Salt switching question

[rocket]

OK I have a question about switching salts. I have been using IO and adding calcium. What are peoples opinions on switching salts? I'm looking at going to SeaChem reef salt.
Thanks

 

[Krish]

I think IO has always been used by the majority. Here are some polls conducted here to confirm.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15918&highlight=salt+poll

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=88

 

[Brenden]

It is ok to change. Just do it in stages with smaller water changes. Why you switching from IO?

 

[rocket]

Well, my LFS is recommending that I change to Seachem. Right now I have to add calcium and I was thinking if I could get closer levels with my salt i wouldn't have to add stuff. Just a question, not sure on what i should do...

 

[Reef Mystique]

Jump to IO's Premium blend - Reef Crystals. It's the only mix allowed to cuddle up with our SPS Corals.

Best,
Wil

 

[thekingfish]

I thought I read somewhere the IO is also a little low on magnesium.

 

[Meche]

I thought I read somewhere the IO is also a little low on magnesium.

RC has boosted levels of Mg and Ca and, I think, other trace elements too.

 

[returnofsid]

Reef Crystals is like the upper end IO product. I think if I were to switch from IO, it'd have to be to IO Reef Crystals.

 

[plack]

I'm Using reef crystals and it seems just fine I dont really need to add anything
Paul

 

[Phillips]

In 2001, when I started reefing, I used IO with a lot of success. Then they changed their recipe and I almost killed my tank.

I've now been using Oceanic for a couple years till I switched from Oceanic to ReefCrystals, because I wanted a salt mix w/ higher alkalinity. I was surprised to see the health, growth & colors of my corals from Stylophora and Pocillopora to Sarcophytons improve within days.

I also started adding Salifert's trace element mix, potassium iodide and chelated iron 4 weeks ago.

I mix sodium carbonate into my topoff water to replace alkalinity and add a tablespoon of dissolved calcium/magnesium/strontium chloride mix every two days.

Cheers,
John

 

[Meche]

Nice perspective, Phillips.

Welcome to RF!

 

[rocket]

Thanks you all for the comments. I think I'm gonna try the reef crystals... see how that goes. I was thinking of mixing 50/50 for the first couple water changes.

 

[Ellisz]

I am trying out Red Sea Reef Pro. I have used Oceanic for about 2 years and on my last batch it seems as if my hair algae has taken off. When I make SW, it leave a bad residue in the bucket.

The red sea is not dissolving to my liking though ...

 

[redrooster]

I myself as well as virtually everyone I know around me in Chicago uses Oceanic. Almost all the "specialty" reef stores only carry that. I'd have to go to petco or petsmart to get IO and it would pain me to do so. Plus I've never had any problems with the oceanic and I don't "doctor" it at all, so I can't complain.

 

[Brenden]

I switched to IO because I had PH problems with oceanic. Been fine ever since.