Anyone Used: Real Ocean Water vs. Salt Mix

[DTdr2]

I would like to see what members thought about using Nutri Sea Water or Petco Real Ocean Water vs. using a Sea Salt Mix (Instant Ocean). I've never used anything but the salt mix, however for a few dollars more I just bought the real thing from Petco. Has anyone used any of these 2 products, and can I get some feedback?

[koa25]

I've used the Nutri Sea water for a couple water changes. I got it from Gary at South Seas Aquatics and my corals seemed to be pretty happy with it. But it really wasn't cost effective. 20 bucks for a 4.4 gallon jug of it. No bueno. They do filter it, and run a couple processes to remove parasites. There is a guy on here that runs actual Ocean Water. He has his own process for cleaning it up.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?62058-Who-says-you-cant-use-Corpus-Christi-Padre-Island-canal-water&highlight=corpus (http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?62058-Who-says-you-cant-use-Corpus-Christi-Padre-Island-canal-water&highlight=corpus)

[DTdr2]

Thanks kos25 for the lead. The Petco brand was quite a bit cheaper than the Nutri costing me a little over $20 for 10 gallons. Next water change I plan on contacting your guy. :D

[ramsey]

That's really expensive considering that enough quality salt mix for 175G can be had for ~$50. If you don't have an RO/DI unit, you can get filtered water from the LFS or other sources.

[koa25]

I agree with Ramsey. I get Salinity Salt that does 220 gallons for 70 bucks and it is specifically engineered to keep water parameters at the perfect levels when mixed to .026. The mixture is formulated for 220 gallons at .026 so you really get your bang for your buck out of it. Especially if you run a reef tank.

[dbmet]

Where did you find salinity salt for 70.00?

[Big_Pun]

Where did you find salinity salt for 70.00?

no where anymore! alamo and Elegant seem to have best price

[electricrcplane]

I use RODI water and salinity didn't mix well, I bought a bucket back when gabe was in business and ended up giving it away. Maybe I got a bad batch? I've been using coral pro and seems to keep everything happy.

[electricrcplane]

Answered my own question:
This salt needs to be added slowly over time, like1/4 - 1/ 2 cup / 5 gals every 15 mins or so. Try to keep the temp of the water lower as the components are more soluble at lower temp and at lower temp they will generate less CaCO3 precip/cloudiness. You DO NOT want any cloudiness, as cloudness means precip of CaCO3 or Mg(OHH)2 and they will NOT go back into solution. The cloudless just settle out or ends up as a precip on the walls or bottom of the container. SeaChem is working on a solution to give better mixing instructions / my comments on many posts on forums and noted issues with this salt dissolving based on most normal salt mixing instructions.

[Big_Pun]

I use RODI water and salinity didn't mix well, I bought a bucket back when gabe was in business and ended up giving it away. Maybe I got a bad batch? I've been using coral pro and seems to keep everything happy.

probably, i have never had probs with it, i mix it slow adding a lil at a time with a strong pump mixing. if you mix too fast it will precipitate and not mix properly

[FireWater]

I've used both Red Sea Coral Pro and currently Salinity. Good results with both. $70 bucks on Salinity will buy you the half bucket size.

Filtered sea water just isn't cost effective or readily available here.

[koa25]

I paid 70 bucks for salinity for the full bucket at alamo. He stocks them for 79.99 but knocked of 10 bucks to get me to try it. And I'm hooked.

[FireWater]

He's a good dealer then. No one can touch that price that I've found. For your sake I hope he can continue to offer that price cause its going to hurt when you buy a new bucket.

[koa25]

From what chris says. Probably not. I've seen it everywhere else for 100 or 110 bucks. I'm about half way through my bucket now. Not looking forward to it.

[electricrcplane]

May have to make a visit to Alamo to see if I can pick some up to try it again. Sounds like I tried to mix it too quickly in the past.

[Scutterborn]

I paid $90 or $95 because I didnt know any better... :)


-Ben-

[koa25]

18708
Well i stopped off at Alamo for some food and notice this salt. Which i do believe is salinity for 71.99... for the 225 gallon bucket...Well this is awkward...

[FireWater]

Wow!

[Scutterborn]

This is me kicking myself in the butt right now...


-Ben-

[koa25]

For all you disbelievers! This is my formal :p

[SinisterLou]

Did they have a good amount of stock for this. I might have to give it a try

[dbmet]

Awesome.. I may drive up because I'm getting low..

[koa25]

They had two 225 and one small bucket for 40 bucks. I snagged a big bucket on principle.

[koa25]

I'm sure if you asked eddy to order some he would.