Instant ocean salt or reef crystals

In a FOWLR, I don't see any reason to spend the extra money on Reef Crystals. Even quite a few people with reef tanks use Instant Ocean instead of Reef Crystals.
 
my roommate is trying his hand at a reef tank...mine is a fowlr. It would be easiest to split the cost on a big box or bucket. I'm guessing we would be okay sticking with just the regular salt?
 
Yes, but if your roommate is setting up a reef, he's going to want to test for calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and salinity prior to using it. I use Instant Ocean, but it is usually deficient in calcium and magnesium, with some of the more recent batches having more of those than others. He may or may not have to boost them, but should test each salt batch (box/bucket/bag) after mixing prior to adding to the tank. Your FOWLR won't be as critical, but would still benefit from having balanced calcium and alkalinity levels. You two could split the difference on the chemicals, which are cheap.
 
splitting the costs definitely works for me. If we went with the reef crystals it sounds like it would add some minerals that would benefit me and that would help him out too.
 
Depends upon whether or not it justifies the extra cost. You could buy the chemicals separately cheaper in the long run. It will cost a bit more than the price difference between the two salts up front, but will last quite a while. It's up to you--you just pay for the convenience is all.
 
If I bought the chemicals separately I probably would be too lazy to add them to my fowlr. Just being honest lol. If they were in the salt mix already, and the chemicals would benefit my tank, then maybe I'd pay a little bit more for convenience. Plus, won't my Emerald Crabs benefit from the extra calcium.
 
Most of the calcium they'll need will be supplied in their diet. Much of that salt would be superfluous for your tank, but it would be easier for your roommate's tank. Of course, it certainly won't hurt yours. It will make it a lot easier and cheaper since the two of you are splitting the cost, though.
 
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