Who has good results with IO salt and SPS

[Felixc]

I've been debating whether or not to ditch IO and go with another brand. But before doing so, maybe some of you IO users can convince me otherwise. I currently dose 2 parts automatically so low levels of ca/alk/mag is not an issue for me. The reason behind the change is to perhaps promote better growth and colors. I've been a long time IO user but lately have been pondering the idea that there must be things missing from IO formula that makes it so much cheaper than the $80-$90 brands. There has to be, it just can't be half the cost of others and be equal in perfomance. Please proof me wrong with some pictures of your sps tank using IO salt.

Brands I am considering are:
H20
Reefer's Best Salt
Reef Crys

 

[dvanacker]

Some TOTM have used IO. If it is good enough for even one TOTM that is good enough for me.

 

[stanlalee]

There has to be, it just can't be half the cost of others and be equal in perfomance.

Really now. You realize seawater's composition is 85% NaCl and 7.5% SO4. So that must be a hell of an expensive 7.5% they are adding to that double price salt (not to mention the bulk of that 7.5% is calcium, mg and K which we know isn't expensive (especially in the bulk they get it in). only 1-2% make up minor elements). Point is you may be paying for manufacturing process, packaging, name/reputation or even whats taken out but you certaintly arent paying double because it has something special or exotic in it. Hell there aint enough percent left in minor elements to add that kind of cost and all the others you can go to your local pet supply and add for a fraction of the premium you pay for premium priced salts.

 

[chiclet]

I use reef crystals and my sps are growing and looking great:fish1:

 

[MrKite24]

Anyone can use IO successfully. You just have to make sure to test the salt whenever you get a new batch. You'll have to add Ca, Mg, and/or Alk to get the salt water to the levels you need in the aquarium.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

According to the Reef Chemistry forum's sticky:
Instant Ocean(new)
Ca. 400
Alk. 11
Mag. 1350

Other than a slightly low Ca. level, what do you need to raise?

 

[eran]

i have used io for about 3 years now and have never had an issue that was caused by salt. like stated before just make a batch and test and add a bit of calcium if needed. I have never really done that but I have never had any issues!!

 

[Felixc]

Really, truely, honestly, it can't just be the concentration of those three compounds (ca,alk,mag) that makes a brand cheap or expensive. It has to be lacking something that isn't critical. If the only differences amoungst the brands were those 3 levels, then it makes no business sense for a company to sell it at a higher price. IO probably out sells others by 10 to 1, mainly because of their lower price. So why would any company not want to enjoy the same success? I think the differences is more than just those 3 levels. Wish these companies would be more forward about their ingredients.

 

[returnofsid]

I think you'll find that the vast majority of reef aquariums, including SPS tanks, use IO salt.

 

[Felixc]

I hear ya, but are those sps tanks using IO have the the same brightly colorful sps? I know sustaining corals isn't an issue, it's tryhing to maintain the healthy colorful sps corals that concerns me.

 

[platax88]

I thought the difference with IO and other brands such as RC is that the other brands have additional/more trace elements specific for keeping colars and inverts. I use RC but i am using up a bag of IO which i had to get at a local pet shop when i realized that I was out of RC. I have done 2 WC and have not noticed a difference.

 

[Darkstar22]

Supply and demand....if IO is outproducing and outselling the competition, then it makes sense that they are cheaper. Look at Walmart for example!

 

[Atomikk]

I hear ya, but are those sps tanks using IO have the the same brightly colorful sps? I know sustaining corals isn't an issue, it's tryhing to maintain the healthy colorful sps corals that concerns me.

We at fragd.it use IO salts exclusively. Like previously said, great marketing will get people to pay the high amounts for 'high end' salts. I know, since I talk to manufacturers, and there is very little difference.

 

[MrKite24]

According to the Reef Chemistry forum's sticky:
Instant Ocean(new)
Ca. 400
Alk. 11
Mag. 1350

Other than a slightly low Ca. level, what do you need to raise?

That can change with each batch you buy. You should really test each bag/bucket you purchase to make sure they are consistent. I used IO in the past and had much different results with each purchase.

 

[JamesJR]

That can change with each batch you buy. You should really test each bag/bucket you purchase to make sure they are consistent. I used IO in the past and had much different results with each purchase.

Truer words have never been spoken. You should always test the salt mix you before you use it. I bought an old batch of IO a few months back that gave me an alk reading of 12 and I wasn't too happy. I've bought a new bucket and so far so good.

 

[returnofsid]

I hear ya, but are those sps tanks using IO have the the same brightly colorful sps? I know sustaining corals isn't an issue, it's tryhing to maintain the healthy colorful sps corals that concerns me.

Maintaining coral coloration really has much less to do with a particular brand of salt, than it does with water quality and lighting.

 

[ireefn]

I have tried several brand at several prices. No major differences except the cost.

 

[Mike de Leon]

Just changed to IO two months ago when having issues with disintegrating SPS starting from the tips.
Corals have never looked so good! Great coloration and growth. IO all the way!

 

[platax88]

So let me get this straight... sps people prefer IO over RC?

 

[JamesJR]

So let me get this straight... sps people prefer IO over RC?

To each their own. As long as you are able to find a salt that will give you your desired alk, mg and calcium levels you really shouldn't have any problems.