alanmorehead
Member
I need to get some more salt and have been considering a switch from Reef Crystals to Instant Ocean. It's about $5 cheaper per box for the IO now. I keep my alk around 8-9 and don't really like the higher alk levels in the RC (~13). I know it's not a huge issue with water changes like 10-20%, but may become more important with the larger ones. I've done really large changes (50%-75%), but those are also very rare. Maybe I'm over thinking that part, but the IO Ca/Alk/Mg levels are closer to my day-to-day levels and it makes sense to get a salt the matches those more closely. I don't really have any need for a boost in levels since I run the reactor, just need to replace the same levels I take out with the old water.
The other concern was what "extras" I would be missing with the IO, but that doesn't seem to be an issue. I found this Q&A on the chem forum:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16597632#post16597632
The other concern was what "extras" I would be missing with the IO, but that doesn't seem to be an issue. I found this Q&A on the chem forum:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16597632#post16597632
Would my tank's inhabitants miss the "extras" in Reef Crystals which are not in Instant Ocean?
Like vitamins and the metal chelator? I doubt it. I don't even want them in my water, and at least for the vitamins, even the manufacturer doesn't have evidence they are useful. As to trace elements, I'm not sure RC has appreciably more in any desirable way.