what salt mix is reccomended?

[sx230]

i whant to start mixing my own water need help choosing mix. keep mainly stonies in my tank.i buy pre-mixed water from lfs not satified with their mix. reason is i have a hard time maintaning ca. and dkh at normal levels when i tested water from lfs ca. was low at 360ppm i think this is part of my problem with ca. low. i am dosing ca and dkh buffer daily. another ? when you guys mix new batch of water what are your ca parameters at for who have tested.

 

[drummereef]

I use Instant Ocean. When I mix up a new batch I bolster the calcium by 70ppm, the alk is fine. Then I dose Randy's 2-Part during the week to maintain alk and calcium.

 

[sx230]

drummereef when you mix batch what is ca reading?

 

[sx230]

bump

 

[plyle02]

I use Reef Crystals. I think it is a fine salt... I mostly have to buffer with calcium, no ph/alk buffer needed. I test Reef Crystals at 9.5-10.2dkh, 410-420Calcium. As the tank I have demands calcium, and magensium, I buffer accordingly. I also do a 12 gallon water change weekly, to help keep everything stable. I have used Oceanic, and tested at 6-7dkh, and 480< Calcium... I hear a mix of both is close to perfect... I like buffering and testing with a stable product like RC....My 2 cents....

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9294647#post9294647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sx230
drummereef when you mix batch what is ca reading?

Last time I checked it was around 380, obvously low. With a bump of 70ppm that will bring it up to 450. Basically what Randy does from the Chemistry forum with his IO salt. He boosts the mag too although I can't remember how much.

 

[plyle02]

Some really like IO, I have a mostly SPS tank, and like how reef crystals gets me close on water change days to 420<Calcium. My tanks water tests daily at 10.2-10.6dkh, exactly where I want to be. So for me it is easier to buffer with calcium and magnesium which my corals love. I really don't ever use my 2 part systems. I have Oceans Blend 2 part, and ESV B-Iionic 2 part. I have just been using the calcium from these 2 part systems, so decided to only buffer with Oceans Blend Calcium, and still use ESV magnesium. Just my 2 cents

 

[Nano Chris]

I use IO never any problems for me.

 

[jimwat]

I have always used IO and recently switched to Tropic Marin on advice of someone I trust at my LFS. I have not seen any noticeable difference other than the TM does mix easier (big deal). I did see that there is a Tropic Marin Pro mix that has increased levels of calcium, magnesium, etc ("optimized" for reef tanks). But I have not tried this.

 

[TOURKID]

i use io and dont like it. calcium and alk are to low for a reef. Im going to EVENTUALLY switch to kent or reef crystals. just nervous.

 

[rjwilson37]

I use Instant Ocean and use the Aragamilk to suppliment calcium and other trace elements. This combination has always worked well for me.

 

[sx230]

looks like reef crystal might be the way to go.do you think coral will stress with change of salt mix? the weird thing is that i have been dosing ca. and dkh every day for a week and ca and dkh are still low ca at 340ppm i might have to start dosing more than reguired im just nervous of doing it to guickly sps in tank look health no signs of stress yet p.s any helpful advice on would realy be appreciated

 

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9294647#post9294647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sx230
drummereef when you mix batch what is ca reading?

Last time I checked it was 320ppm, alk was over 11 dKH. I add about 2-2.5 tspns Turbo Calcium per 15gallons and end up with Calcium around 500ppm.

 

[sx230]

i been adding about 20 ml of esv each day dont have much change in ca. wonder if mag. is throwing evrething off i guess im going to have to buy mag. test kit there just kinda expensive(like if this hobby wasnt LOL) my tank is 46g bowfront i keep mainly sps

 

[sx230]

here pic of my tank not very clear but here it goes

 

[bhdmc]

Instant Ocean with a calcium reactor. I add once week Iodine. My tanks is all SPS and Clams.

 

[rjwilson37]

Here is my two tanks, both kept with nothing but Instant Ocean and supplimenting Aragamilk, Kent Liquid Calcium and Kalkwasser 2 times a week. I have done the same for both tanks.

55g Acrylic w/Built in Overflow and 20g sump/refuge

90g AGA w/Built in Overflow and 20g sump/refuge.

 

[SDguy]

You have the exact same fish in two different tanks?

 

[allenpantino]

MY ADVICE instant ocean is the best to USE

 

[ReefSchool 101]

Reef Crystals here it has been extremely consistant for me. Reef is doing great.