Charcoal filter question

[carts69]

Does anyone know how i filter my nickel soloution, i wish to filter it through & replace the brighteners,Can i use the cooker type charcoal filter material and strain it through this,also do i need to haeat the nickel & to what temp? after i have done this i know i need to check the PH values!

[KCV6]

Are you sure you want to do it through a charcoal filter? This will definitely filter out the brightener. I only use charcoal to remove brightener.

I always filter with the tank pre-heated to normal operating temperature. Filter out to a clean bucket (same size as tank), wash the tank out and then filter back into clean tank.

I use polypropylene filter cloth laid out in a large colander which sits neatly on the top lip of my tanks. a couple of layers of old polyester business shirt cut to size works fine as well.

[carts69]

Hi... Yes i don't mind filtering out the brighteners, im aiming for a total filter through. Can you tell me is it best to heat the soloution or strain it through cold.
I would also like to know the best way to check the PH value, would i be right in saying.... bubble the liquid for a short period & then cease bubbling then test with liquid (cold)??
Any advice on the above would be great!

[KCV6]

I always run the tank up to temperature with air agitation on then filter once it is up to temp. I also always check the PH with the tank heated and air agitation on.

Also if you charcoal filter, re-run the tank up to operating temperature with air agitation on, then add a full re-charge of brightener before testing PH. Leave the tank to run for a while before checking the PH. When you check the PH it will probably be high, so using a small syringe or eyedropper, add a few drops of acid as required to bring the PH back down to the recomended operating window.

Cheers

Mark

[carts69]

Thanks Mark for that advice i follow your way! Just one thing what if the PH turns out to be too low?

[KCV6]

No problems.

Once filtered I doubt it would be low (i.e. overly acidic), however if it is, I would add more brightener to bring it more alkaline. Usually the only way it would be excessively acidic (low PH reading) would be if it was contaminated with too much acid.

My tanks always tend to go alkaline over time, have always ended out having to add drops of acid.

Cheers

Mark

[carts69]

Cheers for the advice mark, im now fully clued up! take care mate.