AFR - Poor Mix?

[BigMax]

Question for AFR users.

I purchased a 1600g container of AFR and upon opening it I noticed lots of blue clumps an streaks. Also the mix was very moist. There are roughly 10 blue streaks about 1/2" x 1/8" in each 'layer'. (I dug down an inch and it's pervasive). The inside of the canister has greatly yellowed, that's an side, but seems odd that they would use a material that stains so easily?

I've attached a photo which doesn't show it well at all, but thought it shows a bit of it.

Anyway, just asking for the experience of others. (I assume it may be trace elements? but based on how moist it is I have no confidence in evenly distributing what ever the clumps are comprised of through out the mix.

`

 

[Reefahholic]

Question for AFR users.

I purchased a 1600g container of AFR and upon opening it I noticed lots of blue clumps an streaks. Also the mix was very moist. There are roughly 10 blue streaks about 1/2" x 1/8" in each 'layer'. (I dug down an inch and it's pervasive). The inside of the canister has greatly yellowed, that's an side, but seems odd that they would use a material that stains so easily?

I've attached a photo which doesn't show it well at all, but thought it shows a bit of it.

Anyway, just asking for the experience of others. (I assume it may be trace elements? but based on how moist it is I have no confidence in evenly distributing what ever the clumps are comprised of through out the mix.

`

Was this used or new?

 

[David_CO]

I can’t comment on the color but containers I’ve bought have always been sort of moist and clumpy, I think that’s normal.

 

[BigMax]

Was this used or new?

New, purchased from an LFS two weeks ago.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It is somewhat moist when new. May be elements as I just looked at mine and dont see any blue but I would contact manufacturer to see what they say.

 

[Roli's Reef Ranch]

Similar experience here and wouldn't be too concerned. When I bought it, it looked similar to yours. You can mix up the entire batch and store it in a few gallon jugs if you have it to ensure even distribution. I've reached out to TM in the past about other products and found them very responsive.

 

[BigMax]

I have asked Tropic Marin several other questions over the year, they are always extremely helpful and prompt with a response. Below are the comments from Hans-Werner concerning the AFR:

"Both, the blue streaks and the yellowed canister are from iodine. The streaks do not totally reflect the distribution of the iodine but only indicates zones where all conditions fit for the reaction that causes the discolorations. Nevertheless the distribution of the streaks is sufficiently even to have very similar concentrations in any significant quantity of a solution prepared with this powder. I am very sure it is safe for use as normal".

I will likely remove it from the canister and remix the powder to the best of my ability. When buying from a LFS who knows how long it has been sitting on the shelf? Which could have been a long enough period for the interaction.

 

[areefer01]

Looks like mine. I mix it and use it. Been using the product now since the DIY recipe was launched and subsequent powder. Always the 1600g containers as it is the most economical. I dose 115 ml/day.