Switching Salts, Reef Crystal Results

Discussion in 'Salt' started by Biocube, Aug 10, 2012.

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  1. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    Interesting thread. Personally I have used atleast 12 buckets of Red Sea Coral Pro and have had consistent results with it. I would rather pay the extra dollar and go with what has been working for me. I like the price point of Reef Crystals, but I dont want to compensate for lower alk, cal, and mag levels if I dont have to. What are the numbers for the big 3 with Reef Crystals? Im looking online and not finding any solid numbers.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2012
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  3. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    I won't even begin to rant about some of the synthetic salts on the market; I'll just say after trying several over the last couple years and experiencing a plethora of issues, I'll never use anything but IO (dosed up if needed) ever again.

    That being said, I don't think switching salts is a big deal, especially if you're only doing 10% water changes. Even if the salt you switch to is drastically different than the prior salt, these differences quickly become small when you mixed 10% of it with 90% of the other. I don't do anything special when switching besides start using the new salt. :p
     
  4. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    for the most reliable numbers on salt mixes this thread is updated with an average that was done for each salt listed by a reef hobbyist who is also chemist. It's all very reliable numbers on what to expect out of each major salt brand

    Synthetic Salt Mixes - Reef Central Online Community
     
  5. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Looking at those numbers it seems like Reef Crystals is better than Red Sea Pro.
     
  6. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    I used IO for 20+ years without a single "bad" batch.Never stirred just shaken.LOL;)

    +1
     
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  7. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Looks like I'll be placing an order for Reef Crystals soon.

    Thanks everyone for the help! :)
     
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  9. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Just placed my order for Reef Crystals from Fosters & Smith because I had a previous credit and free shipping.
     
  10. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Okie, so I made some water and here are my test results for IO-RC.

    I started the batch @ 11pm 8/27
    Tested @ 4pm 8/28
    Mixed in 5 gallon bucket with power head air injection and LED light.
    Tested using Red Sea Pro (Mag & Ca) / Salifert (Ph) / Hanna (Phos & Alk) /Marine Depot Refractometer (Calibrated using 35ppt solution)

    Results:
    Temp: 80F
    SG- 35ppt
    CA: 470
    Mag: 1360
    Alk: 9.85
    Ph: 8.25
    Phos: 0.01ppm
     
  11. ReefBruh

    ReefBruh Giant Squid

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    I just switched over to the Red Sea Coral Salt but not the pro. I will just dose up. The parameters are close to where I keep my parameters now. It's only been a few days and the only thing that has changed is my skimmer output. I originally was using RC and after every and I mean every water change my skimmer went crazy. My disclaimer is that was what happened to my tank. My corals haven't changed yet maybe because it was a small water change. I do see some improvement in my SPS and LPS.
     
  12. Sacul1573

    Sacul1573 Millepora

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    +1 to that. I just switched from rscp, which gave me hazy water, to iorc, which has, so far, mixed clear. Have not tested params yet, but expect similar to biocubes.