Salt Question

[mattruggiero]

Quick question for you guys... When I purchased my tank it came with 200 gallons worth of salt but it isn't reef specific. I believe it's more for a fish only tank. My question is.. since I am just starting a new tank and don't have any corals yet and won't until my tank cycles... is it ok to use up this salt and just start mixing in reef salt when I do my water changes? Or will this mess things up?

Thanks!

 

[username in use]

It's probably fine to start your tank with. Were there any indications on the bag/box of what it is?

 

[A.Astore]

I know I started my tank up with non reef specific salt (Instant Ocean) and have picked some up at times when I have found it on sale between reef crystals. I don't have an automatic dose system so I can easily monitor what effect it has on the system (which I generally don't have to change anything to be honest in terms of dosing for calcium/alk). The parms of the water prior to coral being placed without ever dosing anything were calcium 450 and Alk 8 because of this I see absolutely no reason you need to get rid of the salt when setting the tank up. From my experience I didn't have to even waste time/effort/money getting the necessary items for coral up to par using the non-reef mix.

Why waste money buying new salt when you will be doing some water changes prior to anything actually going in? (Granted, I would find out the brand of the salt at least)

 

[gone fishin]

It should not be an issue. For example instant ocean is fine to use instead of instant ocean reef crystals.

 

[scooter31707]

You will be fine. when you decide to change salts, I recommend doing about 10% weekly so the tank can get use to the new salt.

 

[mattruggiero]

Thanks all for the comments! I do appreciate it. This will save me a little money while I start this tank up.

The salt is Oceanic Natural Sea Salt. From what I've read it's ok nothing great.