Live rock complicated scenario.

[Chiefsurfer]

it all has the calcium and other elements you need. The big bonus to reef salt is that it has MORE calcium and magnesium than regular SW mixes. This is also deceiving. Like Tropic Marin regular has more calcium than instant ocean regular, instant ocean reef crystals has more calcium than tropic marin, i think red sea makes a reef salt that has more calcium than all of them. Basically, there may be regular salt mixes that are better than SOME reef mixes. Kinda figure out what works for you. I use Tropic Marin, and have not had any issues. I started on reef crystals, and had no problems. Figure out what works for you. If you have a light calcium load, you can probably get away with regular mix(cheaper), and when you get a moderate calcium load, should go to the reef crystals, and when your tank is COVERED with coral, then you need to suppliment as well. At that point just consider whether a little more suppliment and less$ on salt, or more $ on salt and less suppliment is better.

 

[Theo1972]

chief, now i use, instant ocean reef salt on my mixes, but i have a purchased instant ocean regular salt also, so im gona use both.. Just bought a calcium test kit with supplement just to have incase. So do you do water changes every month or every two weeks and how much? i kinda eye ball the tank and do 20% every two weeks..too much?