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Post by Marlin n' Coral on Sept 21, 2012 17:55:57 GMT -5
We have recently been using a different reef salt due to availability. They seem to be pretty much the same.
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Post by gotareef on Sept 21, 2012 18:06:57 GMT -5
I have used tropic marin, IO reefcrystals, red sea, and regular IO
I personally like regular IO salt, the biggest reason is price for the extra minerals the others have compared to the io dont make the price of them worth it.
I can add the trace elements I need instead of pay for those I dont need for my system
$40 for a 200g box cant beat it
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Sept 21, 2012 18:38:27 GMT -5
Yea, I always used tropic marin pro reef salt because it was easy to get and recommended to me. Started having problems and did tons of research. It all lead me to try regular Instant Ocean salt. I haven't noticed any problems yet after my 3rd 200 gal mix box and all my corals seem to be doing OK as well. My Ultra Orange Zoanthids seem to be growing like weeds now that I've made the switch. Price is a big factor in why I switched but otherwise, The salt is relatively the same or better than a lot of salts on the market. Hell, if the Georgia Aquarium can use it in their reef system then it should be just fine for any of ours. I also can't beat paying half the price compared to Tropic marin.
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Post by scoobnoob on Sept 21, 2012 21:25:01 GMT -5
I did the Tropic Marin for a while and never really had any issues with it, switched to Kent reef as it was easier to get but my Calcium and Alk went all out of wack, now I'm experimenting with regular IO with no issues yet.
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skirossi
Full Member
Brunswick
Posts: 117
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Post by skirossi on Sept 22, 2012 6:15:11 GMT -5
I've always used Instant Ocean Reef Crystals with good results. Drs Foster & Smith always have a deal on it, and this way I don't have to worry too much about dosing.
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Post by gotareef on Sept 22, 2012 8:20:58 GMT -5
I have lots of lps that eat up calcium and mag so no matter what salt I use I have to add it
reef crystals is the same as regular IO but they added more ca and mag. its not worth almost double the price when I have to add anyway
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Post by oceangirl2009 on Sept 22, 2012 8:45:40 GMT -5
I also saw a huge difference when I switched from regular IO to reef crystals. I don't mind spending more when I only have a 35 gal so it takes me forever to go through a bucket. I can see how it would make a big difference to someone with a large tank.
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skirossi
Full Member
Brunswick
Posts: 117
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Post by skirossi on Sept 22, 2012 10:10:54 GMT -5
Gotareef, where do you get your salt? Drs Foster and Smith have the Reef Crystals for $9 more per 200 gal box. I don't know the cost of the additives you're dosing with, but I would think there could be a chance of some savings?
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Post by seamonkey84 on Sept 22, 2012 10:16:18 GMT -5
Regular IO just test cal and all for each batch and adjust accordingly. I make my own two part using Randy's recipe
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Post by gotareef on Sept 22, 2012 11:47:48 GMT -5
I try to change about 60g a month in my 180 but that rarely happens usually 30g every 3 weeks or so
I used to add tropic marin bio-calcium but found it was easier to make with epsom salt and mrs.wages pickling lime both found easily at the grocery store
I go threw allot of calcium!
if I put just my frogspawn in a 40g tank, using only the calcium in the salt. I would have to change 10g every couple days to maintain calcium and mag needed. and thats with any salt
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Post by maineultraclassic on Sept 23, 2012 6:15:55 GMT -5
Instant Ocean here...........been using it for over 20 years.
Steve
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Sept 30, 2012 23:14:21 GMT -5
It seems like more and more people have been using IO salts or have recently switched to it. I know I'm glad I made the switch to standard Instant Ocean salt.
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