IO salt still cloudy after 24 hours?

[snakeblitz33]

Hey all...
So,... most of you know that I hate doing water changes. Well, I want that to change... so I collected 10g of RO/DI water in my 10g tank and added eleven 1/2 cups to get the right salinity. Well, this morning I checked the mix and it's all cloudy...
When I put the salt in, the salt in the bag that was open was partially caked and some even seemed "wet-like." Not the usual dry, dry, dry salt that I am used to. I'm using a nicely sized powerhead to mix it with and the water temp is 75.2*F.
Can someone give me some insight?

 

[bang guy]

Two facts to consider:
1 - Salt attracts humidity like nothing else. If you put a 1/2 cup of water next to a 1/2 cup of salt in a 1 cup container and sealed all that in an air tight container, eventually all of the water will be in the salt container. So if the storage container isn't air tight then the salt will continue to grab moisture from the air.
2 - For commercial salt mix the only thing preventing the Calcium hydroxide and Calcium oxide from reacting with atmospheric CO2 is a lack of moisture in the salt mix. Although there actually is significant moisture in salt mix the salt will have all of it locked up. If the salt can acquire additional moisture the Calcium compounds can react with CO2 to produce Calcium carbonate which will not dissolve in saltwater at a normal PH.

 

[bang guy]

Also - Stir like crazy as you slowly pour the salt into the water. Those first few seconds are crucial.
Can you get colder water? The colder the RO water the better the mix will be.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Soooo.
I need to just dump it and start over? No chance it will clear up?

 

[bang guy]

If you stop stirring it then the Calcium carbonate will settle. Unfortunately, the resulting saltwater will probably be low in Magnesium, Calcium, and Carbonate. You can test to verify if you like. Definitely do NOT add any of the "dust" that has settled on the bottom of the bucket.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Thanks for your insight. Ill fump it and start over with a new bag. Is it better to store it in an airtight container after opening the bag? I think im going to switch to buckets if its better and more air tight.

 

[bang guy]

Buckets are totally the way to go Snake. The bags are only good if you mix the entire bag.

 

[meowzer]

I use the bags....I buy a 200G box.....I just make sure I shake it up good....and then the bag has to be closed tight.....
OR I use to store it in an old salt bucket.....just as good IMO...BUT I got lazy and now just twisty tie the bag tight