Recent Soda Ash Change

[spsick]

Update on the soda ash. We have pulled many samples from different batches over the past couple of days and weren't able to replicate either issue shown in this thread (non-dissolving crystals or brown residue) with just the soda ash by itself. Our advice would be to warm the solution to help with dissolving some, however, if issues persist our support team would be happy to work on a solution for anyone seeing this as well.

As for the brown residue, we talked to Tropic Marin and they advised that it was likely some trace element precipitation that is completely normal when making a solution like this. It is never a problem and does not affect the concentrations in the final solution. Also, if some, or even all, of this residue should work its way into the tank, it is also not an issue at all. Sometimes when mixing you will find this. And other times not so much.

Thanks for checking it out!

That would make sense as a similar brown crud shows up in the mixing bin from all
but the most premium salts. More concerned about the drastic change in how tough it is to mix the soda ash. I have to leave the mixed gallon (I don’t add the Tropic Marin until mix is done) in a bucket of hot water for 20 minutes now.

I’ll reach out to support again.

 

[Borat]

Thanks for checking it out!

That would make sense as a similar brown crud shows up in the mixing bin from all
but the most premium salts. More concerned about the drastic change in how tough it is to mix the soda ash. I have to leave the mixed gallon (I don’t add the Tropic Marin until mix is done) in a bucket of hot water for 20 minutes now.

I’ll reach out to support again.

Warming it up is completely pointless.. it will precepitate back once cooled over a few days' period..

 

[spsick]

Warming it up is completely pointless.. it will precepitate back once cooled over a few days' period..

I have not experienced that.

 

[Borat]

I have not experienced that.

You clearly have done something wrong..

 

[spsick]

You clearly have done something wrong..

I don’t understand. I’ve followed the manufacturers mixing instructions and I’m not seeing precipitation at any point during the month or so of use.

Are you saying if I DON’T see precipitation I have mixed wrong?

 

[Borat]

I don’t understand. I’ve followed the manufacturers mixing instructions and I’m not seeing precipitation at any point during the month or so of use.

Are you saying if I DON’T see precipitation I have mixed wrong?

Dude, that was a joke..

 

[spsick]

Dude, that was a joke..

Oh…. Lol those aren’t allowed on the internet!!

 

[spsick]

Customer service ultimately said this was not a concern due to how many batches they’ve gone through since I stockpiled and sent me 5x 1gal mixes to put it to rest. If those don’t mix up well I guess it’s just the new normal
for this product.

 

[Bulk Reef Supply Verified Sponsor]

Customer service ultimately said this was not a concern due to how many batches they’ve gone through since I stockpiled and sent me 5x 1gal mixes to put it to rest. If those don’t mix up well I guess it’s just the new normal
for this product.

Since raising this question it is something we will be sure to keep an eye out for if others report similar issues. Thank you for the update and I'm glad that support was able to get you a couple extra bags to try out.

 

[spsick]

Are folks seeing this crystal issue with newer batches of Soda Ash from BRS? I bought a 5g bucket last year (the fluffy stuff) hoping the issue was resolved but it still does it and it’s driving me mad.

I fill a jug with 65° RODI water, add soda ash, and stick the jug in a bucket of hot water, let it sit for a while, shake, refresh the hot water, repeat. This takes 3 times and like 2 hours to get it to dissolve. Ridiculous when I use a gallon every few weeks and I’m ready to throw it out and find another source if they haven’t sourced better product.

 

[spsick]

Bump, is everyone else having soda ash mix well lately?