Grey water color from HLT

[barnhs]

I'm a bit perplexed and concerned. I bought a 1500 watt water heater element from Lowes, and used it in a large aluminum stock pot to build a HLT. Aside from the inside of the HLT pot turning a dark color, I've noticed a grey foam on the top of my boil. I suspect the water heater element is reacting with the aluminum pot, but am not if this should bother me. Is this unhealthy?

 

[alien]

I doubt you have anything to worry about. Aluminium is normally pretty unreactive due to its oxide layer. That's what is causing the dark grey colour in the pot. Once the layer has built up I expect the grey foam will stop too. Aluminium cookware is safe to boil water in.

 

[jeffmeh]

So was it a new or recently cleaned aluminum kettle? If that was the case, then you were probably building up the oxide layer. Normally, one good boil for an hour should get you there. After that, do not use any abrasive cleaners or chemicals, as you do not want to remove it. Basic dish soap is fine, although for my aluminum kettle I usually just srub with water to remove any residue, and rinse well.

 

[barnhs]

Cool. The pot is new, and I suspected something like that. the grey foam concerned me. Hate to get sick from a Hefe, but think all is well.