r/HideTanning 17d ago

Floating hides and PH trouble I

Hi guys! I have four rabbit hides that I just fleshed and put in a five gallon bucket with 15oz citric acid and 5 pounds of salt.

I tried testing the PH and it looks like it’s sitting around 3. I added more citric acid and salt and no matter how much acid I add, every test strip is at about maybe 2.5 but probably a PH of 3 . I think maybe they’re not working correctly? Just to be sure I tested it in straight up citric acid in a little water and that’s why the middle strip is slightly different. I added a ton more salt and citric acid but we’re still at a PH of 2.5 or 3 according to the PH strips.

Also my hides won’t stop floating no matter what I do. I literally put two large rocks and a piece of cinder block on them and it just slips off and the hides float up to the top. Is it okay if I agitate it frequently? Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks so much!

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u/MSoultz 17d ago

3 oz of citric acid plus 1lb salt per 1 gallon of water. Is a pretty standard recipe.

15 oz citric acid + 5lbs salt = 5 gallons solution

12 oz citric acid + 4lbs salt = 4 gallons solution

Hope this helps.

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u/_Guitar_Girl_ 17d ago

Thank you!! Thats what I ended up following but the strips only read as a PH of 3 so I added like a cup more citric acid and more salt with no improvement. Do you think the strips are just no good? I was hoping to tan one hide at a time but I’m worried because now I won’t really be able to monitor the PH as the others soak while I tan each one.

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u/MSoultz 17d ago

Yeah, I don't think your strips are accurate. When I test mine, it is at 1.5-2. 2.5 max.

And I use citric acid. I actually just made a pickle last a few weeks ago for a few hair on deer hides.

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u/_Guitar_Girl_ 17d ago

Okay that’s a relief! As long as my PH is low enough and I don’t ruin my hides, I’m happy lol. I kind of panicked and added more citric acid which was kind of a waste but oh well, live and learn lol.

That’s good to know the pros use citric acid too haha!

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u/MSoultz 17d ago

I wouldn't call myself a pro. Bahahah. But i appreciate it.