StillSmart

Would the T500 be ok for distilling water or would it be better to borrow back the airstill and using that?

The airstill started off life as a water purifier.

There are some rumours that the plastic fittings on the T500 will not handle the elevated temperatures that distilling water creates, there are however, other rumours that say these first rumours were started by rival companies who were trying to sell there own still.

This answer will be of no use to you whatsoever but I just thought that I would say hello and get the opportunity of asking why do you want distilled water? - Venus fly traps? orchids?

I have distilled water successfully in my T500, if that helps.

Also, if you want distilled water for plants, you may want to check its pH first. I have a condenser dryer which has raised plastic markings to say what the water can be used for, including plants, but I found it was too high at around 8.9pH. I don't know what the pH of distilled water out of a T500 would be for me (yet).

I'd have thought that distilled water would be pH 7.0. Though I have heard that with pure(ish) water, it doesn't take much to give a big pH swing on the meter.

Analogue photo equipment is dirt cheap nowadays, so I'm kitting out a darkroom. All the stuff I could only dream about 40 years ago, getting it for about 5 cents on the dollar thanks to fleabay and digital workflow. I need a hobby that encourages me to be sober most evenings lol.

The distilled water is for mixing up the developer and also for giving a final rinse to the film and prints. Come to think of it, I might go with RO water, the units are cheap enough.

I've always fancied having Venus Fly Traps but they need a LOT of light and if I was going to spend leccy on running a 400w/600w HID, there are more interesting ways to use that light.

Yes, you'd be right about the pH of the water, but with me using fabric conditioner I'm suspecting that is what is causing the upswing in pH. I'd expect it to be nearer neutral 7.0 from a T500. My local aquarium store sells RO water at £8 per 25 litres if that helps you with deciding on costs, convenience, etc.

I'm incredibly amazed to hear of your venture into old-skool photography development. I remember my Dad doing it all those years ago. It was fun for everybody; children included. I wish you well and thanks for bringing back all those fuzzy warm memories!

You're right about the fun part of analogue photography. I've been on photo forums and there are lots of pros that make their living using digital equipment but shoot film just because it's fun. They say they get no fun at all from their digital stuff, it's just a job.

It's cheap to get into, you don't even need an enlarger. There are lots of photogs who shoot b&w, develop the film themselves then scan the negs.

Dive in, have fun. I've been treading water for the 2 years since I retired. Workshop full of cool tools but no desire to make anything. Now I feel alive and I haven't even made a print yet.

I've been getting that buzz from growing my own food, raising hens, etc. I wish I could make a living off it; I love being outdoors and productive!

Voddy wrote:I've been getting that buzz from growing my own food, raising hens, etc. I wish I could make a living off it; I love being outdoors and productive!

Yep,there is a buzz there.
Some downsides,garden pests,chickens that eat the egg just laid.etc
But at this time of year,in this hemispere,magic!

Well, that took the thread way off topic........
Robert.

I'd look into a RO unit or buying it. The AirStill has been modified and takes nearly forever to distill 4L of water. I am pretty sure that the cost of the electricity would exceed the cost to purchase in a store. That is the route that I went.

Chuck

RO it is then. Thanks.