Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything on it. I heat (to 78 degrees) and aerate 10-12 gallons of water in a 20 gallon Brute container for 24 hours, then add Instant Ocean Sea Salt to approximately 1.024. I stir until clear, then let it continue to aerate and heat for at least 24 hours more.

I live on the NE side of town, but my wife works out in Spring Branch. So she usually picks my water up from CB Pets on Thursday or Friday (unless it's been a while since I've seen their stock, in which case we make a special trip on Saturday morning). Sorry back to the point.

After mixing and aging, their water is always clear when I do my water change.

I bought water once from Polly's Pets, and twice from Aquarium Designs. In each of these instances, after the mixed saltwater had aged for a while, the water appeared clear. However, the inside of the bucket, the heater, and powerhead were all coated with a light gray substance.

Is this something to do with water hardness or something else?

Also, if the water is hard, does that make it more beneficial to calcifying organisms?

Thank for any input,

Billy