HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi! So I've noticed lately that there's been a small quantity of salt at the bottom of the jug I prepare my water in. I make one gallon at a time. I treat the water first with conditioner, then add the correct amount of salt as stated in the instructions of the instant ocean box (1/2 cup). The majority of the salt dissolves, except what's at the bottom. It's a small pile. It stays there even after stirring so much my arm feels like it's going to fall off. I'm not sure what to make of it?


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Hmm. Has your salt gotten moisture in the box? In other words, is your salt hard and not soft? You always want to make sure to keep water and moisture away from your salt. If so, that could be the issue. If not, perhaps try contacting the company and get their input. I prepare mine in the gallon jug as well, and I've never had this issue. I shake the jug in a circle and mine stirs fine. I use prime for water conditioner. Good luck!

The salt is still soft. Some small bits have hardened but it isn't too concerning..Maybe those bits are what's not dissolving at the bottom? I keep the salt sealed well and I store it in a cool dry spot, so I'm not sure how moisture got in.


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I’ve had that problem, too. Basically if your container isn’t completely air tight, there’s a chance that moisture in the air can get in and cause problems.


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I have had this happen. It happens less if I add the salt to the water rather than the water to the salt. It's usually a very small number of crystals in the bottom, and I just pour carefully and don't put them in the bowls.

Oh wow, interesting. I don't allow the undissolved salt into their pools either, just the water. The crabs seem completely fine, so I guess I shouldn't worry so much. I'll switch to storing my salt in an airtight container too.


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With sodium chloride (table salt), it's well known that it naturally wants to be in an envrionment of 75% humidity, so if it's more than that it absorbs moisture and if it's less it releases it. The salt mixes we buy are a huge mixture of different types of salts which react in the same way when it comes to wanting moisture but at different levels of humidity.

Basically, salt wants to be wet.

Thank you Wode for the insight!!


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