If salt mix gets caked from humidity is that a problem?

[glb]

I have a box of IO Reef Crystals that was like a brick when I opened it. I live in south Florida so humidity is always a problem. I broke it up and am using it, but it's not totally dissolving. Does humidity alter the mix in the box?

 

[glb]

I've thought about adding a desiccant to the bag but I think they have silica in them so that's probably a bad idea. How can I keep it dry?

 

[AdamNC]

If you have a bag of salt the only way really is to just press all the air out before you tie up the bag. Used to live in WPB years ago and never had any issues with excessive moisture in my salt mix.

 

[Shep]

I had the same problem, it clumped and then would not dissovle alll the way but I never noticed a problem when using it. You could use rice in mesh bag, that might work.

 

[reefwiser]

Problem you will have is that the mixture will separtate and you will not get an even mix of trace elements in your salt water. Which is what you are seeing.

 

[mcarroll]

All+Ca will precipitate as well.

Keep your container sealed when not in use. (Most bags are not resealable...get a bucket.). Scoop out what you need, immediately reseal the lid. Many of the salt mix components are hygroscopic and will literally draw ambient humidity into the mix, creating moisture - so limiting the time your salt is open to humid air can be important too.

Do not scoop with a wet scooper...do NOT let even a drip into your salt. It makes sense to scoop into a measuring cup, so the scooper never gets wet and the measuring cup can be rinsed.

You may have heard the old expression "keep your powder dry"...the same applies here, with the same importance, with similar consequences. Elements recombine, typically becoming more inert.

$0.02

 

[glb]

Thanks everyone. So should I replace this box?

 

[mcarroll]

Thanks everyone. So should I replace this box?

Depends on the extent of the problem. A tiny amount is almost unavoidable...no problem. Large clumps could be removed if they're solid. If the whole box, or large portions of it, solidified then pitch it.

 

[evolved]

Depends on the extent of the problem. A tiny amount is almost unavoidable...no problem. Large clumps could be removed if they're solid. If the whole box, or large portions of it, solidified then pitch it.

Agree

 

[pickupman66]

I would get new. unless this is for a fish only system. the Alk and Calcium will precipitate out of the solution when you try to mix it. this is the main reason I switched to strictly using buckets vs the bagged and boxed salts. I have had some come out like a brick just after purchase.

 

[mcarroll]

I have had some come out like a brick just after purchase.

That is DEFINITELY a problem! Lol!

I had a gallon of BRS dry magnesium turn solid...found a TINY pinprick-sized hole that must've happened during shipping/handling...didn't notice until I went back to mix the second batch months later. Whoa - brick with a handle!

 

[glb]

That is DEFINITELY a problem! Lol!

Tell me about it. This was the worse one by far. I'm going to get a sealable bucket from Home Depot to store it in from now on. I don't want to buy a bucket of the salt because it would take forever to use it up and the humidity down here would get to it after a while no matter how careful I am.