Salt mix problems

[Sandra Finnell]

I have a large box of Instant Ocean that had some form of moisture exposure before I received it and it always has some white particles that won't mix up. After a few days of mixing, it still has these particles, about the size of a grain of table salt, and so I just siphon them out from the bottom after making a water tornado in the bucket. I end up with about 1/2 teaspoon of this stuff. Am I losing something that is needed in the salt mix, because I think I am? I do the tests on this mix before using it and it seems ok. Everything seems to be doing fine in my tank too. I just don't know if I should throw this away or continue using it. It will mix 200 gallons.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Everyone has some precipitation with Instant Ocean, I believe. No one that I know of has reported it being a problem other than particulates we don't want in our tanks.

I run my water change water through a filter sock to catch these particulates when I pump it into my sump. I, too, have tested the water after mixing, and there is not enough resolution in hobby test kits to discern a difference.

And, by the way, welcome to the lagoon!

 

[Sandra Finnell]

Thanks for the info. I didn't see any changes in my tank, but have been worried about it. I hated to toss the whole box of it, but if it was not good to use, I would have.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

That’s the problem why I switched over to coralife. Call them up to see if they can send you a replacement.

 

[Sandra Finnell]

I did contact them, and they said since they did not know how I stored it, before use, (which was about 1 month) that they could not send a replacement or refund. It was my error on not opening the box when I received it. I should have because it was an online purchase. A good sale, at the time, but I didn't really need it yet. I am glad to know that I can still use it. It is just a pain to mix now. It seems that I have to use more mix to get it to the correct mixture for my tank.

 

[Cory]

If your worried check the alkalinity, magnesium and calcium of the new water. If they are 9-11dkh and 380-420ppm calcium and 1280ppm magnesium to 1320 ppm then nothing bad has happened to the salt.

 

[nereefpat]

moisture exposure before I received it and it always has some white particles that won't mix up.

The particles are most likely precipitated calcium carbonate. That happens when it gets wet. Won't be an issue at all.

 

[Radman73]

Yeah, not a big deal.

 

[Sandra Finnell]

If your worried check the alkalinity, magnesium and calcium of the new water. If they are 9-11dkh and 380-420ppm calcium and 1280ppm magnesium to 1320 ppm then nothing bad has happened to the salt.

Thank you. I will do that.