Switching Salt Mix

[jdeb101]

I know this has been discussed a hundred times but I never payed much attention to it. I have been using Instant Ocean Salt Mix, but was thinking of switching to Reef Crystals (also made by Instant Ocean). Im guessing my corals would better benefit from the trace elements and vitamins in Reef Crystals because I only does Alk and Calc right now.

Any harm in switching? Should I do it slowly? TIA

 

[Greg Hiller]

Not likely to be any harm. They are nearly the same thing. I doubt you will see any difference.

 

[PenMan]

Interested comments in the lecture today about some the large tank people in Europe, most seem to mixing 4-5 types of commercial salt to make their own blend.

 

[jdeb101]

K Thanks. Do you think its worth switching or is it just a waste of money?

 

[Arthur1]

Salt

Pen that did sound interesting how Ron commented on the "blend" of salts. I haven't looked into European salts but I wonder if they are higher grades. I wouldnt bother mixing salts here. I have used a lot of them and they don't seem to have the consistency as claimed.

 

[cknapp21]

I've never really analyzed the contents of each, but since I switched from IO to reef crystals I no longer have to dose magnesium. One less thing to worry about for a couple more dollars a bucket. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Aquaman_68]

I've never really analyzed the contents of each, but since I switched from IO to reef crystals I no longer have to dose magnesium. One less thing to worry about for a couple more dollars a bucket. Just my 2 cents.

Yes & the less dosing of mag suppliments, the less phospahtes you will add to your tank!!!
So that is all good for ya!
We tested a bunch of mag suppliments with a phosphate meter way back!!! You should have saw the levels of the widely used mag suppliments on the market!!!!

 

[jdeb101]

Ive only been dosing seachem calc(which i guess also raises mag) and alk. Would the extra mag be too much?

 

[Aquaman_68]

Ive only been dosing seachem calc(which i guess also raises mag) and alk. Would the extra mag be too much?

I don't see how that would raise your mag levels. My comment wasn't in regards to elevated mag levels. It was a statement to say most mag suppliments have a high level of phosphates in them!! hth



B

 

[jdeb101]

The seachem product I use to raise calcium also adds a small amount of magnesium(not sure exactly how much). I think its called Reef Advantage??

 

[besl]

I switched from IO to RC a few months ago - seems to be working out better as I have not needed to supplement Mg and my Ca reactor is better able to keep Alk and Ca at more stable levels - I know RC is higher in Mg and I suspect it also is higher in Ca an buffers. Is there a correlation between cyano and phosphate? When i was dosing with Mg, my cyano seemed to be increasing and now with RC, although not gone, it does seem to be better under control - perception or reality - not sure.