Old reef chemicals

[Zero_Cool]

I recently restarted reefing after a 12 year hiatus. Found my old reef chemicals (most of which were from BRS with the old logo):
Kalk
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Chrloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
Carbon
GFO
Kent Tech-M (sealed)

I have already replaced the kalk, carbon and sodium bicarbonate out of habit.

Would any of these be worthwhile or should I dispose of them and start with new?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Some have expiration stickers but I would think over a decade- best to use fresh stock

 

[twelvefive]

I used 15 year old IO Reef Crystals today

 

[gbroadbridge]

I recently restarted reefing after a 12 year hiatus. Found my old reef chemicals (most of which were from BRS with the old logo):
Kalk
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Chrloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
Carbon
GFO
Kent Tech-M (sealed)

I have already replaced the kalk, carbon and sodium bicarbonate out of habit.

Would any of these be worthwhile or should I dispose of them and start with new?

If they've been in closed containers there is no reason to discard any of them.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I have a 7 year old bottle of vibrant if anyone wants it. $65, Local pick up only. No low ballers.

 

[Alexraptor]

I used 15 year old IO Reef Crystals today

Good god, that's almost as long as I've been in the hobby, and on top of that I started with Reef Crystals!

Did it still have that "oceany" smell, that salt mixes had back then? I find a lot of the new salt mixes just smell so chemical and sterile.

 

[homer1475]

Dry chemicals that haven't turned to rock I would use. The liquid i might pitch.

Carbon and GFO should be good for many years in a sealed container.

 

[Dan_P]

I recently restarted reefing after a 12 year hiatus. Found my old reef chemicals (most of which were from BRS with the old logo):
Kalk
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Chrloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
Carbon
GFO
Kent Tech-M (sealed)

I have already replaced the kalk, carbon and sodium bicarbonate out of habit.

Would any of these be worthwhile or should I dispose of them and start with new?

Magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride and sodium carbonate are chemically stable when kept dry. If the the solids are no longer relatively free flowing, decide if you want to chisel out material every time you use them.

If the carbon (GAC?) has been well sealed, it is stable as well. If not well sealed, it will have adsorbed things from the air. Cheap enough to replace though.

GFO is stable (it is rust) but the physical stability, manufactured chunks vs becoming a powder over time, might be a concern.

Kent Tech-M, a solution I presume, toss it. Evaporation and precipitation are possible.

 

[Dburr1014]

Yup, dry is still good.
Old bac, toss.

 

[Dburr1014]

Some have expiration stickers but I would think over a decade- best to use fresh stock

Some things the government makes the manufacturer put expiration dates on them.
For instants, I personally know several people that work or have worked at Loc-tite. Everyone of them told me that the product doesn't go bad if left sealed so it don't dry out but it in fact has an expiration date. The government made them do it.
Food and pharmaceuticals absolutely need a expiration date. I have heard many occasions that pharmaceuticals after the expiration date are about 10% less effective and will keep deteriorating.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Some have expiration stickers but I would think over a decade- best to use fresh stock

Thank you

 

[vetteguy53081]

Some things the government makes the manufacturer put expiration dates on them.
For instants, I personally know several people that work or have worked at Loc-tite. Everyone of them told me that the product doesn't go bad if left sealed so it don't dry out but it in fact has an expiration date. The government made them do it.
Food and pharmaceuticals absolutely need a expiration date. I have heard many occasions that pharmaceuticals after the expiration date are about 10% less effective and will keep deteriorating.

I agree with you on expiration but have to think- over 10 years. . . .. I would not use salt and mashed potatoes as examples over two-three years old. I found a new bottle of TANG (orange drink powder mix) this past winter in my cabinet and opened it and mixed a glass and Yuk). Looked on bottom and it had an expiration date which i did not realize it had of july 2018. Man was it bad !

 

[Dburr1014]

I agree with you on expiration but have to think- over 10 years. . . .. I would not use salt and mashed potatoes as examples over two-three years old. I found a new bottle of TANG (orange drink powder mix) this past winter in my cabinet and opened it and mixed a glass and Yuk). Looked on bottom and it had an expiration date which i did not realize it had of july 2018. Man was it bad !

Yes, food, 100% throw that away. LOL. YUCK!

 

[twelvefive]

Good god, that's almost as long as I've been in the hobby, and on top of that I started with Reef Crystals!

Did it still have that "oceany" smell, that salt mixes had back then? I find a lot of the new salt mixes just smell so chemical and sterile.

It did!

It's also as long as I've been in the hobby. I sold my first tank about 10 years ago getting ready to move and didn't set one up again until 2019, I haven't bought new salt since I got back into it.