Salt problems?

[losthere]

I have been using Tropic Marin salt for a few years now with no problems. I ordered a new bucket from DFS and it came in compleatly solidified. I called them and they sent a new one. This new bucket is better but there is still chuncks of salt in it. When I mix it up there is still a fine white powder residue in the salt mixing bin now. Never happened with prior batches. Also the alk is low around 5-6 now and have to buffer it, when I havent had to before. And on top of it, my corals are doing bad, and nothing other than the salt nothing has changed.

My question is since the salt has formed clumps, has the chemistry of the salt changed, or will that not effect anything?

I have already tried to contact Tropic Marin by email a few days ago but no response.

 

[DBarsotti]

i'd say don't use that salt man.. I got shipped a crappy bucket of TMP and i used a little of it but had to use 2 cups per 5g instead of 1.25cups to get the same salinity so i just trashed the bucket. Not worth the risk and Marine depot replaced it with a new bucket that has no issues.

i'd be curious to see is Tropic Marin knowing sent out a batch of crappy salt or if moisture got into a shipment because you and me both got crappy buckets around the same time. (i talked to josh)

 

[losthere]

Yeah looks like I will be needing to buy new salt. Now I am going to have 2 full buckets of TM that I cant use.

The real question now is if I risk buying another bucket of TM or swich salts completely.

 

[beaslbob]

just guessing but what may have happened is water got in the bucket and precipitated calcium carbonate. So both calcium and alk are depressed and possibily magnesium as well.

If you can't do anything else you could use the diy two part methods to restore the calcium, alk, and magnesium.

but better to get new.

my .02

 

[DBarsotti]

i'd call DFS and tell them the deal, and say they need to get in contact with their supplier