Is this normal grain size for IO?

[MrClean]

I couldn't get Reef Crystals - which is a homogeneous, fine powder. I was surprised to see such varied crystal sizes. Is it normal?

 

[reefing102]

Can’t say I’ve seen crystals that big before in my IO.

 

[griss]

Can’t say I’ve seen crystals that big before in my IO.

Me either.

 

[jason2459]

Looks like it got some moisture in it. I had a recent bag like that that had been sitting on a bottom shelf in my basement for I have no idea how long.

I used it just fine.

Edit: and no that's not normal. It's usually like what you described for RC

 

[jason2459]

I've also had old bags sitting around that completely hardened. I'll smash them on the ground and use them just the same.

 

[MrClean]

It doesn't show well in the pics but the chunks are actual crystals like table salt or rock salt. And it's free-flowing. All 4 bags in a 200gal box are like this.

@jason2459 I've mixed hardened salt before too but I had a lot of precipitation from it and the calcium was wayyyy low. The salt was crazy old though and "freshly" hardened salt probably plays nicer.

Anyway, based on your replies re: it not being normal, I'm not going to use it and I have a call to IO about it. I'll post if they admit to a bad batch.

 

[griss]

Mix up a bucket and test for all parameters before using, IMO.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Mix up a bucket and test for all parameters before using, IMO.

I second this. Make sure you have pump circulating in the bucket.

 

[MrClean]

I mixed a bucket (pump and heater) and it took a long time to mostly dissolve. RC dissolves before it hits the bottom of the bucket. There were bits of material that didn't dissolve at all: not precipitate but pieces.

I didn't bother testing. I don't trust it. I won't use it.