How long does salt last?

[JK47]

Yeah I know, it's a stupid question and I'm sorry for having to ask... I have never done a Marine tank before. I have a couple pound bag of salt that came with the tank (empty) when I got it, problem being, the "price tag" on the bag has a date that's 8 years old on it.

I am curous to know if marine salt has a shelf life to it? If so, how long would it be safe to keep? The bag says nothing. I was going to get some fresh Instant Ocean but my wife (budget'eer) asked why not use it and now I'm curious too... Obviously I don't want to harm anything.

 

[Reefscape]

Shelf live is 2 years here in the UK for an unopened salt package....Cant see it being any difference anywhere else..

 

[sweeTang21]

i agree. Just toss it and get a different bag. Salt is not that exspensive compared to other things in this hobby lol.

 

[IITUFFTOBEATII]

Shelf live is 2 years here in the UK for an unopened salt package....Cant see it being any difference anywhere else..

what happens to it in those two years.

salt doesnt oxidize or degrade so salt put in a bag is the same 2, 8, or 20 yrs from now as it is today.,

 

[Reefscape]

what happens to it in those two years.

salt doesnt oxidize or degrade so salt put in a bag is the same 2, 8, or 20 yrs from now as it is today.,

Personal experience shows that it solidifies and does not dissolve as normal new(ish) salt should do.....

 

[Knowdafish]

Personal experience shows that it solidifies and does not dissolve as normal new(ish) salt should do.....

So! Just mix it longer!

 

[alcohologist]

Personal experience shows that it solidifies and does not dissolve as normal new(ish) salt should do.....

i've seen this as well. never skimp on salt - it's the backbone of your marine setup.

 

[alcohologist]

So! Just mix it longer!

i'm not exactly sure, but when i see caked salt mix, or anything iffy about the mix [especially after a long period] i assume it's changed in some way. i wouldnt risk using it.

 

[Reefscape]

i'm not exactly sure, but when i see caked salt mix, or anything iffy about the mix [especially after a long period] i assume it's changed in some way. i wouldnt risk using it.

Agreed 100%...

I have tried use solidified salt before, even after 24 to 36 hours of mixing, a large portion of did not dissolve...A good working salt should be dissolved in 2 hours maximum, if not before..that, in itself, tells me the salt properties have changed to some kind of degree...

 

[Knowdafish]

Caked salt is salt that has been exposed to moisture. That's it! It can be broken up and dissolved. It just takes longer. It may not be worth the effort, but it is usable.