Green Deposits After Tank Electrolysis

Electrolyzed my tank over the weekend, first round went well but after dumping and rinsing I found a few spots that were still a bit rusty. Went in for a second round this morning, but after 6 hours I dumped the tank to find the rusty spots had been replaced with a green patina like oxidized copper and flecks of copper-colored material on the electrode. I'm guessing this is just dissolved copper from my pipes (maybe I got some water from the hot water tap, wasn't paying that much attention), but has anyone else had this issue? I've got the tank soaking with diluted naval jelly overnight, any better solutions?

 

I use this stuff; politically incorrect environmentally nasty phosphric acid concrete cleaner and etcher. Be careful not to get any of the new "green alternatives" they don't have any effectively harsh ingedients. It's gotta say "phosphoric acid" or it ain't real:

 

That's what I use too fitz.

I think Naval Jelly is phosphoric acid based too.......

 

It is, but it's gotta be diluted and dissolved more to put into the tank. The stuff Fitz suggest is probably a little easier to use (and faster because it needs less dilution). Naval jelly, on the other hand, is a little easier to find.

 

Sounds like you ran the power on the wrong leads and instead of moving the rust to the steel bolt, you moved your copper wire to the tank...no harm and easily reversed......no matter how you choose to do it, be VERY careful to instantly wipe and rinse & dry ANY spills!!

jeff

 

I got the Prep & Etch at either Home Depot or Lowes, I forget.

 

I get it at Home Depot.