Instant Ocean (regular and reef crystals) isn't one that needs excessive mixing (but it also won't hurt it if you mix for a longer time). I usually mix it until it's heated to the same temp as the tank - by then, the salt has long since dissolved. You can store it in a container with a lid for quite a while and then just remix for a few minutes (or long enough to heat it again if you need to), and it will be good to go. Just double check the salinity to account for evap if the lid isn't tight-fitting.
Since when?? I've used it for 7 years and it always mixes really fast.
Not going to hurt anything, but it's not necessary.
Yes, it's well known that Instant Ocean contains binders that can leave a brown residue in mixing containers. It's been shown time and time again that it does not harm anything. No need at all to filter artificial saltwater, lol!!I started filtering my instant ocean and reef crystals with a 1 micron filter. It really has helped with maintaining clear and clean mixing container and aquariums. I mix for at least 2 hours in a 40 breeder with two gyers and a recirculating pump through the 1 micron filter. The pic is comparing new vs 4 buckets of reef crystals. I have 2 quarantines each less than 10 gallons which I do 100% water changes on. Before filtering that brown crap would settle on the glass and bottom after wc. Fwiw.
dang I filter mine also, but use regular purple box IO. I go through 5 200G boxes before I switch out my 1 micron filter, and it's no where near as brown as your is using IORC.I started filtering my instant ocean and reef crystals with a 1 micron filter. It really has helped with maintaining clear and clean mixing container and aquariums. I mix for at least 2 hours in a 40 breeder with two gyers and a recirculating pump through the 1 micron filter. The pic is comparing new vs 4 buckets of reef crystals. I have 2 quarantines each less than 10 gallons which I do 100% water changes on. Before filtering that brown crap would settle on the glass and bottom after wc. Fwiw.
Certainly not needed, no. But, and this is a big but, if you could simply filter out the "brown crud" keep your mixing barrels clean, and not send that to the tank, why not?
I usually do too, but it's just out of laziness tbh.
Personally, because it's not a lot considering all the other "crud" in the tank, and I rinse out my mixing barrels (brute cans) after each use
