anode or crystals

[dead_plaines]

Just a quick question. When I first got the copy chrome kit I could swear that it said "the plating material is coming from the crystals, not the anode" in other words the actual material that ends up on the surface of my part is dissolved in the solution. Today I read the copy chrome descriptive/ order page, and it said that the crystals are virtually everlasting and the only thing that gets depleted is the anode. So the material that ends up on the surface of my part is coming from the anode? Which is it? My system stopped plating and I need to replenish something. Although after about 10 straight hours of plating, maybe 5 square feet of plated area, I don't see how anything can be depleted except my patience.
I'd like to say a preemptive "thank you" for the help that will come (I hope) in the near future.

[Z]

After a few months of using my 4.5 gallon kit, I've only replaced the anodes and brightener. Its my understanding that the crystals never need to be replaced, unless of course you solution becomes contaminated.

[KCV6]

The nickle and cobalt are coming from the solution. The nickle anode replenishes the solution as the nickle in the solution plates out. Imagine it being drawn into the solution from the anode as the nickle in the solution is drawn out by the item being plated (cathode). This is absolutely correct. LOL

I assume the cobalt will eventually run out? The copy chrome system of NiCo I can only assume uses a high mix of cobalt salts in the crystals making it an economical plating mix with only annode and brightner being required as consumables (hence it being so red?) with the cobalt not being replaced? I am no expert, so I could be wrong. Also I assume the brightner is just an organic brightner that assists in the correct crystal structure and allows the item to clear pasivate to prevent tarnishing?

Nickle and cobalt actually plate (crystalize) at different temperatures and current rates, there is a window where the ideal combination of nickle and cobalt are deposited together for any given solution, hence it being critical to get the temp and the ASI correct for the bath. If too little cobalt is deposited, it may as well be nickle and it will dull over time, too much cobalt and it will discolour and get a rusty appearance as it tarnishes. Once again I am no expert, so I may be wrong