sps tanks salt choice

360 ppm to 0 dKH
370 ppm to 1.4 dKH
380 ppm to 2.8 dKH
390 ppm to 4.2 dKH
400 ppm to 5.6 dKH
410 ppm to 7 dKH (natural seawater)
420 ppm to 8.4 dKH
430 ppm to 9.8 dKH
440 ppm to 11.2 dKH
450 ppm to 12.6 dKH
460 ppm to 14 dKH
 
There is no such thing as a balanced alkalinity to calcium ratio except in terms of dosing. They both just need to be within the typical range.

I use Instant Ocean in 200 gallon boxes. The boxes have been more consistent than the buckets IME. It typically mixes up to about 9 dKH. Calcium and magnesium are typically 425-450 and 1300-1350.
 
jerpa said:
There is no such thing as a balanced alkalinity to calcium ratio except in terms of dosing. They both just need to be within the typical range.

I use Instant Ocean in 200 gallon boxes. The boxes have been more consistent than the buckets IME. It typically mixes up to about 9 dKH. Calcium and magnesium are typically 425-450 and 1300-1350.
Click to expand...

i agree with this. i find the same from my i/o boxes. 9dkh is perfect for me.
 
I've been giving a salt change some thought. I've been using NeoMarine since I set up the tank. It is an artificial blend. Any thoughts comparing the artificial blends to the 'evaporated' nature salts? (and yes, I know I didn't say this correctly but everyone should get the idea.)
 
Contrary to the marketing efforts of some companies, you cannot take seawater, dehydrate it and then rehydrate it and get the same seawater. They still have to add back in the things that do not rehydrate correctly. I remember Randy or one of the Chem Guru's saying what all that was but I cannot find it. Red Sea would love for people to believe that by adding water to their salt you get the very same water as is in the Red Sea, sadly it doesn't work that way, though I wish it did.
 
sirreal63 said:
Contrary to the marketing efforts of some companies, you cannot take seawater, dehydrate it and then rehydrate it and get the same seawater. They still have to add back in the things that do not rehydrate correctly. I remember Randy or one of the Chem Guru's saying what all that was but I cannot find it. Red Sea would love for people to believe that by adding water to their salt you get the very same water as is in the Red Sea, sadly it doesn't work that way, though I wish it did.
Click to expand...

Good point and a solid 'head smack' moment for me. I remember some of those threads about 'natural salt'. Sorry for the stupid post.

I am still considering a switch to a salt that is closer to NSW. I run a Ca reactor and that should get/keep my alk and Ca levels where I want without heavy supplements.
 
Instant ocean should be called Instant Alk at 12.6, I thought the ocean is around 8 alk,, humm. Don't think they give a poop anyway. Just trying to understand why we or salt manufactures would want such high Alk levels? This seems to be an old school sps reefing practice to have high alk and cal thinking sps's like this unless your running very high nutrient levels. Am I incorrect here or am i missing something?
 
SinisterReefer said:
Does any one like kent reef salt? I like that it dissolves pretty quick but not sure if its a good salt for sps
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It's a great salt for the price . My LFS ran out of it @ 50.00 for a 200 gallon bucket . Oceanic is similar but dissolves quicker with a price @ 52.00 for 90 x 3 =270 gallons . It was a no brainer for me . I don't care for higher alk salts due to carbon dosing which removes IO ,RC , RSCP as choices .
I like ESV and love the TM bio-active but they are way too pricey. They cannot be purchased locally or ordered, with free shipping in my area.
 
rogergolf66 said:
So the 31 people that viewed this in the sps forum don't have an opinion on what salt they use. Maybe u don't use salt? Why no responses from 31 viewers :(
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oh because i don't do water changes, not kidding you, for the last 18 months or so, no water changes on a sps tank, i do have salt, i think its coral pro or something, but i have it for emergencies:rollface:

Sana
 
I use RC and just unplug my reactor overnight after every 20% water change, which drops my alkalinity back down to where I want it.
 
I always get a good chuckle when these type of threads surface. You guys change salt like I change watches every day. My wife asks, "Why do you need so many watches, what is wrong with wearing one?"
 
Well seem no salt mixes are coming up good for me. This time I tried Tropic Marine Salt, pretty odd they recommend 1.020 - 1.022 salinity? Anyway I tested at 35 (1.026) and Alk was off the charts my guess 14-15 dkh so I lowered the salinity to 1.024 and alk is now at 13.2 and cal is 340! I just can't catch a brake with these salts.
 
brad65ford said:
Well seem no salt mixes are coming up good for me. This time I tried Tropic Marine Salt, pretty odd they recommend 1.020 - 1.022 salinity? Anyway I tested at 35 (1.026) and Alk was off the charts my guess 14-15 dkh so I lowered the salinity to 1.024 and alk is now at 13.2 and cal is 340! I just can't catch a brake with these salts.
Click to expand...

Have you tried ESV yet?
 
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