1285.

Now I need a new batch because I left the lid off and the bugs seem to think they would enjoy swimming in the acid bath. My question is once I have my new mixture what acid reading should I be at? What differnce does it make as far as weak and strong acid. I do know using the 1600 will eat the aluminum. But I was more courious of a more suttle differnce.

[acidrain]

I'm not sure about your reference to 1600 and 1285. The 1:3 ration is for battery acid, which is already dilute approx. 50/50.
There are a couple threads on the subject. I'm sure if you search some key words like acid ratio, etc., you'll find your answer.
As for the bugs... just strain them off by scooping/skimming the surface, and pouring it through coffee filters. Really, only stray metals, minerals, or grease will ruin the acid.

[sswee]

Not many use specific gravity for checking acid concentration. Check posts by Sage. He uses SG and has posted the readings for the different ratios a couple of times.
I'm with acidrain on the bug problem. The coffee filters were a little slow for me. I use the white angel hair media for aquarium filters to filter out particulates from the tank.
SS

[sage]

A fresh batch of 3:1 acid (Caswell LCD concentration) will have a specific gravity of around 1075. A 2:1 mixure (old school Caswell) will have a specific gravity of about 1100. This will get you in the ball park especially since it appears you really have no idea where you are at the moment.
I say "around" because accurate measurement is difficult with a cheap battery hydrometer. On a fresh batch that has not been used (no dissolved aluminum) specific gravity if measured accurately is a valid way measure the concentration for our purposes.

http://www.sulcochemicals.com/Acid_Electronic_copy.doc

Above is a link to Sulco Chemicals, a manufacturer of Sulphuric Acid. In that document, a few pages in, is a table of acid concentrations vs. specific gravity.

Sage

[hurricaneracing]

Originally Posted by sage

A fresh batch of 3:1 acid (Caswell LCD concentration) will have a specific gravity of around 1075. A 2:1 mixure (old school Caswell) will have a specific gravity of about 1100. This will get you in the ball park especially since it appears you really have no idea where you are at the moment.
I say "around" because accurate measurement is difficult with a cheap battery hydrometer. On a fresh batch that has not been used (no dissolved aluminum) specific gravity if measured accurately is a valid way measure the concentration for our purposes.

http://www.sulcochemicals.com/Acid_Electronic_copy.doc

Above is a link to Sulco Chemicals, a manufacturer of Sulphuric Acid. In that document, a few pages in, is a table of acid concentrations vs. specific gravity.
Sage

Sounds good the 1075 is the number I was looking for. Just wanted to be sure the new acid was in the right area. Thank you..