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Electrolysis tank power supply options?

bagged89s10

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Mar 13, 2005
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I'm building a small 5 gallon eectrolysis tank and I'm looking for a cheap power supply option. I don't have a battery charger and I was thinking about buying something cheap from Harbor freight.

I know they have regular battery chargers, and then They have the $9 float charger. Would the float charger work?

I know I can look on craigslist for a used one but trying to look at all options without spending. $50-$100




~Veeps
 
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zkling

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Computer power supply units work good with multiple voltage/amp taps. Most of the newer inverter type battery chargers can work, but they need a load in line to keep the output up.
 
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dogdog

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Nov 15, 2011
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........
I know they have regular battery chargers, and then They have the $9 float charger. Would the float charger work?


............


~Veeps

the float charger might not have enough amp for your needs in order for it to be effective. unless you are de-rusting a paper clip of some sort for fun.
Just spend the extra $20 and get that 5/10/50AMP HF charger. The transformer inside is pretty nice, heavy duty, just the automatic fuse might needed to be replaced with a better quality ones. It's on sale for $29... it's a power supply by it self or get a surplus 24V 10 AMP ones from ebay that one worked for me where the others have failed on heavily rusted radiators but not suggested for thinner stuff . just don't get any that says smart automotive charger....


This thread might be of interest to you. there are few more of those in this forum regarding electrolysis, just search.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280657
 

Pathfinder

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Aug 4, 2009
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Newbury, MA
ZKLing did mean the power supply from inside a computer. Amazon sells an ATX computer power supply for $12. It is a fairly easy job to modify the supply for 3.3V, 5V, and 12V taps. Google "ATX power supply conversion". I did the conversion for my electrolytic rust removal system. It works great.

John Minton
 
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mpire

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Nov 21, 2008
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Florida
My uncle has had good success with a battery charger hooked to a car battery and then hooked to the tank. The float charger can't keep up, but the battery seems to make up the difference.
 

spongerich

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Apr 17, 2010
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Monroe, NY
I've used a couple of old computer power supplies, but found that for whatever reason, they don't seem to last very long. For the last couple years, I've been using an ancient 12v battery charger that I bought for $2 at a yard sale.
 

keelan

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Jul 31, 2013
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135
Location
Kelowna, BC
I have been threatening lately to hook a transformer to my vinegar tank...
I wonder if the results will be better and faster.
Fast doesn't interest me. Unlike transformers you can leave a part in the vinegar for months.

As the kids say these days...

Wat?
 
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