Clumpy salt for water change. Any harm?

[Miami Reef]

The opened bag of salt (instant ocean) was slightly exposed to air over the past 2 weeks. It formed a large block.

With pressure, the ball of salt reverted back to its granular form. Upon introducing into freshwater, the salt immediately dissolved (it didn’t stay in the solid, clumped form). However, it seemed like it took a little longer to dissolve, and the water never fully cleared after a few hours. I know that a few hours isn’t enough time to judge for salt to completely dissolve.

Is there any harm in using this for a water change? What’s the worst that can happen?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

No harm. It may not completely dissolve but it's safe to use what does.

 

[JimWelsh]

Some small amount of calcium carbonate may have formed, that will not dissolve. It will lower the alk a bit and calcium a tiny amount. Worst that can happen is "lower the alk a bit" is a larger effect than I'm trying to make it sound. Check the alk, and if it's fine, then the water is fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Agree. Check the alk when it is settled and clear.

 

[randomfishdude]

For the past 3 weeks I've had to brake up the top layer of my salt. Ive had no issues and i just added an anenome. So it should be fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Some materials clump rock hard with humidity cycles. Calcium chloride dihydrate (Dowflake) and magnesium chloride hexahydrate (Mag Flake from Dead Sea Works), for example. No reactive chemistry is happening, just solidifying so I needed to use a hammer and chisel to get out chunks.

 

[Miami Reef]

New question.

I need to weigh my salt in a small container (in batches) before I add it to my water brute. There is usually a little water on the bottom of the bucket because I dunk the small bucket inside the water change reservoir to get the remaining previous salt out before I add more.


The reason I do it in batches is because the scale has a weight limit.


Will the small amount of water on the bottom of the bucket react with the salt?

Would it be wise to dry the container completely before adding the salt?

 

[twentyleagues]

New question.

I need to weigh my salt in a small container (in batches) before I add it to my water brute. There is usually a little water on the bottom of the bucket because I dunk the small bucket inside the water change reservoir to get the remaining previous salt out before I add more.


The reason I do it in batches is because the scale has a weight limit.


Will the small amount of water on the bottom of the bucket react with the salt?

Would it be wise to dry the container completely before adding the salt?

It might make the salt stick to the bucket where it's wet, and start to dissolve it. If you rinse it should be fine. Might add water weight if you don't zero the scale before adding the salt each time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Would it be wise to dry the container completely before adding the salt?

Yes. The vey high alk and calcium that would be attained locally in the water may allow some calcium carbonate to precipitate.

The effect may be small since the time is short, but I'd avoid it if it is as easy as wiping it out first.

 

[Miami Reef]

Thanks! I will ensure the bucket is dry.