White film in salt mixing bucket.

707Nick · Mar 28, 2023

Can anybody tell me what this white film is on the inside of my mixing bucket? I use instant ocean, reef crystals for my salt and usually let it mix for about 48 hours. I wipe this out before I mix a new batch which I’m about to do, but wondering if there’s any adverse effects to the residual nutrients I’m guessing.

homer1475 · Mar 28, 2023

It's typically calcium carbonate. It precipitates out of the water on occasion when mixing. Are you mixing in cold water, then heating, or heating then mixing?

Most including @Randy Holmes-Farley just leave it be and mix up a new batch.

NkSde · Mar 28, 2023

I assumed it was mineral left from evaporated water after pouring. Is it dusty? Or is it like a discoloration of the plastic?

cwerner · Mar 28, 2023

That is simply precipitation from the mixing process. Most reefers simply clean it occasionally and move on. Some brands tend to leave more residue than others and Reef Crystals are pretty notorious for leaving a lot of residue. The consensus is that it doesn't seem to harm anything even if it's a bit annoying.

707Nick · Mar 28, 2023

homer1475 said:
It's typically calcium carbonate. It precipitates out of the water on occasion when mixing. Are you mixing in cold water, then heating, or heating then mixing?

Most including @Randy Holmes-Farley just leave it be and mix up a new batch.

I heat after the mix to save electricity and a more natural way of mixing imo. I do heat the water first for a quick batch. Should I do do something differently? The photo from the last batch was actually mixed heated, and then cooled because I was unable to do the mix, sat for a week, and then reheated and used for a water change. I would love to hear peoples opinions on this methodology.