SPS keeper, so what SALT is in ur tank???

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7377098#post7377098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
I get Reef Cyrstals for $44.99 from my LFS. They also have IO for $34.99.


I cant seem to find the REEF CRYSTALS in buckets out here, so I buy it in bags and I am considering switching. I use to enjoy KENT with no probs, and IO. But I am curious to know how the SEACHEM is doing and the new RED SEA PRO.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7377504#post7377504 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishsoldseprtly
I cant seem to find the REEF CRYSTALS in buckets out here, so I buy it in bags and I am considering switching. I use to enjoy KENT with no probs, and IO. But I am curious to know how the SEACHEM is doing and the new RED SEA PRO.

Everyone I know who has switched to Seachem Reef Salt has had nothing but great results. I am very tempted to use it, but as the old saying goes "If it ain't broke don't fix it" :D
 
I am currently in the process of switching from Reef Crystals to Tropic Marin. The RC had too low of CA & Mag so I am making the switch.
 
Doesn't TM have really low mag as well. I have not been abl to find a salt that has CA=450, Mg= 1300 anyone?
 
IMO instant ocean is just the nutrient poorer fish only version of Reef crystals. i found IO to be OK for FOWLR's but reef crystals the more balanced and rich out of the two. sorta makes sense as they are made by the same company and one is a lot cheaper than the other. and IMO never ever by bags of salt they never last, are hard to tie back up again and the salt always seems to attract water and go hard.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7378425#post7378425 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JVHam
Doesn't TM have really low mag as well. I have not been abl to find a salt that has CA=450, Mg= 1300 anyone?

When I tested both TM and TM pro I got something along the lines of

TM
Ca:325, Mg:1100
Tm Pro
Ca:375, Mg:1200

Was mixing to 1.025.

The thing I find nicest about TM, is IO always irritated the crap out of my skin. Tm doesnt do that.
 
I use Oceanic also. For others using it...how are you keeping your alk up? Freshly mixed Oceanic to 1.026 gives me
Ca over 500 (closer to 600)
Mg over 1500
dKH of like 6
pH 8.2-3

Correct me if I'm wrong...I read that it's the high Mg levels that is making it difficult to maintain my alkalinity.

I just ordered 2 buckets of Oceanic and 3 buckets of Reef Crystals. I'm going to try a 50/50 mix of the 2 and see what happens. Have also considered switching completely to Reef Crystals. Adding 20ml of Seachem Reef Carbonate every other day is getting old.
 
Right now I am using Marine Environment. The alkalinity mixes to 2 dKH. Yes, I spent the most money on a salt that has an alkalinity reading of pathetic. I throw a little baking soda in there and it comes right up, but that's not the point.

I will be moving to TM Pro as my calcium reactor is on the way. The LFS by me sells IO and RC for about $75 a bucket; the same price as the premium salts.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7378575#post7378575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
The thing I find nicest about TM, is IO always irritated the crap out of my skin. Tm doesnt do that.
Funny, because for me TM Pro `burns' ... when try and in contact with my skin, I don't likey. Reef Crystals just has that weird chemical smell for me.
For you, I have zero doubt your hand burns. Funny way to make a decision, but given our regular contact with the salt [or sw] ... makes sense IMO to avoid the one that causes discomfort.


Might try it again. I tried TM Pro and Seachem Reef was using RC in between, each for a couple of months [after a month 50/50 changeover] ... and TM PR was nice, and at the time was too spendy to change. Still don't have it in town, but seems like enough places have no heavyweight fee/decent shipping cost so that I may try it for a few months again.
Nothing wrong I saw for Seachem, but as it's not available local, IMO I liked TM PR a little more of the two, but as it wasn't broke - I felt more than reckless enough trying two new salts within a year and went back to RC given none knocked my socks off.

Tank wasn't broke, I'm learning to err on the side of not messing around when things are good.
 
Reef Crystals here. I've been around the block a few times with different salts and have learned my lesson. Pick one that works and stick with it. It just isn't worth stressing the tank out by making it adjust to a new balance in its environment. I also don't think any 1 salt is all that much greater than the next. They are all.... salt mixes. I've had good and similar results with the many different salts I've tried but I think the most important thing is to just stick to what is working for you. For me, I like Reef Crystals the most because I mix it up and it is ready to go without needing to add any extra ca, alk, or mg.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7379200#post7379200 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chirocato
Adding 20ml of Seachem Reef Carbonate every other day is getting old.

No need to waste your hard earned money on elements you can buy at your grocery store but are repackaged with a pretty label.:D Just run down to Sam's Club and pick up a 5lb bag of Baking soda for $7. That should last a few years.;)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7379477#post7379477 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Travis
For me, I like Reef Crystals the most because I mix it up and it is ready to go without needing to add any extra ca, alk, or mg.

....i thought RC was still on the low side for majors? at least that's what i've heard....
 
reef crystals here.
....i thought RC was still on the low side for majors? at least that's what i've heard....

When I mixed it up (to 1.026) measured the cal, it came out to 400, mag was @1100
Not exactly extra, but not really low. more than IO, which I used to use, so it works for me.



Ok now for a kind of off the wall question. But I figured this might be the right place to ask.
Does anyone else really enjoy the smell of IO right when you mix it? No other salts seem to have it either, not even RC.
But hey maybe Im just crazy:spin2: :D
 
I have been pleased with IO and have not found a reason to change yet. But I am really curious to see test done to tell whether or not the salt makes a significant difference.
 
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