Millions of gallons of salt water have been made using the Instant Ocean brand product. I would say, for a new tank, it would work very well. As you advance in the hobby and need a salt with higher calcium/magnesium, etc, then switch to a product like Reef Crystals.
__________________ I have Attention Defic...HEY LOOK, A FISH!
I've been using IO for forty years. It's true, IO comes up short on Calcium (350 ppm instead of 450 ppm) but instead of switching to the more expensive reef Crystals I simply add liquid calcium to my mixed salt water till it tests 450 ppm. That saves a little money and works great.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
I prefer Red Sea Coral Pro. It has a high calcium, alk, and mag content and is only about $55 shipped from foster and smith. It also performed very well in a recent salt study. Although the results are still pending, I have talked to him through emails a few times about it.
I've been using IO for forty years. It's true, IO comes up short on Calcium (350 ppm instead of 450 ppm) but instead of switching to the more expensive reef Crystals I simply add liquid calcium to my mixed salt water till it tests 450 ppm. That saves a little money and works great.
Dick-
What Ca supplement are you using? I have a few gallons of ESV B-ionic, which would cost about $8 to get 160g of SW from 350->450ppm. I am wondering if your additive is cheaper.
BTW: I've been using Reef Crystals (which is $4 more than IO at MD and F&S) but I do not understand why it is any better than IO (magnesium?). The first bucket I obtained from F&S tested to 345 ppmCa and the second bucket to 355 ppm. I sent test samples to F&S, and they kindly sent me back the following:
Quote:
We would like to apologize for the problems you have experienced with your recent purchase of Instant Ocean/Reef Crystals Synthetic Sea Salt. Thank you for sending in your salt sample for testing. After numerous meetings with the Instant Ocean management and operations manager at their manufacturing plant, we can assure you that your concerns have been thoroughly investigated regarding low levels of calcium or magnesium in some Reef Crystals Synthetic Sea Salt you had purchased in 2007.
We would like to assure you that all of the quality control procedures have been thoroughly analyzed and revised where needed to insure that Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals Sea Salt meet all of the claims made by the manufacturer. In each of their facilities, quality assurance procedures are in place to check incoming raw materials, as well as their in-process operations, and the testing of the final product. Written procedures and systems are in place to ensure compliance, while decreasing the chances for human errors. As part of their commitment to continuous quality improvement, Instant Ocean will regularly review and revise their procedures to deliver the best product on the market. In addition Instant Ocean utilizes outside laboratories to verify their raw materials and final products to ensure adherence to their stringent standards.
We want to assure you that Drs. Foster and Smith stands behind all of the products we sell, and works closely with the manufacturer if any of our valued customers have concerns with any product we offer. Your complete satisfaction is very important to us, and we appreciate your patience and understanding while we have investigated this matter thoroughly with the manufacturer. We genuinely appreciate your continued support, and if you still have concerns or are not completely satisfied we would appreciate you contacting us at techsupport@drsfostersmith.com .
Below are the test results from the samples of salt you sent in to Drs. Foster and Smith: Salinity- 53mS Alk- 12
Calcium Instant Ocean- 375
Magnesium-1400 pH- 8.18
Temp- 74
Their one result was slightly elevated than mine, but none were close to the 400-415 Ca I was expecting. I am thinking of jumping on Bobby's Coral Pro bandwagon after I finish these buckets.
scott, i dont think that you would be disappointed in the salt. i have not had a bad batch yet and i have been using it for a little over a year now. at 78 degrees and 1.025 = cal. 460, alk. 10, and mag. 1350 and the test results are pretty consistant.
__________________ Bobby
"I FORMERLY glued animals to rocks" NO TANK RIGHT NOW, but you never know when I might throw one together !! I have everything I need but the time!!
Show people you appreciate their advice! Click the icon under their name to add to their reputation.
Wow! That is some can of worms you brought to the attention of Drs F&S. Kudos to them for taking it to the source. Very interesting!!! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I've been using Ocean's Blend additives for 5 years. I've tried all brands prior to that. Ocean's Blend is what I'd call a superior brand to the others. It was formulated by a hobbyist about 7 years ago and refined along the way.
He has a concentrated form of Calcium for users who's salt mix comes up short on Calcium. A gallon goes a long way. Let me see what I can get it to you for. He's coming to my home for the first meeting of the Treasure Coast Reef Society.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
dr fosters sure have a way with their customer base, that was a pretty good reply as reply's go actually. I wonder what they will say when i ask for this lattest batch of stool sample to be tested..muhahaha*coughwowthatstinks*haha
dr fosters sure have a way with their customer base, that was a pretty good reply as reply's go actually.
When I requested to receive the test results, I was only half expecting a reply. They certainly go the extra mile. They not only sent a second bucket of salt to me when my first one was delayed in shipment, but also supplied me with 32 oz in both part 1&2 B-ionic when I first reprted that my Ca was low. This was with only my word that my Ca was low. I was more than happy to send them samples (for which they sent shipping labels), and was delighted to hear back. Most companies would probably just sweep such complaints under the rug.
It is hard to complain about F&S's limited selection of quality skimmers and controllers (and most higher end stuff), as well as the inclusion of some dubious products that I would well steer clear of when the customer support and shipping rates are so outstanding. I wish I could do all my online purchases through them.
wow - thats orsome! they sound like a cool compa......wait a sec! yep ok, now if you dont mind tipping some of those company royalties into my membership account now please cause its alittle out of date! share the wealth they say.
icon under their name to add to their reputation. 
V-series Productions 