A General Guide to Salt Mixes

[Rickyrooz1]

I do not believe the regular version binds any phosphate or silicate from seawater (and the binding of phosphate with polymers is one area where I am an expert). The elite version contains GFO, and with that added, it will bind phosphate and silicate.

The simple fact that they decided to add GFO should indicate that the original was not adequate at binding phosphate and silicate.

Will the GFO release PO4 back into the water once it is saturated or will this be skimmed out in the skimmer?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd suggest starting a new thread to leave this one about salt mixes.

 

[bertoni]

I think Chemi-Pure has a fair amount of GAC in it, and that will work nicely. It also contains some ion-exchange resins, I think, and those aren't helpful. Chemi-Pure is overpriced for what it is, in my opinion. I do keep forgetting what's in all the various products out there, but a good grade of GAC is fine.

Purigen can be useful as an adjunct to GAC, but I never tried it. GAC is worth running, in my opinion.

 

[Aquarist007]

I'd suggest starting a new thread to leave this one about salt mixes.

this thread might do the trick:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1182318&page=16

 

[Finsky]

I have been using Reef Crystals for two years. From what I have read I do not see any reason to change.

 

[Billybeau1]

I have been using Reef Crystals for two years. From what I have read I do not see any reason to change.

I'll have to agree with you on that one Finsky.

 

[maynardjames]

reef crystals

reef crystals

I'll have to agree with you on that one Finsky.

me too. have used for almost 4 years. have used d & d a few times & didn`t notice enough if any change in testing or display tank to switch over. rc is a good salt for me -quality & price wise

 

[baldwinaquaman]

Are my the ONLY person who uses coralife salt? Lol maybe somethings up here, I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

 

[redsea reefer]

Are my the ONLY person who uses coralife salt? Lol maybe somethings up here, I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Your not alone.....yet, LOL. Been using it for a while but switching to either Reef Crystals or SeaChem Reef...

 

[baldwinaquaman]

why are you switching?

 

[redsea reefer]

why are you switching?

My LFS stopped carrying it.

 

[baldwinaquaman]

oh ok, I use it because it is one of the only brands i can continuously get locally....

 

[redsea reefer]

oh ok, I use it because it is one of the only brands i can continuously get locally....

I get mine locally too, My LFS stocks IO, RC and Seachem Reef salt only now, so those are my choices after my last bag of Coralife. I am leaning toward SC Reef salt though...

 

[baldwinaquaman]

that's all you can get in L.A.? I live in West Virginia so I'm sure you can understand my problem.....but L.A. is like the hub of this hobby for the U.S., that's weird....

 

[redsea reefer]

that's all you can get in L.A.? I live in West Virginia so I'm sure you can understand my problem.....but L.A. is like the hub of this hobby for the U.S., that's weird....

No, there are other choices around but after reading countless threads on salt mixes and Billy's salt mix chart, it seems like RC and SC Reef are my best choices when it comes to price and the big three numbers like Ca, Alk and Mg...

 

[Finsky]

Reef Crystals versus Seachem Reef Salt

Reef Crystals versus Seachem Reef Salt

I make a 10% water change each weekend with Reef Crystals. When I do my pH drops about .1 to .2. which is bothersome.

I have this reply from Seachem:

Reef Salt contains borate so that when a fresh batch of
salt water is mixed up, the pH of that water will be at
8.3 or 8.4. Many other salt manufacturers do not add
buffers to their salt; they simply rely on CO2 being
pulled in from the air during the mixing process to be
converted into bicarbonate; therefore, the pH of saltwater
made with their salt will be between 7.8 and 8.0. So, to
answer your question: yes, Reef Salt will help you to
raise your pH with water changes. However, you will
probably need to use a buffer between water changes in
order to maintain/raise the pH of your tank.

 

[tmz]

baldwinaquaman, I use coralife and have for about 8 years. Works well for me.

 

[Newreeflady]

Holy crud, that's some expensive stuff! Have you considered buying buckets at Drs. F&S?

 

[redsea reefer]

I make a 10% water change each weekend with Reef Crystals. When I do my pH drops about .1 to .2. which is bothersome.

Finsky - do you get the brown residue/crud while mixing fresh SW with RC?

 

[Finsky]

Not a problem for me?

Not a problem for me?

No. And I mix my batches by hand.