Instant Ocean for reefs

[rica5tully]

I use Instant Ocean for my reef tank. But I've heard comments that you should NOT use it---that it is only good for FO tanks or for the fish store.

Is this true?

 

[mwhite]

I doubt if it is only for FO tanks, but they do have a Reef version that I use with success. It costs the same and has some more calcium, magnesium and trace elements in it.

 

[prugs]

For the couple extra $$'s, I use Reef Crystals.

 

[rica5tully]

What's the name of the IO Reef version?

I'm on a student's budget, so that's why I've been buying IO. I can get a 160 bucket for $36 at Petsmart. That seems pretty good.

Prugs, where do you buy Reef Crystals, and how much is it?

 

[Peter Eichler]

Reef Crystals is the Aquarium Systems reef salt.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ..._-Salt_Mixes&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113009

There's nothing wrong with using IO in a reef, but you should be adding things like calcium, magnesium, and extra buffer to your make up water. Considering the small price difference between IO and Reef Crystals it's not really worth the hassle.

 

[prugs]

Dr. F&S has the market cornered on salt.

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Just did a behind the scenes tour at Shedd....many pallets of IO salt.

 

[rica5tully]

Thanks! That's really interesting.

 

[prugs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9938440#post9938440 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Red Sea Purple Tang
Just did a behind the scenes tour at Shedd....many pallets of IO salt.

That must have been quite the field trip, you CMAS traitor

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But aren't most of the displays at the Shedd FO?

 

[know-it-all]

I used it for years on my reef
I only switched to reef crystals becuase
1. it's only $2 more from DFS
2. Reef crytsals is next day delivery and IO takes 1 week

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

I agree with Jeff...for the extra $2, I like the Reef Crystals.

There are quite a few tanks with live reef stuff.

 

[rica5tully]

I called Petsmart in Madison. They said if you print off the price from their website and bring it in, you can get the internet price without paying the shipping.

That means 160gal. bucket IO salt = $35.99

I don't think I could get it from DFS for that price, even though it's on sale right now.