little things make difference in concrete

I poured 2 sonatubes,8 inch, a couple days ago.The first one
I mixed 1 bag at a time for a total of 2 bags with the usual 3 quarts per 80# bag of quikcrete. The 2nd batch i mixed 2 bags all at once with the water. I added a small amount extra water to each because 3 quarts is too dry,yes...???I think so.
I used a little rebar and a few clean rocks,7-9 small and a few pieces of old metal from a bed spring.
I covered the first pillar with a loose covering and the second with a plastic bag taped shut. I dont think this one breathed much. maybe a mistake..??
I thought it was interesting to see the difference. The first one came out perfect with a nice tight texture and a bluish seal on top. I would call it perfect. The second one came out ok but the top grain wasnt perfectly tight and did not have that nice bluish tint. Both are good and will do the trick.
But it seems that you have to mix quikcrete exactly right
to get the best results.That seems to be at least a little extra water and maybe a slightly breathable cover for the first 24 hrs. Interesting.

 

I guess you were just testing some theories. I've poured a lot of footings in those tubes but I never measured the water & never used any bed springs. I have used plastic but on the bottom of the tube when there is a high water table. That stops the cement from disappearing as you pour it. I remember one tube taking 3 bags of cement.