Salt Consistency

[bob115]

Do any of you experience problems with the consistency of parameters like Ca and Alk when you mix up Reef Crystals? I find I get pretty wildly varying numbers every time I mix. I try to mix the salt some before hand but it doesn't quite solve the problem. I've had calcium over the detection range of my test kit to 400ppm from a single bag. Is this common to most salt brands? Or more specifically with Instant Ocean brand stuff? I'm thinking about switching once this box is out anyway as I'd like to get a salt with lower Ca and Alk anyway, so if I can find one that's more consistent it'd be a double plus.

[metrokat]

Inconsistent parameters are in every brand of salt and differ from batch to batch, even bucket to bucket, the reason often times is that salts settle and you may have more magnesium in one section, more alk in another. If you mix up your salt batch prior to making your water, you can usually eliminate crazy swings.