Is it ok to mix salt?

[TomD]

I filled up the new tank with Reef Crystals but I am all out and I want to change about 10 gallons of about 110 total volume today.

Is it ok to use IO? I have a few bags lying around. I can't get more RC til Friday.

Thanks

 

[JohnK]

Normally it's best to avoid mixing salts, (Horror stories about people having tank disasters after switching from one brand to another, IIRC IO to ocieanic caused a lot of problems for people), but I would think the IO and Reef crystals would be fine to mix since they come from the same company.

 

[S Hunter]

you should be fine

 

[TomD]

Thanks Shunter. I like the new avator!

 

[delta]

Same salt basically made by same manufacturer, reef crystals has more calcium and some trace elements added.

 

[TomD]

That is what I figured Greg but I wanted to be sure. I actually wanted to switch to IO just because it is more readily available at local LFS's. The problem is that I had such great success in my 30 with PC lighting. I had crazy coraline growth and all my corals did well. I feel like if I switch I will regret it but then again it seems the majority of experienced reefers use IO?

 

[JohnK]

like Delta said, same stuff, just has some extra Ca and trace elements added. Just plan on adding some Ca supplement to the IO to boost that up.

 

[mloebl]

I think I read someone on here mixes IO and Oceanic 50/50 to try to get some decent magnesium and calcium levels that IO lacks.

http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=34262&highlight=magnesium+instant+ocean

-Mike

 

[TomD]

Even though I only had softies and LPS I never dosed my tank with a thing and also maintained good ALK and CA about 400 with a 3-4 gallon water change weekly.