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View Full Version : Salt Mix, what brand?


filatelico
03-05-2006, 11:20 AM
Hi,

I was wondering if there is any mayor difference in salt mix brands, or are they all very similar?.

I have been using the Oceanic mix, but there is very little to no information on what exactly you get of the mix (I test it for Calcium, Alk and PH, normal parameters).
Jimm
03-05-2006, 01:23 PM
Most folks use Instant Ocean with no problems.
gwen_o_lyn
03-05-2006, 02:23 PM
Most use Instant Ocean. I'm about to run out of that, and I'll be switching to Kent which I got from our power buy. In my nano, I use Seachem reef salt to help keep my ca up.
Kevin McG
03-05-2006, 02:39 PM
Instant Ocean here
Rob
03-05-2006, 05:05 PM
i use regular Instant Ocean for all my regular tanks and stuff, and i use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals in my main display
jeepjon
03-06-2006, 12:17 PM
IO here...and DIY 3 part supplement to supplement the low CA and alk that tend to be in IO (at least after it sits for a while...especially with the lid not PERFECTLY sealed..DOH!)

-Jon
FibberMcGee
03-06-2006, 11:52 PM
Reef Crystals here.
Rob
03-07-2006, 12:09 AM
FibberMcGee, welcome to TR, btw.. i love the signature.. :D
Arcar
03-07-2006, 12:36 AM
Now I see that allot of people are using Instance Ocean Salt.. Now for filatelico Oceanic mix make sure you don't switch the salt.. That can really mess up your tank... Also how old is your tank and how long have you been using it!
gwen_o_lyn
03-07-2006, 11:36 AM
Welcome to TR Arcar ;)
filatelico
03-07-2006, 12:37 PM
Arcar,

I have the setup since December, and been using it since then (150 Gal), I used ocean water (natural) to fill the system for the first time, and since then have been using the Oceanic for water changes just because is what I had available at that time. Why do you suggest not to change now?, not that I’m planning to, but like to know.

Thanks
gwen_o_lyn
03-07-2006, 12:43 PM
I plan on changing salts soon once I run outta IO, and I don't expect any ill effects.
Rob
03-07-2006, 12:48 PM
gwen.. i smell another poll comming (what salt do you use?)... lol
gwen_o_lyn
03-07-2006, 12:56 PM
ha ha- I already know most people use IO ;)
I only got the Kent because it was cheap in a power buy :)
Arcar
03-07-2006, 07:48 PM
I have always herd, If you change salts it can mess up your tank... but If u have done it and nothing negative has came of it! Go head and change it again :)
kj_yoda
03-07-2006, 10:12 PM
I used IO for awhile, then kent, and now i am using the new sea chem salt.
filatelico
03-07-2006, 10:51 PM
Found this articles (part 1 and 2), please check the link, and let us know what do you think, the Oceanic gave some weird results, maybe I should go with IO?, the result that concerns me with IO is the Calcium at 340 seems kind of low.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1/view?searchterm=Aquaria%20Salt

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/aafeature1/view?searchterm=Aquaria%20Salt
gwen_o_lyn
03-07-2006, 10:52 PM
you may wanna try the IO reef crystals for higher CA readings
filatelico
03-07-2006, 10:57 PM
And this?:

http://www.aquacraft.net/s9910.html Rank
http://www.aquacraft.net/w0014.html IO
http://www.aquacraft.net/w0024.html Reef Crystals
Rob
03-07-2006, 11:07 PM
yes, i have had real good luck with reef crystals
Reefbaby
03-13-2006, 04:23 PM
I use TropicMarin Pro-Reef - love it. I can mix it up and use it right away and it's super clear. Other ones that I've used need days to fully mix!
Jimm
03-13-2006, 07:36 PM
I have to say that I just used Tropic Marin (regular) for a 50% water change on my 10 gallon tank (I'm out of IO and RC at the moment) and the corals seem to love the stuff. Everything is wide open and extended today. Reefbaby is right about it dissolving really fast. I like that. But if IS a bit more expensive.
filatelico
03-14-2006, 06:00 PM
Jim, or Reefbaby

Have you test it (sample) what PH, Calcium and Alk do you get from the Mix?
Nathan
03-14-2006, 06:46 PM
Just a small personal tip,

I make up my own salt mix, this is achieved basically by mixing up equal amounts of three brands I find I have had the best results with in the past, so I buy three buckets and tip equal quantities into my main salt bucket pop the lid on roll it round the floor for a few mins and hey presto my own mega salt mix with hopefully the benefits of all brands.

As each brand does have different elements in differing quantities

The three brands I use to make my mix are:

Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt
Instant Ocean Salt
Reef Crystals

Just thought I would share.
gwen_o_lyn
03-15-2006, 02:30 AM
Very cool Nathan- never heard of anyone doing that! ;)
Jimm
03-15-2006, 03:18 AM
I usually do that myself. Except I usually mix the IO and Tropic Marin.

From my last test:

pH 8.2
Ca 420 ppm
Alk 9.2 dKH

Measurements taken after I added the water to the tank.
Reefbaby
03-15-2006, 07:30 AM
Jim, or Reefbaby

Have you test it (sample) what PH, Calcium and Alk do you get from the Mix?

No, I haven't. But, I just made up new water last night, so I'll check it tonight and post it later!
Cjvolitan
03-23-2006, 10:05 PM
well i have not found any difference between the brands i have tried.
instant ocean , reef crystals, azoo aquarium salt
Reefbaby
03-25-2006, 12:53 PM
Welcome to TR Cjvolitan! How'd you hear about us?
Amphibious
03-25-2006, 01:57 PM
Hey Nathan and Cjvolitan

http://www.theculturedreef.com/welcome.gif to Talking Reef!

In the beginning, (eg, a long time ago, ;) 1966) when I first got into saltwater, I used Tropic Marin. It was great then and I suspect it still is. It is more expensive and I switched years ago to Instant Ocean and have been satisfied with the results. However, if I can find a source of Tropic Marin here in FL, I'd give it another try.


Dick