Storing Mixed Tropic Marin Bio Actif Salt

[Adamantium]

Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone knows if storing this salt after mixing is viable? I've heard mixed things. Supposedly, the carbon dosing elements can degrade over time. Any insights would be appreciated!

I'm also emailing Tropic Marin and will post their response.

 

[RobW]

How long of a period are you trying to store it for? I would think that if you can keep the pre-mixed saltwater agitating with a small powerhead, you should be able to store it for a while. I use brightwell neo-marine I make 75 gallon batches at a time for my auto-water change system. 3 gallons a day, 5 days a week. So 5 weeks before making a new batch.

 

[RobW]

On the other hand... I have no experience with the Tropic Marin bio-actif salt. So I cant give any good info about that particular brand.

 

[Adamantium]

Thanks, RobW! Bio-Actif is definitely a bit unique, due to the carbon compounds in it. I actually just got a response from Hans-Werner Balling (in very short order, might I add). I also asked about bio-pellets and skimmer use. He said:

- We do not recommend to store Bio-Actif saltwater for more than 24 hours.

- We recommend immediate use after complete dissolution after ca. 2 hours of strong circulation.

- It is no problem to run bio-pellets when using Bio-Actif salt, we do also.

- It does not require a skimmer, you can also run the tanks without skimmer, we do also.

So, there you have it!

/thread

 

[RobW]

Interesting. Yeah never used it nor have I ever asked about it. Must most definitely be a completely different breed of salt.

 

[Adamantium]

It definitely is, and here's hoping it works well for me. A lot of other folks have reported great results, so fingers crossed!

 

[RobW]

Good luck!

 

[Iván Olalla]

I mixed Tropic marine pro and the bio in one bucket (little experiment of my own regarding kh values)
I do mix my Saltwater for WC once a month and leave it in a closed container with no circulation. Prior to the experiment the pro Reef was usable for the whole month no issues, maybe a little low on ph but not an issue. The batches of the mixed one showed a noticeable lower ph and los levels of nitrate.
Don't have an explanation to that but switched to mix the salt per week, weighted the amount needed for each batch and put it in ziploc bags, no more issues after that but kind of derailed what i wanted to achieve mixing salts... Once i'm done i'll go back to only pro reef which is very similar to my tank values.
No noticeable differences in corals between the pro and the mix with bio...
Hope that helps