Thread: Calgon Water Softener available in Melbourne?

I mix my own photographic formulae. Calgon or Sodium Hexametaphosphate, is often used as a water softener. Currently Melbourne water (Southern Suburbs) doesn't require a softener, however when the water authorities add a flocculent as their reservoirs get lower, you do need a softener.

If one uses distilled or de-ionised water for photographic formulae, you do not require the use of Sodium Hexametaphosphate, could this be a solution for you?

I just looked in my darkroom and I don't have any Sodium Hexametaphosphate left.

Photographic grade calgon is of a higher refined version of the supermarket softener/detergent, as a result it's more expensive but can be purchased usually from 10gms upward.

Mick.

Just had a thought, this is the best store (still) in Australia for photographic chemicals.

Vanbar Online Catalogue

They are in Carlton and North Melbourne, any chemicals are kept in North Melbourne, perhaps you could get someone to pick a small purchase up?

$3.30 for 100 gms

Mick.

Just another thought, the Carlton store is open until 1700hrs on a Saturday, they have access to the computer and can tell you if they have any left.

They are getting out of chemicals!

Mick.

Originally Posted by Optimark

I mix my own photographic formulae. Calgon or Sodium Hexametaphosphate, is often used as a water softener. Currently Melbourne water (Southern Suburbs) doesn't require a softener, however when the water authorities add a flocculent as their reservoirs get lower, you do need a softener.

If one uses distilled or de-ionised water for photographic formulae, you do not require the use of Sodium Hexametaphosphate, could this be a solution for you?

I just looked in my darkroom and I don't have any Sodium Hexametaphosphate left.

Photographic grade calgon is of a higher refined version of the supermarket softener/detergent, as a result it's more expensive but can be purchased usually from 10gms upward.

Mick.

Thanks for the response. Distilled water alone won't suffice for what I'm doing unfortunately, I do require some SHMP. I'll ask Herself to have a look out for some Calgon when she's next doing the shopping.

Originally Posted by Optimark

Just had a thought, this is the best store (still) in Australia for photographic chemicals.

Vanbar Online Catalogue

They are in Carlton and North Melbourne, any chemicals are kept in North Melbourne, perhaps you could get someone to pick a small purchase up?

$3.30 for 100 gms

Mick.

Thanks, I'll try them.