Thanks for checking it out!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.
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.
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