Finally acro growth!!!

[skyshrimp]

Well ive been scratching my heaD for nearly a year now trying to figure out why I couldn't get any acros to grow. I did everyrhing I could but come to find out it was my salt I was using io but now Im using reef crystals and within 2 weeks of using it I'm already seeing very good polyp and even good growth. I snapped off a branch 2 weeks ago and changed to reef crystals and today you could not tell that it was snapped off and the frag that I snapped off is already encrusting a bit and looks healthy. I'm just glad that I'm doing something right and confirmed that I wasn't crazy lol.

 

[skyshrimp]

Sorry about the grammar folks using a cell phone.

 

[RynosReef]

Cool dude. Finding a problems culprit in an sps tank is always a wild goose chase. Glad to hear you figured it out! What kind of salt were you using?

 

[skyshrimp]

I was using the regular instant ocean salt but then switched to reef crystals since i read it has more vitamins and trace elements, etc., plus i have nearly 30 corals and most of them are stony. I just figured something was getting used up really fast with 28 corals in my tank and I guess reef crystals had enough of what ever it is.

 

[Quercus]

I just switched to reef crystals from regular instant ocean as well, hopefully i see similar results as you! Thanks for sharing

 

[gon08]

I've used IO for years. IMO its not worth paying extra for RC cause the extra calcium will be used up pretty quickly anyway. What are your calcium and alkalinty levels and how are you maintaining it? The added calcium is probably what has helped with your new growth.

 

[batt600]

If you want better growth stop using IO and us somthing way better that salt is crap. Like TMP or ESV salt

 

[psykobowler]

I love reef crystals too. Just look at chingchai, last version, copps reef.

 

[jcolletteiii]

Many tank of the month winners and many, many successful reefers use IO. There is no problem at all with the salt - mixes fast and clean. The levels of Ca and Alk may be a bit low for those who do not dose. Did you dose Ca and Alk with the IO? My acros grow crazy with IO, but I dose Ca, ALK and Mg. IMO, IO is one of the most consistent salt mixes out there - you know what you are getting from batch to batch, and it's easy to adjust accordingly.

 

[evo@32psi]

I am so jealous of that picture. Acro's are beautiful!!

 

[typicalwhiteazn]

I was hearing soooo many advance reefers RIPPING on TMP months back because their batches were extremely low on Alk and Cal.... it was pretty big new because it killed off/bleached alot of SPS/LPS in tanks of local reefers...

I dunno if that was ever resolved but it was enough for me not to ever pay $75/bucket of that stuff if their quality assurance is gonna be like that...

Coralife all the way for consistent econo-salt!!!...

 

[Ostentum]

Everyone has their own opinions on salt. Personally love the Aquavitro Salinity that I recently switched to, very consistant salt just doesnt mix as well as I would like. Water is clearer and incredible polyp extension. IMHO it isnt necessarily the salt you chose to use, its how you keep the parameters consistant, especially with SPS.

 

[Pallobi]

If you want better growth stop using IO and us somthing way better that salt is crap. Like TMP or ESV salt

I use IO, and I don't do nearly as many water changes as i should... my tank is doing great with growth and color... jus sayin

 

[batt600]

Why buy a salt that has to high alk and to low cal and mag. I use ESV and dont dose anything to make up for what the salt lacks. It just dont make sense to me.

 

[sandhog]

I am having better luck with seachem reef salt.I used to use IO and dose alk,cal,mag.I wonder if there is more trace elements in the better salt?

 

[skyshrimp]

My params are the same with rc as they were with io. I think it was something else because besides salt I havent changed anything. calcium has always been high around 560 and doesnt wanna go below 500. Alk is always 12, mg is always above 1600. Wc 25g a week I dont know what it is but im just glad things are in track now. Ive got frags that are a year old that are just starting to grow about a week after using rc.

 

[skyshrimp]

Also I dont dose anything at all. Also I think it helped that I raised my ati sunpower from 6in to 12in above tank.

 

[NyReefNoob]

i doubt the light had anything to do with it, the boosted levels of cal and alk did, and alot of the people using IO dose the tank whether with a cal reactor ,2 part of kalk

 

[Norwood IND]

i doubt the light had anything to do with it, the boosted levels of cal and alk did, and alot of the people using io dose the tank whether with a cal reactor ,2 part of kalk

+1

 

[Xler8n]

Have always used Reef Crystals with no complaints. Make sure to mix it well (in the bag or bucket) before you mix it with water. RC has different particle sizes and the small stuff will sink to the bottom if not mixed.