Salt Won't Mix

[kitnerjr]

I've had about 4 gallons sitting in a bucket since Sunday morning with a heater and power head mixing, I still have salt at the bottom.
Is there something I am not doing right, or is it normal to take this long?

Also, I bought one of these: http://www.petco.com/product/12201/Inst ... gEquipment
But it doesn't seem to work right, I followed the directions to a dot, and it even reads a high amount of salt in my freshwater even after rinsing.

 

[Dart7383]

Sometimes I also end up with a little bit that wont mix. It sometimes seems like there is a little bit of fine sand or mineral in the salt mix. If it is just a little bit I pour most of the water in and the residual sinks to the bottom. I just dump out that last little bit of water with the sand/minerals in it. Did you season the needle in your hydrometer? I know mine said to leave it filled with salt water overnight before using it. I'm really not sure what that does, but I have a similar meter and it seems to work fine. I did not however try it before soaking the needle. Hope this helps

 

[2columbians]

The Instant Ocean I've been using leaves tiny white granules too.. I read somewhere that it could be calcium?? It goes away though.

 

[ValorieMackison]

I frequently experience this myself. I mix it as thoroughly as possible, then add it to the tank. A few times the fish have come into contact with the granules as they sink, & thus far none show any signs of harm/distress. I'm inclined to think it is calcium or some such as well.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Test your hydrometer against a known SG at your LFS. Be sure you tap it on a hard surface to be sure there are no bubbles on the arm.