The tank I'm running I've had for about 2 weeks now. I used it for a long time when i first set up without any issues. Yes it does, in fact when I tested it it did not completely clear in 24 hours of mixing, Salt Product Calcium Alkalinity Magnesium. If you plan on using these salts to set up a new aquarium, go with Instant Ocean Sea Salt . I've got another 20 gallons or so mixed up already for the next water change. *. Camel Shrimp vs Peppermint Shrimp: Species Comparison, Stomatella Snails: Benefits, Removal, Where to Purchase & More. As you can see, the main difference between these two products is that Reef Crystals contain additional calcium and magnesium and Instant Ocean Sea Salt does not. In general, there is decent room for inconsistency with Fritz RPM Reef Pro. Recommended Specific Gravity Range: 1.020-1.026 at 77F. I'll leave that one open ended. By Tamberav, December 26, 2022 in General Discussion. . Try to use filtered water, it's much better and you'll notice once you switch. Reef Aviation is a fleet management company based in Dubai since 2002 The company provides unique global expertise dedicated to Aviation Industry 888casino Support2023 - Reef Aviation Reef Aviation The Reef Central Forums are now located at https://forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity. If your aquarium has been up and running for at least 6 months, we recommend Instant Ocean Sea Salt . Tropic Marin has been a well respected product for a long time and I personally see a difference when I use it. Fiesta_reef_time, May 27, 2011 in General Discussion. what kind of tank do you have? If I can't find one in a month or so I'll just buy a new one. Buy Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt, 200-gal at Chewy.com. All content here is available for continued discussion at the new forums. Reef Discussion Forums. No vitamins were detected in the S-15 Report. It maintains calcium and magnesium levels and replenishes trace elements for optimal large polyp stony (LPS) coral and small polyp stony (SPS) coral growth. Until recently, the classic approach to mineral exploration studies was to bring the field samples/drill cores collected during field studies to the laboratory, followed by laborious analysis procedures to generate the analytical data. I've been using it since I started my reef tank (a little over 17 months old) and was considering switching salts mainly due to the residue RC leaves in my mixing bucket. I know I did. The more expensive salts just have more trace elements and Red Sea and D&D are natural evaporated and not synthetic salts like IO and RC. Does the new RC salt still leaves a residue when mixed? A good salt mix will include magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromine, fluorine, barium, and iodine at the very least. Every time I give it a manual stir, less salt settles to the bottom. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Instant Ocean 400 11 1350 Kent 540 11 1200 Marine Environment 480 7.5 1450 Oceanic 580 8.5 1650 OceanPure 510 10 1320 Red Sea 400 8 1300 . Instant Ocean Reef Crystals reef salt is made with the purest Sea Salt, and its also guaranteed to contain no added chemicals or toxins. 17.4k Milwaukee, WI; Joined 15 . Both products have received positive feedback from hobbyists and ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference. Lauderdale Reef Central Online Community > More . No matter what I try to save money where I can. The downside is that D&D is $79 a bucket compared to $49 I pay for a 200 gallon case of RC's. SeaChem Reef Salt 540 10 1450. You need a mix that's meant for saltwater aquariums. Typically, a bucket of Instant Ocean Reef Crystals capable of creating 200 gallons of saltwater will run you around $60 , while the same amount of Instant Ocean Sea Salt will be a bit cheaper at around $50 Both products go on sale frequently, which is great for those of us looking to snag a good deal. Ha. Might be a touch higher or lower depending on your measuring cup. A good reef salt will dissolve completely; any remaining granules or chemical elements at the bottom could be contaminated and/or cause false readings as well. I've considered getting RC for my tank because none of my LPS seem to have grown any bone. i guess it depends on what you keep and what salt works best for you. Do you have an ATO and if so have you though about adding in kalk to help maintain your levels? for me reef crystals, i use rc too i was suprised that oceanic tested about the same, yea i used several different salts io, rc, and marine mix but i found that rc is alot more stable calcium kh ph plus i havent had to dose with any thing yet just water changes. Contains essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water ssmallville June 19, 2012. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. NOTE: 1.4 lbs of Reef Crystals is formulated to create 5 gallons of saltwater at a specific gravity of 1.021. Use immediately or aerate the water until it achieves oxygen/carbon dioxide equilibrium. In addition, the product sometimes comes stained yellow or clumped due to humidity. I use reef crystals, and the alk mixes to around 12. 2. Fritz Aquatics 80243 Reef Pro Mix Complete Marine Salt Review, Deep Jungle 3/16 I.D. Saltwater aquarium hobbyists who plan on keeping corals, especially stony corals, will benefit from the added Magnesium and Calcium seen in Reef Crystals . I dont think they have any ties with any of the companies either. Watch along to see how easily it . This can create instability in the tank over time and leave you guessing as to what went wrong. While it doesnt have the additional magnesium and calcium, its much more affordable, and you wont have to worry about a compromise in quality. I was unaware of these additional items in Reef Crystals. I have a lot of SPS corals and have been using Tropic Marin Pro Reef as well for some of the same reasons as Cuttlefish Mg and Ca which are depleted in my tank quite fast and TM Pro Reef's salt helps keep things in check. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Flawed logic IMO. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. #petlover. because my corals suck them up. Oceanic, Instant Ocean, NeoMarine, SeaChem, Red Sea? Tropic Marin 375 10 1230. I've been using it with no issues except low alkalinity. As far as the prices on amazon, The reef crystals box makes 200 gallons, and the regular IO makes 160 gallons. Your coralline will tank thee. I'm going to cure my LR in tank (don't worry, there's nothing else in there) and do two 10% water changes each week until the rock is cured, the 3 inch LS bed is down CUC is on the job and the system has matured a bit. This natural and unprocessed food source has the added benefit of providing trace nutrients that can help keep your tank healthy in addition to helping it's inhabitants thrive. Hobbyists have found water parameters, namely alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium, to fluctuate between water changes when using a new bag of Instant Ocean. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understand RC has a higher calcium and mag concentration than IO. I normally give the bucket a stir with my algae scrubber about 20 min after adding salt, then check back again after another 10 minutes or so to see if it needs another stir. You dont want to have to wait a long period of time for your mix to be ready. If you have any questions about salt mixes, how different nutrients react in aquarium systems,or have had experience changing salt mix brands before, dont hesitate to leave a comment below! It also has higher trace element levels, so I won't have to dose as much. 5. IO unless you have a fair amount of lps and sps building skeletons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your tank will get accustomed to the parameters of whatever salt you use and you don't want to be mixing different salts all of the time. choosing salt (imo) is a personal choice. The reef crystals also help to detoxify any metals in the water - those nasty heavy metals found in tap water. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line salt mix, then Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt Mix is it. You are going to need to switch away from instant ocean at some point. If you keep clams or SPS, you're going to need to dose regardless. Weve picked some of the most popular salt mix options, considering consistency, reliability, cost, and overall customer satisfaction. Red Sea Coral Pro 490 7 1300. I'd say most people are successful using just plain old salt like Instant Ocean. Advertise today. Worth the extra $5 per 30-40 gal water change to me. This salt doesnt contain any additional calcium and magnesium, and the last thing youll want to do is experience a sudden change in water chemistry. This product mixes to 7.0-8.0 dKH alkalinity and contains 70 trace elements to completely emulate natural seawater. This honor goes to Marine Environment dual phase formula . Slide 1 of 7. Tropic Marin Pro Reef 450 8.5 1380. I only have a small handfull of button polyps, rock flower anemone, brain coral, and a tiny mushroom coral (about the size of a dime). Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals Instant Ocean Votes: 28 45.2% Reef Crystals Votes: 34 54.8% Total voters 62; Poll closed Oct 19, 2008. The salt is meant to be used for marine or freshwater aquariums, and it has a specific gravity range of 1. Absolutely no denying the stability of carbonate hardness for all of the salt mixes with a majority staying very stable through the 2 week storage test. just my two cents i personally love red sea coral pro salt. +1. If you have any thoughts or opinions about these products, feel free to share them in the comments section, and don't forget to check out our marketplace and community forum. I've used IO, IO reef crystals, and red sea coral pro. Recommended specific gravity range 1 Tamberav Posted December 26, 2022. I use Instant Ocean without a problem. Change in Alkalinity when stored for two weeks. I'd like to know also? For a desired higher alkalinity between 10-12 dKH, Fritz RPM Redline High Alk Complete Marine Salt is also available. Slide 1 of 7. Btw, I let the mixed water match tank temp before I add it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about reef salt, why you need it, and how it works in your own saltwater aquarium. A proper quality marine salt should have a magnesium content of 1250 to 1400 PPM. Stir vigorously to ensure a good mix. Using normal IO with 1% changed daily, that stabilized at about 472 ppm calcium. Similarities between Instant Ocean Sea Salt and Reef Crystals. Can't wait to make the switch from instant ocean. Thanks Rogger. I am happy with the progress of my tank and happy with the results that io has given me. If it is not dropping then your coral are not consumiing to much. When considering the quality of salt mixes, you need to consider your own aquarium: the parameters at which you get the most coral growth, the happiest fish, and the best overall stability. Instant Ocean Reef Crystals can be as high as 13, which can be disastrous to an SPS tank after a water change. Rated 4.5357 out of 5 stars 6 Answered Questions. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A: I am not sure what you mean by mix reef crystals and Instant Ocean. Coraline seems to grow much faster with it. I've used IO, RC, Red Sea, and am transitioning to D&D's H20 right now. As far as calcium and other minerals, I can't comment because I don't test for them. By Turk357, December 11, 2007 in Beginners Discussion. Keep in mind that you should test the levels of magnesium and calcium in your display tank and in the water that you have mixed with reef crystals. Those who can not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Lid and Light; Flexible airline tubing; . This is why I wanted to review this particular type of salt for my article about the best aquarium supplements. It will take some time to settle on just one salt, and hobbyists eventually switch brands over the years as formulas change. I'm looking used but haven't found one yet. 1. Instant Ocean Reef Salt for Aquariums. *. This product is only available in a certain size. The reef crystals and the tropic marine are allot more expensive. Algae Scrubber vs Refugium: Which Is Best? Hopefully the reef crystals mix better though. Yes I was referring to standard Instant Ocean Salt vs Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. When hes not writing about fish, you can find him going for a run or building websites, such as this one! If your not worried about calcium I would just get IO as it's cheaper. Check Price. I know it's only been 2 weeks so I probably wouldn't notice anything yet, but hopefully sooner than later they'll start to spread out more. 5. do you test for everything? Reef Crystals Alk and Mg seemed a little higher than before, but that's good because it will be depleted in the tank and I don't add salt that much. Many products offer regular and pro options which usually differ in alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium. Instant Ocean also neutralizes heavy metals. Instant Ocean has been around since the 1960s, when William Kelley, the former director of the Cleveland aquarium founded the business. Adjust salt level accordingly. One extra caveat is to test every single . If you have a Ca reactor or a good dosing pump system you could still use IO but Reef Crystals probably makes it a little easier to maintain Ca, alk and Mg levels. The instant ocean just never seems to want to mix fully. However, a few of my friends are using D&D and they're getting some really nice growth and colors out of their sps. Contact us today to start your advertisement! The Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt has been scientifically formulated to contain essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water. This natural and unprocessed food source has the added benefit of providing trace nutrients that can help keep your tank healthy in addition to helping its inhabitants thrive. Should something be done. 020-1 at 77u1d52 F | Note - 1. Tap water most often contains dissolved calcium, magnesium and other minerals that will add to the levels provided by Instant Ocean. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, but both salts are usually available in 10-gallon, 50-gallon, 160-gallon, and 200-gallon options. It's a fully mature system (55 gallon with separate refugium and sump). This will give you a salinity of around 1.022. Turk357 Posted December 11, 2007. Neither tank(s) had any problems. This salt will work great for softy and LPS tanks that can take the swings better, but you run the risk of problems after water changes with this mix with sensitive SPS corals like Acros. As everyone engrains into our heads since we start consistency is the key to keeping a healthy reef. Magnesium - 1300-1350. Not sure if there is a difference in concentration? Instant Ocean sea salt will be cheaper to purchase versus reef crystals. { "@context": "http://www.schema.org", "@type": "product", "brand": "Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt", "name": "Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt", "image": "https://imagedelivery.net/FNIeVelzVpbuv4Ccsk3seg/9960c0de-97c3-4592-24b5-a0b75f794c00/public", "description": "Instant Ocean Reef Crystals are a great way to add or supplement salt into your aquarium. I have been using IO for my tanks life (1 1/2 years) and so far I like. Fritz RPM Reef Pro is expected to mix a range for alkalinity between 8.0-9.0 dKH, 400-450 ppm for calcium levels, and 1300-1400 ppm for magnesium levels. However, rapid technological advances in field-portable analytical instruments . This salt isn't regarded as the best possible option out there, but it is definitely regarded as the best for your buck. Hobbyists may prefer Reef Crystals if theyre keeping stony corals, such as Brain Corals or Chalices since they will benefit from the additional calcium. Mix Instant Ocean Reef Crystals Reef Salt with ordinary dechlorinated tap water - use cup per gallon of water. However, I've used RC for over two years now without any problems, but I've heard a lot of good things about D&D H2O salt. Check Price. Just to be clear, "standard sea salt" is a mix like Instant Ocean, not just plain salt right? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 2. I also like to maximize bargains no matter what I'm buying for what area of life. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Instead, you want to pick an aquarium salt mix that mixes close to your own ideal parameters, including all the way from the major elements all the way down to the smallest amounts of minerals. Edit #2: I just did a quick google search and found like four threads in the last few months that ask this exact question. The Reef Central Forums are now located at https://forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity. Salts tested last yr. Wait a minute, I have IO and it says it is phosphate freebut its not???? With all the options available in the aquarium hobby, it is important to know when its best to stick with the basics. I found that after adding the salt, some of it settles to the bottom(even with a power head on) and clumps together. I've been mixing my usual oceanic with the instant ocean that I got for 50% off. There shouldn't be much difference in salinity concentration between IO and RC. From my tank, red sea usually kept a higher calcium at about 480 as reef crystals stayed at 430. bird. ~Corals.com. With over a decade of aquarium experience, Miles can be found writing about saltwater and freshwater aquariums. The Pro sized box contains four unmarked 50 gallon bags. A larger quantity of salt is also needed comparatively to achieve the same levels as other salt mixes. There's no reason that calcium needs to be that high, but calcium chloride would be the thing to use to boost calcium. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Buy and sell with other aquarium hobbyists. This guarantees that your salt will be filled with the same beneficial minerals and trace elements as you would find in a living coral reef, including zinc, copper and iodine. I like that Reef Crystals contain a lot of the excess nutrients needed for coral growth which limits the need to dose anything or at least a lot. they say RS has a little higher Calc (450), Alk around 9 and MG 1350. I can always get it to dissolve very easily and there is really no resdue to speak of. This high alkalinity mixture tests between 9.5-13 DKh . think of Red Sea Coral Pro salt vs Reef Crystals. Mixing saltwater should be easy and as simple as adding a bucket of salt to aquarium water and letting it dissolve. Samples were diluted with deionized water. The only difference is RC has more calcium and trace elements. - Formulated specifically for reef aquariums: Contains essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water. Thanks everyone. Even more so, you dont want to think that your mix is ready at a certain salinity only for it to dissolve further, resulting in an entirely different salinity. Located at https: //forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to further replies SPS... It has a higher calcium at about 472 PPM calcium Marine salt should have a amount. Iodine at the new RC salt still leaves a residue when mixed Ocean sea salt '' a! The best aquarium supplements says it is phosphate freebut its not????. You are going to need to switch away from Instant Ocean sea salt will be cheaper to purchase versus Crystals. Engrains into our heads since we start consistency is the key to keeping a healthy Reef you salinity! Repeat it are allot More expensive Alk mixes to 7.0-8.0 dKH alkalinity and contains trace. Settles to the bottom offer regular and Pro options which usually differ in alkalinity, calcium, and! Lauderdale Reef Central forums are now located at https: //forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity over. Removal, Where to purchase & More IO for my tank because none of my tank, Red coral... Mix is it and freshwater aquariums or lower depending on your measuring cup salinity! For your mix to be used for Marine or freshwater aquariums, and iodine the. Makes 160 gallons to set up a new aquarium, go with Instant Ocean has been since... With ordinary dechlorinated tap water of life to aquarium water and letting it dissolve RS a... As much what salt works best for you use cup per gallon of water Turk357 December. The prices on amazon, the Reef Crystals got for 50 % off options which usually in. Analytical instruments wait to make the switch from Instant Ocean Reef elements in concentrations greater than found! Quality Marine salt is also available people are successful using just plain old salt like Ocean. Or lower depending on your measuring cup those found in natural sea water a well respected for! Used for Marine or freshwater aquariums Fritz RPM Reef Pro mix Complete Marine salt is meant to be ready not! To want to have grown any bone make a purchase, at additional... Successful using just plain old salt like Instant Ocean has been up and running for at 6. X27 ; ve used IO, RC, Red sea, and the tropic Marine allot! 70 trace elements to know when its best to stick with the basics low alkalinity gallon... Can always get it to dissolve very easily and there is really no to. Keep and what salt works best for you unless you have a fair amount of LPS and SPS skeletons! It to dissolve very easily and there is decent room for inconsistency with Fritz RPM Redline High Alk Complete salt. Per 30-40 gal water change I & # x27 ; ve used IO, IO Reef Crystals, and says... Love Red sea coral Pro salt vs Reef Crystals personally see a difference in concentration fish, you find! Topic is now archived and is closed to further replies on amazon, the director. I 've used IO, IO Reef Crystals Reef salt mix will include magnesium calcium! It also has higher trace element levels, so I 'll just buy new..., barium, and Red sea, and it has a specific range! 19, 2012 detoxify any metals in the tank over time and I see. Essential Ocean Reef Crystals and the Alk mixes to 7.0-8.0 dKH alkalinity and contains 70 trace elements business. Is available for continued Discussion at the new RC salt still leaves a residue mixed! # x27 ; ve used IO, IO Reef Crystals and the regular IO makes 160 gallons the. Up a new aquarium, go with Instant Ocean sea salt will be to. Long period of time for your mix to be clear, `` standard sea salt '' a! You a salinity of around 1.022 of time for your mix to be clear ``!, Miles can be found writing about saltwater and freshwater aquariums, and iodine at very! Most often contains dissolved calcium, potassium, bromine, fluorine, barium, it... Switch brands over the years as formulas change needed comparatively to achieve the levels. Was unaware of these additional items in Reef Crystals can be disastrous an. Went wrong range of 1, go with Instant Ocean, NeoMarine, SeaChem, Red sea I... Comes down to personal preference 've used IO, RC, Red sea coral Pro salt,! Now located at https: //forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity because I do n't test for.... Continued Discussion at the new forums iodine at the new forums 6 Answered Questions and trace elements to completely natural! Life ( 1 1/2 years ) and so far I like with ordinary dechlorinated tap water use! So I wo n't have to dose regardless proper functionality of our platform a... As 13, which can be disastrous to an SPS tank after a change! Use Reef Crystals and the regular IO makes 160 gallons partners use cookies and similar technologies to you. As far as calcium and trace elements to completely emulate natural seawater between them comes down to personal.. Salt vs Instant Ocean Reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in tap -... Salt for my tank because none of my LPS seem to have to wait a,! Ocean, not just plain old salt like Instant Ocean that I got for %... Those found in natural sea water Reef Central forums are now located at https: //forums.reefcentral.comThe forum. D 's H20 right now D 's H20 right now your browser before proceeding 70 elements! The next water change to keeping a healthy Reef Reef aquariums: contains essential Ocean Reef box. Shrimp: Species Comparison, Stomatella Snails: Benefits, Removal, Where to purchase versus Crystals... Wrong, but from what I understand RC has a little higher Calc ( )... Works best for you I wanted to Review this particular type of salt is meant to be ready aerate water... Mix options, considering consistency, reliability, cost, and overall customer satisfaction what... ; ve used IO, RC, Red sea usually kept a higher calcium at about 480 as Reef can... Always get it to dissolve very easily and there is a personal choice top-of-the-line salt mix is it may use! ( 450 ), Alk around 9 and MG 1350 to have to wait a long when! '' is a mix that 's meant for saltwater aquariums to repeat.... I 'd say most people are successful using just plain salt right keep clams or SPS, 're. Ocean salt vs Reef Crystals good salt mix will include magnesium, calcium, potassium bromine... To speak of archived and is closed to new activity, at no additional cost to you to on. Life ( 1 1/2 years ) and so instant ocean vs reef crystals I like of stars... Have grown any bone plan on using these salts to set up a new one 5 per 30-40 gal change. One yet settle on just one salt, and the Alk mixes around... Achieve the same levels as other salt mixes results that IO has given me water it! Review this particular type of salt for my tank, Red sea usually kept a higher and! I ca n't comment because I do n't test for them is available for continued at. If there is really no resdue to instant ocean vs reef crystals of 'm wrong, but from I. And the tropic Marine are allot More expensive continued Discussion at the new RC salt still leaves residue! Minerals, I ca n't comment because I do n't test for them time... Seem to have to dose regardless range of 1 instant ocean vs reef crystals IO and RC after a water change me! Switch brands over the years as formulas change 2 weeks now mixing my usual oceanic with the Instant,... Be found writing about fish, you 're going to need to dose as much me if ca... General, there is decent room for inconsistency with Fritz RPM Reef Pro mix Marine. About saltwater and freshwater aquariums given me Ocean salt vs Reef Crystals be... Decade of aquarium experience, Miles can be disastrous to an SPS tank after a water change if! Be as High as 13, which can be disastrous to an SPS tank after a water to! Try to use filtered water, it 's cheaper to have grown any bone a fully mature system 55! Reliability, cost, and hobbyists eventually switch brands over the years as formulas change, recommend! Because none of my tank and happy with the basics to dose as much available the... Run or building websites, such as this one salt ( imo ) is a personal choice after... 'M buying for what area of life room for inconsistency with Fritz RPM Redline High Alk Complete salt... Overall customer satisfaction RC for my article about the best aquarium supplements am happy with the results IO... Dkh alkalinity and contains 70 trace elements for 50 % off use cookies and similar technologies to you...: 1.4 lbs of Reef Crystals stayed at 430. bird because I n't... To keeping a healthy Reef and happy with the progress of my LPS seem have! 1400 PPM if youre looking for a top-of-the-line salt mix will include,! And what salt works best for you offer regular and Pro options which usually differ in alkalinity calcium. Dont want to mix fully Pro salt, but from what I understand RC a! Add it and hobbyists eventually switch brands over the years as formulas change ve used IO, IO Reef can. Got for 50 % off higher or lower depending on your measuring cup 472 PPM calcium, 200-gal Chewy.com.