Mixing Salts

[harley20]

Hey all, Noob here...I was going to start to mix my own saltwater for my weekly water change in my 29BC. I have started a reef tank (only corals so far)but wanted to know if I need to use reef salt or can I just use regular salt mix? I have someone who buys a lot of Instant ocean and he said if I needed some salt he would give me some, but he has a fish only tank.

Since they make for both fish only and reef does it matter?

Thanks

 

[marty]

No it does not matter Shedd Aquarium is using IO for there reef and fish tanks

 

[poidog]

Well it depends what you keep in your thank. Reef Crystals have a higher level of Calcium and Magnesium for the health and growth of stony corals.

 

[SaylorsReef]

Reef Crystals is the better choice, but you will not harm your livestock by using Instant Ocean.

 

[epaulette2]

if i had free salt at my disposal i would use the free stuff.

 

[FishBeard]

Reef Crystals is the better choice, but you will not harm your livestock by using Instant Ocean.

Or you can contact Jeff (TotalPetsPlus) and get boxes of crystal sea marine mix 150g for like $30 each if he has any left from the group buy. The price is ridiculous cheap for as good a quality salt you are buying. Way better salt mix than instant ocean / reef crystals.

 

[Jep21]

Or you can contact Jeff (TotalPetsPlus) and get boxes of crystal sea marine mix 150g for like $30 each if he has any left from the group buy. The price is ridiculous cheap for as good a quality salt you are buying. Way better salt mix than instant ocean / reef crystals.

+1
I bought some from him and the salt is great.. IMO

 

[harley20]

Or you can contact Jeff (TotalPetsPlus) and get boxes of crystal sea marine mix 150g for like $30 each if he has any left from the group buy. The price is ridiculous cheap for as good a quality salt you are buying. Way better salt mix than instant ocean / reef crystals.

Sounds like a great deal. I will check with him. Just call totalpetsplus? Where are they?

 

[FishBeard]

His base of operations is in Zion.

 

[adam87]

Jeff is the only person I will buy my salt from. He has the best prices.

 

[Tethered_Limbs]

hmm. might have to look into that

 

[harley20]

Does anyone have a contact. I looked it up but couldnt find a contact or #.

 

[Tethered_Limbs]

hes a member on this forum i believe

 

[EricTheRed]

Does anyone have a contact. I looked it up but couldnt find a contact or #.

Send him a pm

 

[SkullV]

Way better salt mix than reef crystals.

What makes you say this?

 

[bennyblanco]

I picked up 2 boxes as well and will start switching after a couple more WC with my old salt. (reef crystals)

 

[SkullV]

I picked up 2 boxes as well and will start switching after a couple more WC with my old salt. (reef crystals)

I'm doing the same thing. I have had no real issues with Reef Crystals though.

 

[bennyblanco]

I'm doing the same thing. I have had no real issues with Reef Crystals though.

That's part of my concern as well. If it ain't broke.....

 

[SkullV]

That's part of my concern as well. If it ain't broke.....

Yep, it was kind of a spur of the moment decision. I was on my last 50g bag of Reef Crystals and along comes Jeff selling this new stuff for $29 a box!

 

[FishBeard]

What makes you say this?

This is just my experience with marine mix...

The salt has a more consistent, and finer grain size (more like a powder) than the reef crystal salt, it has a higher concentration (1/3 cup per gallon vs. 1/2 cup per gallon to sg@1.025) It leaves less residue when mixing, and dissolves faster from my observations. From comparing test results between reef crystal and and marine mix I also observed slightly higher calcium, kH and magnesium levels with the marine mix, more suitable for a reef tank.

All in all thou, the reef crystals is a good salt, I just recently finished a bucket of it myself, but since switching to the marine mix my reef tank just seems happier. It could be coincidence, or maybe not. However, for the price difference, even if they are scientifically proven to be equal salt mixes, I will take the savings of the marine mix when it is available for around $30/box. There is an overall savings compared to the 200 gallon box of Reef Crystals when you compare price per gallon, and paired with my personal observations above, is what makes me say it is way better than reef crystals.

Although, no two tanks are the same, so, YMMV....