Old Reef Crystals

[jaybfresh]

Found a 2/3 full bucket of reef crystals, probably around 2 years old.

Opened it up and doesn't look like any moisture got it. Is it safe to use?

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I would use it.

If in doubt you could always make a 1g test batch and check alkalinity, calcium, pH, nutrients, etc...

 

[Posidion]

Even if it were rock hard I would say it's good after you break it up a bit.. You'll just have a hard time getting it to dissolve if it's in block form.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I would use it but make up the whole batch- or at least a very large batch. Test and bump up anything (if necessary)

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Even if it were rock hard

Rock hard implies moisture and probably means the calcium and carbonate have precipitated out, and won't simply dissolve when you mix it. Set I cup of salt in a humid place, let it get rock hard, mix it up, and calcium and alkalinity will be really low (and you'll have a lot of solid precipitate).

I agree with Gary's advice to mix whole or large batches but IME that is best practice regardless of how old the salt it. This is why I like the 200 gallon boxes, they come as 4 bags and making 50g at a time is pretty convenient vs a whole 160g bucket.

 

[block head]

I've never seen anything that indicates reef salt is " made" . More likely , its mined or the waste product from salt water conversion.

 

[Steve Canyon]

I've never seen anything that indicates reef salt is " made" . More likely , its mined or the waste product from salt water conversion.

April fools joke, right?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

artificial salt mixes are blended

 

[jaybfresh]

I'm limited to mixing about 30 gallons at a time, but I do give the buckets a thorough shakeup before mixing.

Good to know its probably OK, but I will keep an eye on the test kits. Luckily I just have a few frags at the moment so not much to worry about.