Instant ocean residue in tank

James5214 · Apr 22, 2022

So I've noticed on this new bag of salt I have got when I add it to my tank after mixing there is a film like slick on top of my water. Is there any way I can get rid of that? Will it harm my fish? Is it ok and just annoying to the eye. And is only way of fixing it by changing to a better salt? Thanks guys

Nate Chalk · Apr 22, 2022

Are you waiting for water to clear post mix before adding to tank?

LeftyReefer · Apr 22, 2022

I noticed the same thing when I used IO the one and only time I used it. Not a fan of the mess it leaves. I ended up having to powerwash my mixing container to get the brown stuff back out after running just the one bag of IO through.

REEFER-RICK · Apr 22, 2022

A little slim on the top of your water just put a power head up to cause some aireration should do the trick some salt mixes are like that what are you using

Nonya · Apr 22, 2022

Sounds strange. Are you mixing it before adding it to the tank?

DivingTheWorld · Apr 22, 2022

To be clear, are we talking about Instant Ocean (purple bag) or IO Reef Crystals (orange bag)? Big difference. I've been using Instant Ocean (purple bag) for years and never had film or brown residue in my tank or mixing brute. I've seen numerous reports of this with Reef Crystals (orange bag), but never used it myself.

James5214 · Apr 22, 2022

It's the purple bag. And yes I make sure it's completely mixed and clear. I always put a LED light up to the water to make sure it isn't cloudy. And when I get the salt on my fingers it's almost like greasy and slimey.

EricR · Apr 22, 2022

I just switched back to regular Instant Ocean bags (not Reef Crystals) about 1.5 months ago.
Never seen any film/slick from it (yet).

FWIW, I let it mix with a water pump and heater overnight before using (usually close to 24 hours mixing before use).

Nonya · Apr 22, 2022

I wouldn't worry about the film. I've done water changes and seen the same thing in the barrel I mix in. It comes in the salt mix, so it's just part of the ingredients, maybe dust from one of them.

mfinn · Apr 23, 2022

Sounds like your overflow isn't working properly if a scum is building up on your waters surface.

James5214 · Apr 23, 2022

Ok so I'm mixing it in a 5 gallon bucket right now and I already see the film on top of the water. I have a wave maker in the 5 gallon mixing it. Like I said when I touch the salt by itself my fingers get this greasy feeling. Maybe I got a bad bag or expired? Because my last bag of IO didn't do this. It just showed up in my tank once I got this new bag.

Nonya · Apr 23, 2022

I'm thinking maybe magnesium chloride. When I mix it as a Mg supplement it has a slight greasy feel on the skin. Regardless, I'm sure it's harmless.

As far as expiration, it's usually sealed, and its 100% mineral. I wouldn't have a problem using my oldest mix.

James5214 · Apr 23, 2022

The fish are totally fine they aren't acting any different. All my levels are normal. It's just it looks ugly to the eye.

X-37B · Apr 23, 2022

I went back to IO purple awhile ago.
Was using esv.
The IO left a brown residue and an oil slick, lol, on the surface of my brute. I put 1/4 rox carbon in a nylon bag and its crystal clear.
I did this through a whole bucket then switched because my second bucket big 3 were way off.

Nonya · Apr 23, 2022

90's reefer said:
I went back to IO purple awhile ago.
Was using esv.
The IO left a brown residue and an oil slick, lol, on the surface of my brute. I put 1/4 rox carbon in a nylon bag and its crystal clear.
I did this through a whole bucket then switched because my second bucket big 3 were way off.

When I used to get a full bucket, I made sure to mix it up by pouring the salt from bucket to bucket several times. The fine powders separate in shipping.

X-37B · Apr 23, 2022

crit21 said:
When I used to get a full bucket, I made sure to mix it up by pouring the salt from bucket to bucket several times. The fine powders separate in shipping.

Yea same here. The second bucket I mixed several times and tested levels.
Alk 8
Ca 290
Mag 900
I just got a bad batch.
Going back to esv after I finish my Aquavitro bucket. This stuff is the dirties salt I have ever used but works well, lol.

Nonya · Apr 23, 2022

90's reefer said:
Yea same here. The second bucket I mixed several times and tested levels.
Alk 8
Ca 290
Mag 900
I just got a bad batch.
Going back to esv after I finish my Aquavitro bucket. This stuff is the dirties salt I have ever used but works well, lol.

I haven't done a water change in 3 years. I supplement based on testing.

X-37B · Apr 23, 2022

crit21 said:
I haven't done a water change in 3 years. I supplement based on testing.

I dose trace and do 10% a month to remove what cant be tested for.

exnisstech · Apr 23, 2022

Instant ocean always leaves a brown residue in my mixing container. I don't really worry about it much. Been using it for years with no problems. As to the film on the water every aquarium I have ever had fresh or saltwater develops a film on top of the water if there isn't enough surface agitation. I figure it's just stuff from the air but never put much thought into it. If I leave a glass of water sitting out long enough it gets a film of stuff. Maybe I just have a lot dust and things in the air at home?