Stuff left over in mixing container

[Reefster]

I am using a rubbermaid 42gallon container to mix RODI water with Instant Ocean Reef Crystals for my water changes. I have a powerhead and heater in the container to keep it at temp and moving.

So, I noticed today a lot of debris at the bottom of my container -- looks like sediment from the mix, but I am not sure what it is and if I should be switching my salt. The debris will come off the bottom if i maneuver the fan around it, but it does not seem to break up and dissolve.

 

[Bifferwine]

That's normal. Either gunk from the sides of the tub, stuff that landed in the water while it was mixing, or residue from the salt.

 

[Reefster]

Should I clean it put every time or is it on to build up and clean every so often?

 

[mledbet]

same thing here i clean every now an again

 

[Bifferwine]

I would rinse the container out with a hose after every use.

 

[Civicdemon]

Same thing happens here, I use Red Sea coral Pro, and its super bad on mine, it gets hard and stuck on the sides of my Trash Can i use to mix my water. Even after a rinse its still there in my container but doesnt harm anything.

 

[Old_Moe]

I had the same issue with Instant Ocean crystals. I mix for min of 24hrs, with powerhead, heater and only use RODI water. I contacted the company and they told me it was excess calcium. I switched salts.

I was not happy with their response that some batches have excess of anything. They offered for me to send a sample so they can test the salt, they never sent the container which they claimed was shipping that day. I used the 5gallon buckets, the little sticker on the top is the date ( need to convert to Julian ) incase you think it is an "old mix"

Good Luck

 

[RockStacker]

Check out this article by Randy Holmes-Farley:

What is that Precipitate in My Reef Aquarium? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Reefster]

If the residue is clay to help in keeping the salt from clumping, then I would think it would be best to let it solidify in my mixing tank instead of trying to get it to dissolve and thus transfer to my reef tank.

I heard Red Sea brand salt is good.

Thoughts?

 

[Civicdemon]

If the residue is clay to help in keeping the salt from clumping, then I would think it would be best to let it solidify in my mixing tank instead of trying to get it to dissolve and thus transfer to my reef tank.

I heard Red Sea brand salt is good.

Thoughts?

I love the red sea coral pro salt mix, ever since i switched over iv seen everything in my tank perk up and even seen a incresse in coraline growth. Good stuff IMO.