Instant Ocean salt problem

sledge760 · 03/26/2006, 02:59 PM

I just started using IO salt for my 180 gallon FOWLR about two months ago and am on my second bucket. For the second time since using IO I mixed a batch in my 32 gallon trash can for water changes and the water is extrememly cloudy, and the pump, heater and sides of the trash have a white dusty coating. There is a second trash can across from it that that I mixed the same way that is crystal clear. Has anyone had a similiar experience? This happened a week ago also. Should I just let this keep mixing up? Should I discard the water?

wetWolger · 03/26/2006, 03:03 PM

how are you mixing? Do you put in the water, bing it to temp, and then add the salt slowly? If not you might be causing things in the salt to perciptate. This can lead to a number of issues, one bing low ph, low alk, etc.

myakkareef · 03/26/2006, 03:03 PM

Take a look at this thread. I asked Randy Farley the same quesrtion..
IO Salt

sledge760 · 03/26/2006, 03:10 PM

Put the water in (RO/DI) in, add sallt slowly, sort of, then bring the water up to temperature a day or two before the water change. The water is not up to temperature when mixing.

vessxpress1 · 03/26/2006, 03:31 PM

Do you store the salt in the frig like I use to? Or, I guess I should say, how cold is it where you store the salt? If the salt is much cooler than the water or if the water is very cold, it won't dissolve very well. I've been told Koolaid works the same way.

sledge760 · 03/26/2006, 04:03 PM

The salt is stored in my unheated workshop. It can get pretty cold in there. I never knew that would effect the salt though. I think it is still above freezing all the time though.

zemuron114 · 03/26/2006, 04:25 PM

this happens to me as well and im in Hawaii (temp always above 70 - roughly)
I fill the bucket with water (hose) and then pour some salt in, dissolve it, measure the salinity, then add some more when needed. I always have some excess salt particles in the water right away. If i let it sit for a day or over night, it pretty much dissolves (i put an air stone in it)

try mixing it in warmer water (atleast luke warm to the touch) should start dissolving beter

c.rob · 03/26/2006, 04:43 PM

I aerate my RO water for at least 24hrs before mixing.This is to drive off any CO2.I have never seen in any build up.wonder if this would help?

sledge760 · 03/26/2006, 08:08 PM

My RO/DI water sits for at least 24 hours also before I mix the salt in. Can I still use the saltwater even with the cloudiness? It seems to be clearing up somewhat. I hate to dump all this RO/DI water.

03/26/2006, 02:59 PM	#1
sledge760 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 282	Instant Ocean salt problem I just started using IO salt for my 180 gallon FOWLR about two months ago and am on my second bucket. For the second time since using IO I mixed a batch in my 32 gallon trash can for water changes and the water is extrememly cloudy, and the pump, heater and sides of the trash have a white dusty coating. There is a second trash can across from it that that I mixed the same way that is crystal clear. Has anyone had a similiar experience? This happened a week ago also. Should I just let this keep mixing up? Should I discard the water?

03/26/2006, 03:03 PM	#2
wetWolger Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,955	how are you mixing? Do you put in the water, bing it to temp, and then add the salt slowly? If not you might be causing things in the salt to perciptate. This can lead to a number of issues, one bing low ph, low alk, etc. __________________ cheers, jent d-_-b Current Tank Info: 66gal = 32x24x20

03/26/2006, 03:03 PM	#3
myakkareef Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bradenton, Fl Posts: 1,570	Take a look at this thread. I asked Randy Farley the same quesrtion.. IO Salt __________________ Scotty In My Spaceship, I am the Captain.. Current Tank Info: 90 Gal AGA Corner Bowfront, Aquactinics 36" Tx5 T5 Setup, PCI 1/6th Hp Chiller, Euro-Reef CS6-1, 2xLG 4MDQX-SC, All Plumbing Outside

03/26/2006, 03:10 PM	#4
sledge760 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 282	Put the water in (RO/DI) in, add sallt slowly, sort of, then bring the water up to temperature a day or two before the water change. The water is not up to temperature when mixing.

03/26/2006, 03:31 PM	#5
vessxpress1 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NW IL Posts: 1,603	Do you store the salt in the frig like I use to? Or, I guess I should say, how cold is it where you store the salt? If the salt is much cooler than the water or if the water is very cold, it won't dissolve very well. I've been told Koolaid works the same way.

03/26/2006, 04:03 PM	#6
sledge760 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 282	The salt is stored in my unheated workshop. It can get pretty cold in there. I never knew that would effect the salt though. I think it is still above freezing all the time though.

03/26/2006, 04:25 PM	#7
zemuron114 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pilgrim State (Mass) Posts: 4,039	this happens to me as well and im in Hawaii (temp always above 70 - roughly) I fill the bucket with water (hose) and then pour some salt in, dissolve it, measure the salinity, then add some more when needed. I always have some excess salt particles in the water right away. If i let it sit for a day or over night, it pretty much dissolves (i put an air stone in it) try mixing it in warmer water (atleast luke warm to the touch) should start dissolving beter

03/26/2006, 04:43 PM	#8
c.rob Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	I aerate my RO water for at least 24hrs before mixing.This is to drive off any CO2.I have never seen in any build up.wonder if this would help?

03/26/2006, 08:08 PM	#9
sledge760 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 282	My RO/DI water sits for at least 24 hours also before I mix the salt in. Can I still use the saltwater even with the cloudiness? It seems to be clearing up somewhat. I hate to dump all this RO/DI water.