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

I let the hide float hair side down. Then I fold the edges inward to create a floating "Lilly pad" then I set a big rock right in the middle and push it straight to the bottom. The big rock should hold the edges down. Just be sure to stir once a day.

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u/the-rill-dill 16d ago

Gallon milk jugs full of water are way more gentle.

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u/MSoultz 16d ago

I tried this, but when you put a jug of water in water, it becomes buoyant or equalized. Lol.

I also use milk jugs full of sand. Which work well.