What is this? Is it safe?

FormulaNone · Jul 22, 2019

What is this brown\black stuff in my mixing container (a Brute trash can)? I'm going to wash them out but I was curious if anyone knew exactly what it was and if it's harmful (as in should I throw it out and get a new\different one).

Thanks!

ndrwater · Jul 22, 2019

Most salt use a type of clay as an anti clumping agent. Pretty typical. Wash/rinse the container periodically and all will be right with the world

FormulaNone · Jul 22, 2019

Awesome! Thank you!

Hemmdog · Jul 22, 2019

Hmm I sure don’t get that with my tropic marin.

FormulaNone · Jul 23, 2019

Hemmdog said:
Hmm I sure don’t get that with my tropic marin.

I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

Hemmdog · Jul 23, 2019

FormulaNone said:
I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

That’s super weird then, I’ve never seen that i use pro reef too. Is your pump rusted ?

homer1475 · Jul 23, 2019

Only time I ever saw that brown crud was when I used to use IORC, and was also told it was an anti caking agent.

Didn't like the look of it, so I switched salts.

Jay Z · Jul 23, 2019

FormulaNone said:
I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

Same here. I also get the brown after 2 months or so.

Waters · Jul 23, 2019

It is definitely the salt....some are worse than others. Reef Crystals seems to be the worst in my opinion. I switched to Red Sea Blue and I still get it but not nearly as bad. At least 2-3 times a year I have to wash all of my mixing equipment....the cans, pumps, heater, etc.

Jay Z · Jul 23, 2019

I have found the higher the water flow in the mix tank the less it sticks to the sides. Also floss pad will capture most of the free particles.

Mical · Jul 23, 2019

I had the same stuff in a brute trash can for my RO water and was told it was the brute leaching. It takes months but still get it about every 3 months so I rinse them monthly now.

Waters · Jul 23, 2019

I have never heard that before??......I have used the same Brute can for my RO/DI water for almost 2 years without cleaning it once.

CivicS14 · Jul 25, 2019

I had this same problem with every mix of reef crystals for years. I hated cleaning it out so I switched and so glad I did.

I switched to Live Aquaria’s salt and I have yet to see any in this past year.