can instant ocean be used with sps
- Thread starter spsrookie
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toothybugs
New member
Another here for IO. Little water changes (like 5 gal, ex. a detritus suck-out or a quick replacement for something) I use IORC though. A little more kick. Mainly because I have it still and need to use it up.
this is me
Active member
I've used IO for many many years in my SPS dominated tank without an issue. As stated, CA and MG need to be buffed a little bit.
Can you be specific in the neutralizer you use to raise ph?
I use Kordon Amquel to neutralize any residual chlorine from the Muriatic Acid used to lower the Alkalinity. Amquel does not raise the pH.
jason2459
Well-known member
I've used muriatic acid to lower Alk before on my IO mix. Nothing really needed except to allow it to aerate (run a mixing pump) to allow pH to raise back up a bit. Then start using it. If doing very small water changes don't even need to worry about it that much either.
But do take care when using it.
But do take care when using it.
jason2459
Well-known member
That's not really necessary.
When adding muriatic acid to saltwater you end up with water, sodium chloride, and carbon dioxide which is why the pH drops and all that's needed is some aeration to outgas the CO2 helping to increase back up the pH while keeping the alkalinity lowered.
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Can one explain to me the process of this?
Lets say your making 20 gallons of water for change, best way to add cal and or mag, and how to use muriatic acid and hose much?
And lastly, hiding nothing, I am doing this because A. I like the hobby, and B. the set up is being given to me for nothing.
I bought a house a few months ago, and am on a limited budget. The lighting I have already, 2 400 watt halides accompanied by two t5s. It has a skimmer already, I have a few left over jebao powerheads.
Aside from the salt, cal and mag additives, etc, do you guys see any other major expenses I will need?
Apex's., dosers, calcium reactors I most likely couldnt afford.
Thanks for the advice
Lets say your making 20 gallons of water for change, best way to add cal and or mag, and how to use muriatic acid and hose much?
And lastly, hiding nothing, I am doing this because A. I like the hobby, and B. the set up is being given to me for nothing.
I bought a house a few months ago, and am on a limited budget. The lighting I have already, 2 400 watt halides accompanied by two t5s. It has a skimmer already, I have a few left over jebao powerheads.
Aside from the salt, cal and mag additives, etc, do you guys see any other major expenses I will need?
Apex's., dosers, calcium reactors I most likely couldnt afford.
Thanks for the advice
In theory if you carry out regular water changes cal alk and mag can be kept stable by salt mix alone. The more lps and sps you keep the more these levels will be depleated and you will need to start looking at dosing these individually either with a dising pump or a calcium reactor.
swk
New member
The calculation for figuring muratic dose is as follows
Gallons of water treated X number of dkh drop desired X 0.123 = ml muratic to add
For example:
25 gal X 2dkh drop X .123 = 6.15ml of muratic.
This works for products purchased at the hardware or pool supply store. Go slow. You can always add more if needed. Aerate for 24 hrs before use.
Gallons of water treated X number of dkh drop desired X 0.123 = ml muratic to add
For example:
25 gal X 2dkh drop X .123 = 6.15ml of muratic.
This works for products purchased at the hardware or pool supply store. Go slow. You can always add more if needed. Aerate for 24 hrs before use.
Ok, thanks. I changed salt mix to H2Ocean so no longer add Muriatic Acid for Alk control. Another reason I use Muriatic is to lower pH when acclimating fish. I don't have the 24hrs to wait so it's a precaution for Chlorine and any Ammonia the fish release.
Just a word of caution when using Muriatic Acid. If the humidity is high enough when you open the bottle a smoke can form. Don't breath the smoke as it's Chlorine gas.
SoloGarth
Active member
Yeah I don't get it either. I've used IO for at least the last 5 years. My tank is nearly all SPS. Never have done anything to the new SW. I also run a CaCO3 Rx.
rickzter
New member
U can use any salt. I've never had problems keeping sps and using reef crystals or instant ocean, I've even used oceanic. Each are different but salt alone should not be ur form of dosing.
SPS corals = always have trace elements handy. The amount u spend on mixed St adds up too. I do no water changes and replenish with essentials and steady my alk, calcium and magnesium with Nano Reef and tech m.
I think most folks over think stuff sometimes and its totally unnecessary. Testing is needed to see where ur tank is, I've lost coloration for not keeping up on my levels.
SPS corals = always have trace elements handy. The amount u spend on mixed St adds up too. I do no water changes and replenish with essentials and steady my alk, calcium and magnesium with Nano Reef and tech m.
I think most folks over think stuff sometimes and its totally unnecessary. Testing is needed to see where ur tank is, I've lost coloration for not keeping up on my levels.
gcarroll
Active member
I guess I remember back running my SPS tank without quantity of 10 - 12 DKH. I can't believe someone would add acid to their water change water just to bring down the alkalinity. Too many people have been successful with instant ocean. I just don't see a reason to mess with it
