Instant Oean vs Oceanic. Dangerous to switch?

[El Langostino]

When my 90 gallon tank was setup 3 months ago my LFS brought over a few huge buckets of salt water to initially fill it and I do believe Instant Ocean was the mix they used to make it. Well, a friend bequeathed to me a large amount of Oceanic salt free of charge and so I've been using it ever since. He repeatedly assured me this would not have any adverse affects on the tank and its inhabitants (not sure I really trust this individual very much).

I really cannot say that I've overtly noticed anything askew. Water parameters are fine, all of the fish seem to be happy as well as the inverts. I just wanted to hear other aquarists' opinions on making a change of seasalt mix when your tank was started with a different brand.

Also, are there really any stark differences between IO and Oceanic?

 

[lvpd186]

I dont think there are any big differences between the two mixes. As long as you maintain the right SG you should be alright. BTW I could sure use a friend to give me a large amount of free salt mix!!

 

[El Langostino]

Lol, I got quite a few other free materials in that deal as well. Btw, thanks for the info.

 

[bertoni]

As long as the water parameters are okay, the tank should be fine, but most people using Oceanic report low alkalinity and high calcium. I avoid that particular product.

 

[crpeck]

Oceanic has resulted in a hassle maintaining proper alkalinity for me, but overall my corals are healthy and grow well with it. Would I recommend it? No. Would I stress and not use it if I got it free? No.

Low alkalinity is a common complaint with Oceanic users so be sure and test Alk and pH while you use it. Corals can adapt to most salt mixes as long as you don't change anything too fast.

Good Luck!
Cathy

 

[El Langostino]

Has anyone heard of using 2/3 Oceanic and 1/3 Instant Ocean in order to keep calcium high for corals but also get good alkalinity readings?

 

[Pazazz]

Mixing salt!!!

Mixing salt!!!

No need to worry I do it all the time....