What is this? Is it safe?

[FormulaNone]

What is this brown\black stuff in my mixing container (a Brute trash can)? I'm going to wash them out but I was curious if anyone knew exactly what it was and if it's harmful (as in should I throw it out and get a new\different one).

Thanks!

 

[ndrwater]

Most salt use a type of clay as an anti clumping agent. Pretty typical. Wash/rinse the container periodically and all will be right with the world

 

[FormulaNone]

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[Hemmdog]

Hmm I sure don’t get that with my tropic marin.

 

[FormulaNone]

Hmm I sure don’t get that with my tropic marin.

I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

 

[Hemmdog]

I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

That’s super weird then, I’ve never seen that i use pro reef too. Is your pump rusted ?

 

[homer1475]

Only time I ever saw that brown crud was when I used to use IORC, and was also told it was an anti caking agent.

Didn't like the look of it, so I switched salts.

 

[Jay Z]

I'm using Tropic Marin Pro Reef.

Same here. I also get the brown after 2 months or so.

 

[Waters]

It is definitely the salt....some are worse than others. Reef Crystals seems to be the worst in my opinion. I switched to Red Sea Blue and I still get it but not nearly as bad. At least 2-3 times a year I have to wash all of my mixing equipment....the cans, pumps, heater, etc.

 

[Jay Z]

I have found the higher the water flow in the mix tank the less it sticks to the sides. Also floss pad will capture most of the free particles.

 

[Mical]

I had the same stuff in a brute trash can for my RO water and was told it was the brute leaching. It takes months but still get it about every 3 months so I rinse them monthly now.

 

[Waters]

I have never heard that before??......I have used the same Brute can for my RO/DI water for almost 2 years without cleaning it once.

 

[CivicS14]

I had this same problem with every mix of reef crystals for years. I hated cleaning it out so I switched and so glad I did.

I switched to Live Aquaria’s salt and I have yet to see any in this past year.