what to look for in a bad batch?

[nick1912]

Can anyone explain what exactly are we looking for or at when determining a bad batch of salt?

 

Is it the parameters?

 

Copper?

Ammonia?

 

Let me know if you experinced a bad batch and what was bad about it.

 

Thank you

[Rem]

Its the inconsistencies, mainly calcium and dkh. Many scoop their salt by 1/2 cup per gallon, after its been thoroughly mixed the parameters aren't the same as the previous batch or as labeled on the bucket even if the salinity is the same.

 

A way to overcome inconsistency is to scoop salt by weight. 1 LB to 2.9 gallon (For D-D H2Ocean) as suggested by the manufacturer, on a cheap food scale I bought at the dollar store. It works for me and comes out consistent every time.

 

The reason for this, as I've read, supposedly heavier elements may settle to the bottom during shipping.

[ulver982]

I've been reading up a lot on different salt mixes on reefcentral and the main thing I've read about bad batches is either a low alk or calcium, but usually alk.