moist salt mix
 

I got some IO salt from a friend who quit the hobby. Only problem is the salt is moist so I was wondering if it can still be used.

Ya, it's fine. As with all salts, make sure it is mixing up well before using.

You could use it if you want, but if it got wet there were likely some compounds formed that won't dissolve. It will make ocean water, but chemically, it might be a little off...probably best not to use it. At least its IO and not something you paid through the nose for.

I was wondering if some form of bacteria would grow because of the moisture and all the elements/food in the salt.
Just being precautions as everyone knows you want to know what your putting into your tank.

Yeah, for me it would be a struggle against my better judgement and my desire to not spend more money on salt...you might get away with it, you might not....risk vs. reward...

Hmmm
 

Is it "damp" or "wet"? I think if its just damp then it should all be very soft still... kinda like brown sugar?

I think it should be ok just use it sooner than later before you get hardening chunks.

Is it moist through the whole bucket? I know if I leave the top off my pail only the top surface hardens from the moisture in the air a little bit.

It's like paddyob said "brown sugar" and about 1/5 the pail.

I've used 10 year old rock hard IO before with no troubles - in fact, on more than one occasion. The brown shuga stuff ain't gonna hurt, but if it's only 1/5th of the pail, and you're really worried about it, that's only like $10 of salt. ;)

No bacteria can grow in such high concentration of salt. Why do you think they use salt as a preservative.

Very true Myka it's not much to really worry about. Going to use it before it turns to stone.

Im gonna have to agree with myka I've used io so hard I hit the bottom with a hammer and smashed it with a coffee mug to make it fine again lol no harm there o wouldn't do it alk the time but I had no problems:)

if you want you can remove a lot of the moisture. Borrow a pair of the vife's nylons, and fill it with rice, should take most of the moisture out of the salt.

Ken

Yah what KEN said!

Thanks for the advice. Seems like there isn't much to worry about. All I have to do is keep a hammer ready for times like this!:lol: