Old Salt Mix 12 - 18 months

[muffe]

I have an old bucket of salt mix that's been in my garage for a year - year and a half. It's reached 100 degrees in the summer. The salt is all a solid block but will break up and disolve normally. Can I use this salt still or just better to throw it away?:hmm3: Does salt go bad/have a shelf life?

 

[JRR1285]

From what I've heard if it forms into a block it should be tossed since moisture has managed to make it's way in. From my understanding if let to sit for a while, salt mixes can stratify with some layers not possessing the same composition of the others. If you mix this up it you will most likely have inconsistent and out of balance levels such as calcium, magnesium and alkalinity just to name a few.

I tried it once when I started up my 29G reef after not having a tank for a long time. I used some oceanic that had solidified into chunks and it stayed cloudy for a long time. Didn't mix up easily at all.

 

[muffe]

Thanks for the swift reply, It's a FOWLR but I think i'll just err on the side of caution and eat the cost of a new bucket.

 

[disc1]

Mix some up and check the alk. If it isn't way low go ahead and use it.

 

[Cu455]

I would use it and not worry. I can't think of any reason it will have a negative effect on the tank. If you are worried about the consistency break it up and mix it. Was the bucket opened?

 

[muffe]

It was not open but not air tight.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Low alk is the only concern. If it is OK, the salt is good to go (and if not, you can just add some).