Mixing smoke fluids

[DMXBandit]

I have a Jem zr12 with a quarter of a tank of extra thick Jem fluid in it. Would it cause any ill effects if I where to top it off with regular strength fluid, still by Jem?

 

Thanks

[greenalien]

How long has the old fluid been in the machine? If you don't know, tip it away! Old fog fluid tends to get bacteria growing in it which will readily block the pump and heat transfer block. It's also not recommended to subject your audience to a bacterial attack! Always filter fog fluid before use - a kitchen towel in a funnel made from an old plastic pop bottle is a cheap way to do this.

 

Mixing fluids is not normally a problem, but I'd do it in a separate container - if the subsequent mix remains clear, then it's probably OK to use; if it goes cloudy then the fluids aren't compatible.

 

Most fog fluids are made from water, plus a soluble glycol - usually propylene glycol, which is an approved food additive. The price tends to reflect the percentage of glycol in the mix.

 

(BTW - don't put ethylene glycol (antifreeze) in a fog machine!)

[GridGirl]

Always filter fog fluid before use - a kitchen towel in a funnel made from an old plastic pop bottle is a cheap way to do this.

 

I've never heard this one before - what's the reasoning behind it? Every smoke machine I've ever used I've just poured the fluid straight from the bottle into the tank, never had any trouble.....

[3guk]

99% of fog machines do have a little solids filter on the end of the tube, so you shouldn't really have to do it. But I suppose for the extra few seconds it takes, could result in less chance of solids going thru the pump !!

[DMXBandit]

The fluid is only a couple of months old so should be ok. Cheers guys!

[Jamtastic3]

Doesn't the bacteria only grow when the fluid is in contact with the air all the time, for example when there is no lid on the tank and the tube is just sitting in exposed fluid.

I've been in that situation once and yeah the bacteria doesn't look great at all.

[greenalien]

Doesn't the bacteria only grow when the fluid is in contact with the air all the time

I've known bacterial colonies to grow in brand new, sealed containers of smoke fluid that have been in storage for a few years. Hence the reason I filter the stuff before use.