Daylight developing tanks that don't leak?

[Noll]

I have two developing tanks: one is a Yankee Master tank, the other is a generic tank (same as the current arista daylight tank) both are of unknown vintage and both have a tendency to leak fixer!

So, what is my best option in 2015? Patterson tanks? Does anyone have leakproofing tricks to use on leaky tanks?

 

[Bob Michaels]

Your best option is to develop in a sink or an uber cheap 11x14 or 16x20 developing tray to catch a few drips.

 

[Godfrey]

Your best option is to develop in a sink or an uber cheap 11x14 or 16x20 developing tray to catch a few drips.

What Bob said.

None of my tanks leak (paterson, no-name, SS ...). But there always tends to be a dribble of developer or fixer on the table anyway. A small, cheap aluminum pan is what I use to keep it from happening, cast off from some cake or pie I bought for dessert. Been using it for 22 years now. ;-)

G

 

[Timmyjoe]

I've used a couple different Patterson designed tanks over the last forty some years, as well as stainless steel tanks, and they all eventually leak fixer. I like Bob's suggestion. I develop my B&W in a big tub with a large cup of warm water that I use to rinse my hands after each fixer inversion (don't really like getting the chemicals on my skin, and don't like wearing gloves).

 

[nhchen]

I've always had leaks in my patterson tank, until read somewhere that said you while you close the lid you also need to try and press some air out as you do so. This way if any gases are built up while developing it will have somewhere to go. Hope that makes sense?
Doing this has stopped my tank leaking every time since.
regards,
nathan

 

[michaelwj]

I have a Jobo one that leaks less than my Paterson one, although it still leaks. I'll try to push the air out of the Patterson and see how that goes next time.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[RichL]

I picked up a thin o-ring that was a bit to large a diameter for the tank. Nipped it to fit then tacked it into place using shoe goo on the end seems and three other locations. Works like a charm.

 

[yesaroos]

I use Jobo 2400 daylight tanks and see no leak..

 

[Canyongazer]

Kindermann...
No drips, last forever but they are expensive ...and you'll need to learn how to load stainless steel reels.

 

[sem]

I use a paterson and a jobo tank. While stopping I dry the lip of the cap with a peace of paper. It works most of the time.
best

 

[nikon_sam]

I place an old towel on the counter and place the tank on it...any small leaks land on the towel...

 

[Noll]

Thanks for the replies - it's good to know that I'm not alone here (I guess). I also noticed that I used the word "tank" far too many times in the original post...pardon my bad syntax.

I'll give the tray idea a go. I don't like getting the bathroom sink stinky with fixer, so that would keep it off those surfaces. Cutting some seals might be possible too. The one generic tank I own does have a seal in it, but I wonder it needs some kind of lube - which makes me paranoid about tainting my chemicals and film. I am happy to hear more ideas if anyone has them!

 

[sevo]

Fixer leaks (when all other stages are not leaking) are due to pressure build-up when the acid mixes with remains of a carbonate-laced developer. Use a stop or intermediate wash, do not overagitate the fixer, and occasionally vent the lid while the tank is upright!

 

[JoeV]

I have one stainless tank with plastic lid that leaks between the lid and metal body of the tank, and not only when fixing, so I don't think it's because of pressure buildup; another different brand of stainless tank doesn't leak at all. And my Jobo plastic tank doesn't leak either.

~Joe

 

[Bill Clark]

Paterson, I have a couple of them with no leaks.

 

[filmtwit]

I've used stainless steel type tanks for years.
I also tossed the stainless steel tops and replaced em with plastic tops.
The plastic tops form fit, but eventually stretch and start to leak after about year. So then you just replace em.

 

[Canyongazer]

I neglected to mention:
1. Kindermanns have a tight fitting rubberized top
2. Yes, they are expensive when new but I'm guessing cheap on used market as is most darkroom equipment.

 

[sevo]

I have one stainless tank with plastic lid that leaks between the lid and metal body of the tank, and not only when fixing, so I don't think it's because of pressure buildup; another different brand of stainless tank doesn't leak at all. And my Jobo plastic tank doesn't leak either.

Tanks of Kindermann type (plastic lid, steel tank) are excellent when new, but the steel eventually wears into the plastic and degrades the sealing surface.

 

[btgc]

What about using twirling stick to agitate? I used this method for years.

 

[Canyongazer]

We (college art department) used KIndermanns 4 or 5 days a week for twenty+ years, no such wear that I can recall.
I DO remember Paterson tanks and reels needing replacement from time to time.