[bongobrian]

I just found out something interesting about Reef Crystals salt mix. For the last couple of weeks my alk has been on the high end around 5 meq/l. At first I thought reef builder was the cause so I tried discontinuing using that. I did a couple water changes, and to my surprise, the alkalinity was even higher afterwards. Come to find out, Reef Crystals was the culprit. I'm not saying it's necessarily a bad thing, I know some people like to run their alk on the higher end, but I personally like to keep it around 3.2 meq/l. I switched back to Instant Ocean and haven't had a problem since. I just thought I would share that in case anyone is having the same high alkalinity problems and can't seem to find the cause. I don't know why they don't list this on the bucket, they talk about PH but they never list anything about Alkalinity.

[Ninong]

Maybe you got a bad batch?

You do realize that Reef Crystals and Instant Ocean are manufactured in the same plant by the same manufacturer, right? The only difference is that Reef Crystals has extra calcium and a metals chelator (EDTA). Instant Ocean doesn't have a chelator, at least not in the last 25 years or so. Instant Ocean used to have EDTA but they stopped adding it a long time ago.

You may want to check out this thread.

[bongobrian]

yeah I know they're made by the same company. Perhaps it is a bad batch, but my LFS is the one that tipped me off to this. They have a lot of maintenance accounts and have seen this issue consistently when using Reef Crystals. It just seems like the buffer system is messed up with with that mix.

[zhenya]

Brian,

In my case it's the other way around. I recently checked alkalinity and calcium in a fresh mixed batch of water and got Ca at 400ppm but Alk was a mere 2.25 meg/L Needless to say I ended up dumping lots of buffer just to bring it up to the 2.75. I never had to do this before either, it was always right on the money.

[120gallons]

I recently switched to Red Sea and am going to try the pro salt they have. I used to use Reef Crystals.

[bongobrian]

I'm noticing that Instant Ocean is still raising the alkalinity higher than I'd like it to. A freshly mixed bucket of R/O with Instant Ocean is testing out around 4 meq/l. Before adding any salt, my R/O alkalinity is around 1 meq/l.

My LFS recently started carrying Oceanic salt mix. Are any of you using it? or have any opinions? I guess I don't really mind Instant Ocean, but I'm also ready to try something different at this point.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by bongobrian

I'm noticing that Instant Ocean is still raising the alkalinity higher than I'd like it to. A freshly mixed bucket of R/O with Instant Ocean is testing out around 4 meq/l. Before adding any salt, my R/O alkalinity is around 1 meq/l.

I wouldn't be concerned about alk at 4 mEq/L (11.2 dKH). Most people would consider that ideal.

My LFS recently started carrying Oceanic salt mix. Are any of you using it? or have any opinions? I guess I don't really mind Instant Ocean, but I'm also ready to try something different at this point.

Oceanic has a lot of feedback on Reef Central -- most of it negative. Among those who have posted that they would not use this particular brand: Dr. Randy Holmes-Farley. If you want to read the specific complaints, just run a search on Reef Central.

[bongobrian]

Thanks Ninong-

Originally Posted by Ninong

I wouldn't be concerned about alk at 4 mEq/L (11.2 dKH). Most people would consider that ideal.

Yeah I'm pretty satisfied with the 4 meq/l alkalinity as well. I just thought I'd start researching some different brands as I've always used either Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals. Just trying to get some other opinions on what's out there.

[Poseidon]

Hey Brian, a couple of very reputable LFS's in our area have switched to Tropic Marin salts with no problems. Both Choice and Preuss' are now using this salt, and as far as LFS go, I think these 2 are as good as can be!

[bongobrian]

Hey Poseidon-

Thanks for the recommendation, I definitely trust Rick Preuss but I've never heard of Choice.. where are they located? I mostly shop at Fish Doctors, they are the ones that told me about the alkalinity problems with Reef Crystals and recommended I switch to Instant Ocean.

[Poseidon]

Choice Aquariums:



Wayne keeps REALLY rare and unusual stuff IN STOCK! He has 2 Japanese DRAGON MORAYS, several large Adult angels, Interupptus Angel, Rare tangs, and Fairy Wrasses.... The place is AWESOME! Some of the stuff is expensive, but just to be able to see the stock in person is a treat!

[bongobrian]

Very cool Poseidon, I'm definitely going to check that place out.. I know exactly where that is. I also looked at their website looks like a pretty cool store. Thanks for the referral.

[Ajmags13]

have you checked your tap water ?

[Poseidon]

You're welcome. The store is in the Orchard 12 plaza, and actually faces 12 mile Rd.

[scooterman]

Salt I like salt threads!

I use IO for the practicability of getting it constantly & price. I have used may brands, & one thing you will find with any manufacturer is constancy, even with test kits for hobbyist you will not get consistency as you would with lab grade products. Unless you test every singe batch you won't notice that there is slight differences but in most cases you should be close enough not to impact your reef tank. Trying to get levels dead on exactly can lead up to more troubles than anything, find a range of happiness & enjoy your thriving tank! My 2cents!