View Full Version : Salt mixes
105man
10-07-2003, 9:00 PM
Any particular salt mix you think is better, or worse, than others?
For a live rock, live sand, reef and fish tank, with softies.
Up until now, I have been using Red Sea...which is what LFS suggested.
ianjoe
10-07-2003, 11:35 PM
I've been using Instant Ocean for a bit now. No complaints so far.
However, as many people have said "If it ain't broke, dont fix it."
Guy W
10-07-2003, 11:36 PM
I read a paper that did an extensive study on salt brands. i think maybe slipknottin posted it, or boogie did. anyway it was a year ago probably so i doubt you can search for it.
but if i remember correctly Instant Ocean came out as number 1 or 2, and there was another brand i had never tried called reef crystals I think that came out really good. we are talking about minor differences in trace elements over all.
but IMO they are all basicly the same. but I.O. is what I use.
Guy
mogurnda
10-08-2003, 8:29 AM
There was a poll on Reef Central, and 50% of 2700 respondents said IO. I have used it and been quite happy.
The more I use Red Sea products, the less I like them, but that's just an opinion.
kreblak
10-08-2003, 8:56 AM
Instant Ocean for me. I find it dissolves better and faster than reef crystals. Plus, it really does the trick in setting my pH properly without any outside involvement.
liquafaction
10-08-2003, 9:13 AM
I use I/O because that is what is available to me in my neck of the woods. From what I have read Red Sea is on the top of the charts.
105man
10-08-2003, 10:23 AM
Sounds like all good advice. I have also heard from one person who says she thought that when she changed her salt mix it caused a significant change in chemistry. I guess on that basis, another reason to stick with any of the name brands that you started with.
Originally posted by Guy W
I read a paper that did an extensive study on salt brands. i think maybe slipknottin posted it, or boogie did...
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
I use Instant Ocean, btw.
Originally posted by gcvt
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/features/1/default.asp
I use Instant Ocean, btw.
Thats the one I was talking about... Not that I understand a whole lot on it. :D
mogurnda
10-09-2003, 8:31 AM
If it's working, I wouldn't mess with it. I have used IO for years, and I have no interest in changing. If your livestock is happy in Red Sea, then the stress of changing mixes will probably do more harm than good. If your fish and softies weren't thriving, then you might consider the salt mix as a possible factor. Otherwise, relax and enjoy.