Why there are so many people been using Instant Ocean salt with a

[twinspots_goby]

I don't understand that how people can use IO or IO/RC salt with alk like 14 and Calc like 550? I understand that with lower alk and calc salts, we can dose more alk and calc to adjust them higher. But how people deal with salts with high ALK and Calc?

 

[returnofsid]

Not sure where you're getting those numbers. IO and/or Reef Crystals have never had numbers that high. I've used IO for 6 years. I still need to dose Alk/Ca/Mg.

 

[SDguy]

I've used IO for years. Ca and Mg are the only ones I need to supplement with.

 

[JOSE CASAS]

I am also a IO user and havent gotten those high numbers. I believe that because I am changing a small % of water that cal has really a small effect on my tanks water so I dont even adjust cal. I do add mag weekly.

 

[twinspots_goby]

for RC salts users, do you guys do anthing to adjust the high alk? people reported that their alk is as high as 13. Or you have been always keeping your tank alk as high as 13?

 

[Onedesign1]

I use reef crystals, run kalk, and still dose alk and mag to keep it above 8.0 and 1300 respectively. Where are you getting 13 from?

 

[JackoChang]

for RC salts users, do you guys do anthing to adjust the high alk? people reported that their alk is as high as 13. Or you have been always keeping your tank alk as high as 13?

Where was this reported?

 

[westreef]

I just mixed a new tub of RC and measured its parameters:

Sitting for 24 hours
At Room Temp of 72 F

Specific Gravity 1.026 Refractometer
Alkalinity 10.03 Hanna
Calcium 485 Red Sea
Magnesium 1250 Elos

 

[twinspots_goby]

one of my buddies told me that the paraters for RC is calc 490; alk 13; mag 1440.

I've been running BrightWell salts for 6 months and don't like it and thinking about to change back to TM. But do you think it worth the extra to go to TM or should I consider RC?

 

[returnofsid]

Again, IO and Reef Crystals do not run these high numbers, that you're reporting.

 

[twinspots_goby]

I just got those info from either from my buddy or online. I have no way to tell and actually thinking RC salts as a option.

Again, IO and Reef Crystals do not run these high numbers, that you're reporting.

 

[JackoChang]

I think your buddy is pulling your leg. I don't like Brightwell salt either.

 

[dknuckles]

I have personally ran into this problem w/ RCs. Alk was averaging 12+
Ironically all the high alk batches mixed Had a lot of residue after mixing, almost like a yellow clay. A vinegar bath was needed on all buckets, pumps, and heaters after mixing a batch.
Never had a problem until new recipe came out.

After switching to ESV have not had a problem since, 5g or 50g always perfect and clean

 

[returnofsid]

All manufacturers can have bad batches, but typically IO and Reef Crystals are much more consistent. I've heard a lot of really good things about Brightwell lately, BUT, it has to be mixed SLOWLY and I believe the directions even specify this.

 

[Jpurpz831]

id be carefull of your buddys telling you something u need to do the testing yourself i had a buddy of mine tell me my levels where fine every time he checked he always told me your good turned out he was just giving me bogus answers i had to find out my self bought some test kits and had my lfs check the parameters also to make sure n my levels where way off form what he would tell me they were at just be careful my opinion

 

[subielover]

IO and RC test 12dkh for me too, returnofsid, what does a fresh batch measure for you? I have mixed approximately 300 gallons a day, for the last year and a half, of IO and have always gotten 12dkh with a salifert kit, and a hanna checker.

 

[Jpurpz831]

do you guys mix your salt wen u get it in the bucket cuz ive herd u have to shake up your buket n mix it again cuz somtimes it settles thats what my lfs told me to make sure i shake up the buket

 

[subielover]

do you guys mix your salt wen u get it in the bucket cuz ive herd u have to shake up your buket n mix it again cuz somtimes it settles thats what my lfs told me to make sure i shake up the buket

I was mixing whole 200 gallon boxes (plus more) at a time.

 

[returnofsid]

It's been a month or so, since I've tested freshly mixed IO, but I've had consistent levels, with freshly mixed IO of:

Ca. 385
Alk. 3.2 meq/l
Mg. 1050

 

[twinspots_goby]

wow! Mag is so low.

It's been a month or so, since I've tested freshly mixed IO, but I've had consistent levels, with freshly mixed IO of:

Ca. 385
Alk. 3.2 meq/l
Mg. 1050