Should I use this saltwater?

[Akrite]

I us a large rubbermaid 32 gal. trash can to mix my saltwater for water changes. Recently used it to soak my skimmer and pump with water and vinegar mix. A few days later I rinsed and let dry before mixing a new batch of saltwater.

I've had SW mixing for 48hrs and its still milky white instead of clean. I use Reef Crystals which is normal clear in 24hrs. I tested the water fro Alk, Cal, Mg, Ph and everything is within normal range. Do I still have vinegar in my water? Can i use cloudy/milky water for a water change or should I dump it?

 

[Spar]

i'd personally avoid anything but clear water; just not worth it. i'm curious what caused it though... i don't think vinegar would do that!? cloudy water is often from bacteria blooms which could have happened from leftover organics from the equipment... just not likely in 48 hours I wouldn't think either.

 

[bertoni]

I would turn off the aeration, and see what happens. If a lot of precipitate (white dust) settles to the bottom, that'd be a sign that there was some calcium carbonate formed, for example.

 

[Akrite]

I would turn off the aeration, and see what happens. If a lot of precipitate (white dust) settles to the bottom, that'd be a sign that there was some calcium carbonate formed, for example.

Lastnight I turned off the pump I use for mixing salt and this morning the water was clear. Not sure if I'm going to keep it or siphon off the top. Its not easy to waste water with the drought we are having in California.

 

[bertoni]

Is there a lot of precipitate at the bottom? If so, I'd check the alkalinity level before using it.

 

[Akrite]

I haven't checked the alkalinity level but I already used this water for my QT instead of my main DT. So far so good. Just hope it's doesn't continue.

 

[tmz]

Vinegar is an organic carbon source an could have started a bacterial bloom along with residual nutrients from the skimmer cleaning. Or it might just be precipitation. Either way I'd check alk and calcium ,pH and ammonia before using.

 

[nuxx]

What are you mixing it with? Normally try to use as strong as a powerhead as I can when mixing.

 

[alwmh4]

Ive heard of bad batches of salt. However I made a mistake once and dumped in WAY too much thinking I'll just dilute it down after. Well if you do this the ca carb can precip. It took my new tank about 3 days before it settled out