Developing tank/reel advice needed

greg · Expire: 2012-12-03

I am in the USA (to pin down availability) and I need a new tank/reel for 120 and 35mm, All of my old tanks are from firms no longer in existence. Can I get some recommendations for current brands and models?

ludoo · Expire: 2011-12-05

Why not a used steel Kindermann from ebay? I have two and they are virtually indestructible, and much easier to load than plastic reels.

rawhead · Expire: 2014-04-29

I got a couple of tank/reel combos that are just lying around not being used (I've moved onto Jobo so and hand inversion tanks are redundant). I can ship them to you if you'll pay the postage. MA to NY should be pretty cheap, too.

Send me a PM if interested.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

I'm currently using a Patterson tank and reel set. The Patterson tank is a "Tank System 4" design. It's about 8" tall or so. Looking on the bottom it says it is the "Multiunit-body 1." The Patterson reels can be configured to a few different sizes. At the 135 setting, the tank should hold three, at the 120/220 setting it should hold two.

I've used a variety of tank systems over the years, from SS tanks with SS reels to Jobo. I find the Patterson system to be among the easiest to use. Incidentally, I don't use the spin agitator with mine, but use the inversion method instead. I've had better, more consistent results with inversion than with spinning the reels.

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

I wish my Paterson tank did two 120s instead of two 135s, need to see
about getting the larger tank. When I bought it, I was assured that it came
from the land of leeks and malt vinegar. Smile

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

Just to add to this, for years I used a small Yankee tank and reel. It will do only one roll at a time of 135 or 120, but it's small, easy to use, and even has a thermometer built into its spinner.

Click here to see on Ebay

This may be all you need unless you want a tank that multiple rolls.

Also, if you don't have one already, you'll need a changing bag, such as one of these:

Click here to see on Ebay

greg · Expire: 2012-12-03

Due to missing stirring rods, missing steel balls in reels, etc I need to start with whole stuff.

I was going to get a new changing bag when I opened a tote and found a brand new one still in wrapper. Smile

Thanks to everyone for ideas and advice. I am looking forward to doing some coffee developing.