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This may be a good way to undo salt seperation that normally happens during transportationI keep it in the bag inside the bucket and twist and seal the bag as much as possible. I also dump the full bucket into a clean 10g brute I purchased then pour it back into the bucket before adding to water each time.
(From Google-
AI Overview
Dry salt mixtures separate during transport primarily due to variations in particle size, shape, and density, causing larger/heavier components to settle and finer/lighter ones to rise, a process known as granulometric segregation, amplified by vibrations, impacts, and temperature changes during shipping. Moisture absorption from the air can also cause caking and lump formation, further altering the mix's homogeneity and flow, even with anti-caking agents. )
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I have seen mag flakes sitting on the surface of boxed salt when the bags were opened at a LFS. The seperation was obvious, as the mag flakes presented as large chunks sitting at the top of the opened bags of smaller grained NaCl-looking table salt. (Nothing else tastes like magnesium crystals.)
BRS did a video covering 11 salts they had, comparing a top bucket and bottom bucket (unmixed) sample and they concluded that salt segregation isn't common, but they did measure significant differences between samples taken from the top and bottom layers of salt in the same bucket.I leave it in the bag in the bucket. I twist the bag up before closing the lid.
I was told that I needed to dump it out of the bag and mix it real good before use but I never do. I think that is just snake oil but IDK.
I think @Wonkabar 's method of mixing a freshly opened bucket of salt could help remix salt that has separated during transit, but I have not tested it to verify that it actually functions properly. Pouring into a heap, the heavier chunks are going to move differently than the light ones?That’s what I’ve been told also and you’re right I can’t imagine it’s going to make a lot of difference.![]()
The LFS I spoke of would mix entire buckets at once to undo transportation segretagion.
Will salt mix stratify or separate before we get the chance to use it for our saltwater tanks? | BRStv Investigates
A majority of saltwater used in home aquariums is made by mixing a dry salt mix with RO/DI water. Some folks have access to sterilized natural seawater, but this is very limited for the most part. Whether you are mixing it yourself or buying from a local fish store, it is very
THe orignal question about storage is also a concern, due to moisture and reactions inside the mix that can impact the alkalinity and calcium parameters, especially if the salt is allowed to age for a long* time.
*I don't how quickly this happens, but lowering time of storage after opening and keeping moisture out can't hurt. Dumping the salt once when the bucket is opened makes sense, but repeating the process may just increase moisture absorption and degredation?
