Salt Suggestions

[CD]

OK- I know this topic has been beat to death.

We have always used IO salt and will run out around the time we need to get the 210 going. I am thinking about changing salts when we need to mix 200-250 gallons for the new tank.

What do you recommend and why?

Thanks.

[Reef69]

Oceanic..IMO/IME..It has everything balanced, calcium and such..I like it..

[MikeDeL]

I like Oceanic too. Just have to add a little buffer before you mix it.

[aquadoc]

I like to use Red Sea salt, because I have noticed dramatic polyp extention. With all the Salifert test kits that I have, everything has tested favorable. Plus the dissolving rate is relatively fast(mixes well).

[Tim Marvin]

Oceanic, buffer, and IO to start it up. If you are completely out of salt then just start up with Oceanic and buffer. I can do some large water changes if you want some slightly aged water to start with rather than have 100% fresh mix.

[NaCl_H2O]

I like Oceanic for the Ca level and how easily it dissolves. I used to use IO which was fine but I had to supplement more Ca.

Oceanic + Buffer (or)
IO + Ca

Pick your poison

[CD]

I like Oceanic for the Ca level and how easily it dissolves. I used to use IO which was fine but I had to supplement more Ca.

Oceanic + Buffer (or)
IO + Ca

Pick your poison

So far, I think we would rather go the buffer route.
I would be interested in hearing some more opinions on the Red Sea product if any others have experience with it.

[Dozer]

Another vote for Oceanic + buffer.

Oops, forgot the why. The other levels are great, and buffer is so easy to add. Also, it dissolves really easy making it easy to mix. I make up some RO/DI water in a big old rubbermaid Brute trash can, put in Oceanic, some buffer, drop a powerhead in there and let it go for a while. But, the thing is it's all dissolved right away, so it doesn't really have to mix with the powerhead I don't think. It's just habit from other salt brands that I still let it sit and mix and mix and mixb, but I swear it seems ready to go after just a couple stirs.

[CD]

I can do some large water changes if you want some slightly aged water to start with rather than have 100% fresh mix.


We may take you up on that, Tim. Thank you :D

Wendy

[90OcReef]

Hey chris,
I am a member on Reef Frontiers also. I read this a few weeks ago and think that it may help you in deciding on Oceanic or IO. If you can't access this page then i recommend you signing up. Some of these guys on this forum seem to think that Oceanic is the cause of having some excessive algae problems due to high magnesium levels and other such factors. Some people recommend mixing Oceanic and IO together to balance it out. I havent read this for a few weeks but i though it may help you out. Or atleast you can check out some of the articles that these guys posted. See Ya http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6984

-Jessica

[StephenA]

I use Oceanic too.

Mixes fast and is clear in min.

Add buffer.

If you want some of my water let me know and I can I can give you 30 Gal or so.

[90OcReef]

that if ofcourse just for future reference. For the start up though, i would definately go with the aged water from Dozer- which i am sure you will.

[georgeortiz]

What I have learned over the years. KEEP doing what works! Especially since starting up with reefing. Fish only is more forgiving IMO. Consistency is the key as well as patience. I used oceanic before and ended going back to IO. My two cents.

[pickle311]

so what kind of buffer are you guys adding to Oceanic?

[StephenA]

DIY backing/washing soda aka Kents Superbuffer.

[Dozer]

I would be happy to give you some used water too guys.

I'm using Kent's superbuffer mainly because I was too lazy to do it myself at the time so I just bought the name brand stuff. But it's very simple ingredients that seem to be tailor made to going DIY.

[Thunderkat]

What do you guys think about Coralife salt?

[CD]

I would be happy to give you some used water too guys.


Thank you, Mike...from the things that we've discussed with Tim and a few others, it sounds as if this will really help our tank cycle quicker :D

Wendy

[gjuarez]

I was using Instand Ocean and Oceanic mixed together. It gives me a good balance. I am thinking of trying oceanic with buffer. I woul also like some input on the red sea salt.