Aquarium Salt ( Something's Wrong? )

[Sarcosuchus]

I have a spoon along within a box of aquarium salt, I do not know why the salt sticking on the spoon is turning into a stained colour and it releases the smell of chilli powder and yes it does smell bitter too. Isn't this bad for the fish? I of course do not take from such portions.

But when I remove the stained coloured salt from the spoon the spoon appears to be normal, not stained whatsoever. Why does this happen?

 

[RTCatz]

no idea but i dont think you should leave the spoon in the can

 

[Sarcosuchus]

no idea but i dont think you should leave the spoon in the can

True, I just removed the stained coloured salt, washed the spoon and placed it seperately.

 

[ewurm]

I am sure it is reacting with the metal on the spoon, let me figure out the chemistry. Anyone know what spoons are made of?

 

[CichlidKid]

deff sounds like the salt is corroding the spoon, or reacting some how. Is your salt being stored in a dry place. Maybe removing the moisture will stop the reaction if that is your concern. if you are only intrested in the science, well then thats another story, salt erodes metal.

 

[CHOMPERS]

I am sure it is reacting with the metal on the spoon, let me figure out the chemistry. Anyone know what spoons are made of?

yes, stainless steel (or rost frei if your spoon is eastern european) is steel (iron and carbon), nickel, Chromium, and something else that I can't put my finger on. The salt causes corrosion in the metals (probably the chromium in this case) and this is where the funky color and smell is from. The chromium is what protects the alloy. It forms a skin of chromium oxide. Many low quality spoons left in a corrosive compound will come out rusty and pitted (I learned this the hard way).

 

[ewurm]

AI think the salt will also gather moisture and corrode with the iron, probaly iron oxide.

 

[RTCatz]

hey you can just use one of those plastic disposable ones...thats what i use

 

[ewurm]

hey you can just use one of those plastic disposable ones...thats what i use

Agreed, plastic does not react with salts.

 

[RadleyMiller]

Agreed, plastic does not react with salts.

Plastics are INERT! or, just don't put it in the salt thing permanantly. Toss the salt, you don't want those compounds in your tank water. Salt is cheap, go and get some new stuff.