EI macro mix & white filaments

I've noticed that my EI macro mix (KNO3 + KH2PO4 + KCl + MgSO4.7H2O) in distilled water starts getting (growing?) short white stringy filaments after only a few days.

Has anyone seen this? Any idea what its from and if its an issue?

It is possibly from the mix being to concentrated... but I would then expect crystals that settle rather than bits floating around. My other option is to dry dose but my tank is quite small and measuring the small quantities can be a PITA so I'd rather avoid that unless there is a problem.

Thanks

 

Is it not bacterial growth? I know when I work will MilliQ water after a few days it starts to go cloudy with a white filament type growth. I doubt the concentration of the mix has anything to do with it but to be sure you could just leave the RO water in a container and see what happens.

 

Its distilled water from the pharmacy and there is nothing growing in the one that is already opened. But bacterial growth in the mix, yes sounds possible.

How big an issue is that? I'm assuming its not ideal. Possibly messing with concentration etc?

 

I once saw someone suggesting freezing the mix in single dose sized blocks. I guess I can try that...

 

put some excel in the mixture, it should stop stuff growing. i did it to mine, and it seems fine up till now, 2 weeks in.

 

Good idea.

 

Great ideas, thanks all. I'll try both and see.