murky fresh-mixed saltwater

[yraveh]

good evening.

i am using a 60 gallon container to mix instant ocean salt mix for several moths. i noticed some brown/rusty sediment at the bottom of the container. after mixing a new batch, the mixing pump stirred this sediment. the water turned murky but then cleared and now it floats on top. please see picture.
1. what is this layer?
2. is this salt specific ? until recently i used red sea salts.
3. should i discard the whole batch?

 

[yraveh]

murky. here is the pic

murky. here is the pic

here is the picture

 

[lapin]

good evening.

i am using a 60 gallon container to mix instant ocean salt mix for several moths. i noticed some brown/rusty sediment at the bottom of the container. after mixing a new batch, the mixing pump stirred this sediment. the water turned murky but then cleared and now it floats on top. please see picture.
1. what is this layer?
2. is this salt specific ? until recently i used red sea salts.
3. should i discard the whole batch?

Unknown stuff. Did you rinse the container after each mix? Was the container dry when you put it away? Was it stored covered, dry or wet? Could this be something like sawdust, pollen or bacteria?
I used a white brute for a while and saw buildup of stuff after a few uses. I would wipe it out with a wet towel and rinse.
If its residue from the salt mix it can be skimmed off and used. I would not want that stuff floating in my tank.

 

[RobZilla04]

Yup, that wasn't a clean container. Dump the water, clean the tub with vinegar/RODI solution, and start over.

 

[AlSimmons]

Precipitate?

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.php