Saltmix Parameters bring on the test results

[jason2459]

So, I underestimated what AquaForest is offering to do for me. They are willing to test any saltmix I want to send them. That is a very generous offer and plan to take them up on that offer.

Of course its not exactly a 3rd party so will not post the mix I'm testing on here before getting results back.

 

[jason2459]

Speaking of which...

Aquaforest Probiotic Reef Salt

Supposed to be QC'd to

Keep in mind those are at 33ppt.

Tried to match the salinity mark I had for the Reef blend to get as close of a comparison as I could between the two.

So, at a low 35ppt
Ca: 420
Alk: 7.04
Mg: 1485

And here's Triton's results.

Sulfur not nearly as low and matches tompot's triton results for probiotic mix but still lower then many of the other brands.

Salinity I tried to match to the reef mix and Triton's test results calculate higher at 33.97PSU. Could be the higher S content or just mixed higher even though I did try matching.

Barium is still high with this mix as well. I don't know if this is bad or not but good if you need to take your fish in for a GI scan I guess.

Al thankfully did not match tompot's triton results which were very high.

Li is pretty low for both aquaforest mixes and tropic marine pro. For anyone looking for a low Li salt for one reason or another.

 

[jason2459]

RedSea Coral Pro

Did this last night but finally getting a chance to post the number.

What they say

Instructions I showed inaccurate

And what I get at 35ppt

Ca: 430
Alk: 12.16
Mg: 1425

And Triton's results

Elevated amounts of Mn and I but really pretty good numbers. Alk is on the high side but that could be good to help supplement that too in small water changes.

Salinity is estimated at just over 33PSU.

I'm fnding this interesting. Going to go back to my normal mark I use for 35ppt and also weigh back out a 35ppt standard but from Jim Randy's recipe is to PSU. So, I guess I should specify that and will line up with the calculated estimated values.

Next mix should reflect that.

I have a batch of 50 sterile 50ml vials on order and waiting to get those in to start sending sample over to Aquaforest.

 

[bertoni]

If you'd like to turn this data into a table, I think it'd make a nice sticky note...

 

[jason2459]

If you'd like to turn this data into a table, I think it'd make a nice sticky note...

There's the images I posted above and need to update them with the latest results.

I can try and figure out how to convert to BB code tabs

 

[jason2459]

Have these

 

[SPotter]

Jason I just want to say thank you for all of the work you have put into this. With all of this testing, which salt would you use? I know so many shop owners, growers and hobbyists that still use IO and have amazing systems.

 

[bertoni]

If we could trim that down to the basics, and some how get alkalinity numbers, that'd be a useful chart for a lot of people. I'd like to ditch the data in the sticky note. It's rather old now.

 

[bif24701]

Jason I just want to say thank you for all of the work you have put into this. With all of this testing, which salt would you use? I know so many shop owners, growers and hobbyists that still use IO and have amazing systems.

That's is the $64,000 question...


Aaron

 

[SPotter]

If we could trim that down to the basics, and some how get alkalinity numbers, that'd be a useful chart for a lot of people. I'd like to ditch the data in the sticky note. It's rather old now.

That is one of, if not the best sticky on all of rc!!! Now Jonathan, when it comes to chemistry theres usually a few people that I look to for answers and you're one of them. So, I don't know if you have shared this info or not but here's my $64,000 question to you.....what salt do you use??????

 

[bertoni]

I have used a number of products, but in the end I went for IO.

 

[jason2459]

Jason I just want to say thank you for all of the work you have put into this. With all of this testing, which salt would you use? I know so many shop owners, growers and hobbyists that still use IO and have amazing systems.

I have no preference really. IO has always fit my needs. I'd like a lower alk periodically but muriatic acid solves that problem.

If I could get Tropic Marine Pro a lot cheaper I would probably use it.

Otherwise I see no reason every tank couldn't be successful with any of these salt mixes as long as they supplement where or if needed.

If we could trim that down to the basics, and some how get alkalinity numbers, that'd be a useful chart for a lot of people. I'd like to ditch the data in the sticky note. It's rather old now.

Thought this was in that link. It needs updated as well with these recent two mix results. Is this what you're looking for?

 

[bertoni]

Ah, yes. Maybe I'll get some time to work on a thread version that you could post.

 

[jason2459]

I think I found a vba macro that will convert excel to bbcode tables. I'll see if I can try it out tonight.


Otherwise I got 50 50ml sterile vials in today to send first some RODI and then some samples of different salt mixes. But looks like I need some new DI again. I'll get it ordered tonight.

 

[jason2459]

I can't seem to get the macro to work. Will work on it manually.

 

[jason2459]

I'm preparing a decent size batch of samples to be sent to Aquaforest as they expected to receive a batch of them at one time and not a single sample at a time. It will include their saltmixes as well. All labeled with unrelated designations.

So, through out this week I'll be mixing and testing quite a bit. I did get results in on a batch pretty quickly from them. Faster then I expected and in a easy to read format. Plus, it included what they tested my salinity at which was nice and did match up to what I tested at.

More to come on that.

 

[jason2459]

I got 6 samples prepared and tested last night. More to go and hope to have something shipped out Monday. That was a lot of work. lol

 

[AugustWest]

Haven't read the whole thread but did you test the Aquaforest Reef Salt? What did you get for Alk compared to what they claim the Alk to be n the paper n the bucket? I test it much lower than stated with 2 different Salifert kits.

 

[jason2459]

Haven't read the whole thread but did you test the Aquaforest Reef Salt? What did you get for Alk compared to what they claim the Alk to be n the paper n the bucket? I test it much lower than stated with 2 different Salifert kits.

Its post #132

It is being tested again FYI

 

[jason2459]

I got two more saltmixes done last night. I have 3 more to go and I'm going to call it good. It's pretty time consuming which I'm short of right now.

Particularly using the protocol I've been using which I've stuck to since the beginning of this thread once I established a method I could repeat.

Then having to assure no cross contamination between making batches. The testing is the quickest part.