Ok, I used the old Reef Crystals...but...after two days...

[makofury]

Hey everyone, I ended up using that old bucket of Reef Crystals and I'm not sure if I put in the right amount, im pretty sure it's around there, but there is still salt at the bottom of the tank that's been there for like the past two days...my salinity has stayed at 1.017 for the longest time as well...if salt gets "old", does that mean that the salinity is harder or raise?
Thanks
MakoFury

 

[jimi]

Use a powerhead to suck it up and stir it into the water. If it still settles again then it may be bad.

 

[makofury]

It actually jumped up to about 1.020 last I checked so it looks like it'll be ok.

 

[oceanblue]

Mako,
I'll bet money that it's just taking longer to dissolve from dehydration of the crystals. especialy since its risen to an acceptable level already, be patient and monitor it. At least you got some use out of it! keep us posted

 

[mr . salty]

Originally posted by OceanBlue:
<STRONG>Mako,
dehydration of the crystals. </STRONG>
WHAT??? The crystals are supposed to be dehydrated.That is why they are CRYSTALS.If it was a little hard,or clumping up in the bucket,This is from moisture(or hydration) putting them in the water REhydrates them...I believe the problem is from lack of water movement,Thus not allowing the cryatals to disalve properly...Even fresh crystals take a day or two to compleatly disolve...
[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: MR . SALTY ]

 

[makofury]

Ok, I dunno what's going on here, now it's back down to 1.0175. I don't know if my salinity tester is messed up or something but there is still quite a bit of salt left on the bottom, there is no water movement down there cuz I don't have a powerhead and my canister filter isn't working right now..also, I have that Nature Oceans live sand, 3 20lb bags...my ph I tested was at 8.1, when is it safe to add the live sand?
MakoFury

 

[beth]

Well, I hate to say I told you so, but I did!
This is exactly the same problem I encountered with my IO salt that had clumped up. The salt would not dissolve correctly for days, then I kepted adding salt thinking I miss measured, then it suddenly spiked off the hydrometor readings!.
Better to use unsure of salt on your weeds.

 

[jimi]

Also in the future or if this does not work out buy a powerhead or two and premix it in a bucket not the tank. Also if your using a hydrometer make sure there is no tiny bubbles stuck to the swing arm. Your salinity should not be able to go up and down. Something is wrong with the device.

 

[salttrigger]

Did you check the Temperature?because if it is to hot the salinity will drop.
[ August 12, 2001: Message edited by: Salttrigger ]

 

[makofury]

I bought a small powerhead today but the some of the salt just isn't mixing, I think im gonna buy some new salt, since my salinity is at 1.018, im going to ditch the old Reef crystals and buy some new salt to bring it up to 1.023. My temperature is at 79 degrees.

 

[myckei]

Hey Maco,
What I do is mix my salt in a bucket with warm water (about 80 F)and then add in the tank that way(it always at least 98%dissolved). Also what might help you is if you use a floating salinity tester you can even buy one with a thermometer on it to ensure the right reading.