A General Guide to Salt Mixes

[kenbow19]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14259559#post14259559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
Hmm, I'm not sure what happened, then. Warmer water can cause more precipitation, but that's unlikely to be an issue. I haven't used that product, so I can't say much. Does the precipitate fizz in vinegar?

Yes the powder residue does fizz in vinegar thanks for the replies bertoni

 

[bertoni]

Well, I'd guess that the precipitate is calcium carbonate, which would explain the low alkalinity. Exactly why that batch had such a problem is going to be hard to determine. Strange.

 

[Billybeau1]

kenbow, Oceanic has a lot of calcium. You may want to add the salt at a much slower rate then the previous salt mixes you have used.

If added slowly, it should not precipitate if you keep it below 1.027.

You have some type of mixing/aeration in your salt mix container I hope.

 

[Rueg]

Did you have the container full of water before adding the salt? If you add the salt while you are filling the container and there isn't initially enough water in the container for the amount of salt you are adding - could cause it to happen.

 

[Billybeau1]

I believe he already stated me adds his salt to a full container of ro/di.

 

[kdblove_99]

So just stick with RC/ I was thinking about trying the Seachem reef salt as i really like the numbers you have posted

 

[Billybeau1]

I do not think there is anything wrong with trying something different.

It may just suit your husbandry practices better.

 

[DheereCrossing]

I use Red Sea Coral Pro at the moment and got two bags of Seachem Reef at our local club's show last week. I got a screamin' deal on it so I'll let you all know what happens. The only thing is that it got a bit moist and the bags are like rocks at the moment. They are 50 gallon mix bags but I only mix about 20 gallons at a time. Dose that seem to be a problem of just breaking pieces off to mix?

 

[Billybeau1]

It shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure it will still dissolve.

 

[kenbow19]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14268687#post14268687 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billybeau1
kenbow, Oceanic has a lot of calcium. You may want to add the salt at a much slower rate then the previous salt mixes you have used.

If added slowly, it should not precipitate if you keep it below 1.027.

You have some type of mixing/aeration in your salt mix container I hope.

I will try that on my next mix, i have a maxi-mod in a 32 gallon brute, plenty of mixing power

 

[Billybeau1]

Let us know how the next mix works out.

 

[kenbow19]

I have added enough salt to mix it 1.015 and it is cloudy and will not clear, so i guess it is a Bad bucket, not really what i wanted, more problems

 

[Billybeau1]

How much did you add to what amount of water ?

 

[kenbow19]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14296915#post14296915 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billybeau1
How much did you add to what amount of water ?

added 3 cups then waite an hour then added 3 more, 6 cups to 20 gallons, which according to Oceanic directions would mix 12 gallons to 1.023, so the salt amount is adding close to advertised, just not mixing clear @ 1.015.

 

[wet reefer]

Thank you Billybeau1 for taking the time to help us all out. Any idea on when the list will be updated?

 

[ehutchby]

thank you all for the help.

thank you all for the help.

I have converted my FOWLR tank to a soon to be SPS dominated tank. So far I have used Instant Ocean salt with no problems, other than dosing to adjust the parameters.
I am looking to change and have a couple of questions.
1. Do you recomend keeping your RO/DI water at a certain temperature when mixing? I keep my RO/DI supply in the garage and some times it can get cold.
2. If you get a "bad batch" of salt from a manufacturer, where the parameters are not what they advertise, has anyone asked for a refund? Thoughts?
I understand you can dose to adjust the parameters, but you are using your own supplies to make the product work the way it was supposed to.
3. Last: DD H2Ocean w/ High Magnesium salt and Red Sea Pro. Those that use this salt: what has been your experiences??
Thanks again..

 

[anothermineral]

ehutchby,

You should have your ro/di water consistent w/ your tank temperature prior to mixing. The temperature dictates how much salt will dissolve.

I keep my make up water in a 40G rubbermaid trash can with a heater, a small powerhead, and an air stone.

 

[rob020880]

If I use a refractometer that automatically compensates for temp do I have to bring the new water I am about to mix to my exact tank temp? Would a degree or two in either direction really make any sort of difference? Assuming it is a small water change.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14300515#post14300515 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
Thank you Billybeau1 for taking the time to help us all out. Any idea on when the list will be updated?

Your welcome. I will update numbers as I see reefers getting different than what is posted. I already have a couple on my list that may have changed their formulas. I have no advanced warning of this other than input from our members.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14297565#post14297565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenbow19
added 3 cups then waite an hour then added 3 more, 6 cups to 20 gallons, which according to Oceanic directions would mix 12 gallons to 1.023, so the salt amount is adding close to advertised, just not mixing clear @ 1.015.

I'm not sure whats going on here kenbow. In 20 gallons of water, you should be able to slowly at 10 cups of Oceanic with no precipitation issues. You are seeing precip at 6 cups. There is definity something wrong here.