MPS foam

[steve771]

I started doing an alternate shocking procedure, where every other week I use MPS instead of Dichlor as a shock.  I still sanitize after every use with Dichlor (pretty much daily).  I've noticed that there is some foaming when using MPS, but not when using Dichlor.  It isn't a lot, but definitely noticible.  Is this normal?  

[Brewman]

I use only MPS shock, with bromine, and no foaming problems.
Brewman

[bulmer4nc]

I use only MPS shock, with bromine, and no foaming problems.
Brewman

Ditto.

[wmccall]

I do pretty much the same as you with no foaming problems. Are you also cleaning the filter at the same time? Some filter cleaners cause foamin if you don't , as I like to say, "rinse the beegeebers" out of them.

[steve771]

Yep, I clean the filters regularly, but my filters are a little different in that they go in the wash with a very slight amount of detergent and some bleach (cloth style that fit over a plastic "basket").  Always do an extra rinse.  Maybe I'll give it a shot w/o the detergent at all, but that is what the manufacturer recommends.

I just wondered if, all other things being equal, MPS could cause foaming where dichlor doesn't.  Chlorine really doesn't bother me at all, but my wife is a bit sensitive, so that's why I was trying the alternative method.

[steve771]

And along the same lines... when using MPS, does it tend to leave the water a little cloudy compared to dichlor?

[Brewman]

Our water is clear, but I've never used dichlor so I can't compare the two.
Brewman

[steve771]

Thanks Brewman.  I really think all the problems I'm experiencing now relate back to when I tried that "velvet touch" crap from leisuretime.  It caused foaming then, and I wonder if there is some sort of reaction to that.  I'll probably do a drain and fill, but I would like to get another month out of this water.

[Brewman]

If you need to stretch it out another few weeks, why not try one of the foam dispersing products?
The one I use works fine, for the few times I've ever had foaming issues.  
Brewman

[steve771]

I have used the foam dispersing stuff.  It worked well, but I don't like adding more to the mix than I have to.  I'm starting to feel like a chemist making some evil brew!  

The foam only occurs now with an MPS shock, and then only a little that I can manually skim off, so it's no big deal.  I think I can just live with it until the water change.  Thanks!

[tony]

MPS should actually help get rid of foam being an oxidizer that eliminates organics.

[steve771]

MPS should actually help get rid of foam being an oxidizer that eliminates organics.

Well, that statement only makes me think it is more than likely that 'velvet touch' crap!    Although maybe the foam coming up is what it is trying to get rid of (if that makes sense)?  

[Chas]

MPS should actually help get rid of foam being an oxidizer that eliminates organics.

Some versions of MPS shock - "Freshwater" by HotSpring for example - contain a clarifier. I have found that over doing it with this particular product can increase the likelyhood of foam. It also tends to raise the TDS if overdone.

[tony]

That is why I now use just a straight MPS product...no buffers, no clarifiers.  It is also less expensive and you use less.

[wmccall]

That is why I now use just a straight MPS product...no buffers, no clarifiers.  It is also less expensive and you use less.

Can you give a brand example?