What type of salt do you use?

[esmith]

I am curious what time of salt mix do you use/recommend. I have been using Tropic Marin and have been battling algae breakout on the sand off and on. I was previously using distilled water from the store previously so I thought the algae was a result of the water, I finally got a RO system about a month ago and this problem has still not stopped.

I finally got a phosphate test this last weekend and tested the tank water...almost 1.0ppm :shock: I have tested my tap water and nothing, then I tested the RO water and nothing as well. Then I tested the water that I had pre-mixing for water changes and there it is...the same measurement that I got from the tank water (1.0ppm phosphate).

I assume that it must be the salt, so I am curious what brands people are using so that I can stop these algae outbreaks. I was using Instant Ocean before I ran out and switched to Tropic Marin. I didn't like the way that Instant Ocean mixed so I was looking for something new and went with something that was recommended to my at the LFS.

Any and all suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you,

Eliyah

 

[Scooterman]

This is the great Debate!
Did you clean you tub first, and with what?
I wonder if IO has that much Phosphates in it?

IO latest test, New 200g bucket!
Cleaned Rubbermaid tub with RO/DI water(these filters was just replaced a few weeks ago)
25g, heated to 78 & PH inside mixed over night!
SG=.0245 Sorry I only have a Deep six for now
CA=350 New Saliflert test kit
PH-8.0 same as above
MG=1,200 same as above
ALK= 3.86 Saliflert
Ammonia-0 Saliflert also
no phosphate kits, I'd welcome a test to see how phosphates compare because I was told IO had lots but I can't blame algae because of that. IMO

 

[OnTheReef]

Salt mix

I use the two-part mix from Marine Environments. They have one of the most extensive analyses of mineral content I have ever seen and their phosphate content is negligible. Some mixes, such as Red Sea, have a reputation for higher phosphates.

 

[Scooterman]

I used BIO-SEA®MARINEMIX
(made by the same people above)
It was very inconsistant in the 4 25g batches I made.

 

[csleeman]

I go with Kent never had a problem yet.

-Chad

 

[Flatlander]

IO for many years now. Was going to switch to Tropic Marin. :shock:

 

[aquariumdebacle]

I use Kent's. I filtered mine through Kent's carbon. I still have algae in a new tank. This would make a great poll.

 

[mojoreef]

Ask and you shall recieve, lol
IO = .o5- mmoles/kg
Tropic Marin = 1.2 mmoles/kg
HW Marine = .46 mmoles/kg
Reefcrystals = .32 mmoles/kg
Redsea = .37 mmoles/kg
Kent = .16 mmoles/kg
Coralife = .95 mmoles/kg
Seakem = .07 mmoles/kg
Marinemix = .07 mmoles/kg
biosea = .05 mmoles/kg


thiers the ammounts of inorganic phoshates. But beware of Biosea/Marinemix and coralife all have organic phosphates in the to.

Mike

 

[esmith]

Thanks everyone for your input, I mixed up a batch of IO today and tested it tonight. The result is not even traceable with the Salifert test kit that I am using. I will re-teest tomorrow after it has mixed overnight just to be sure.

Did you clean you tub first, and with what?

Yes I did clean the 5 gallon bucket I use to mix; with RO water only. I usually keep water mixing constantly just in case I need it for emergency changes.

How about solubility, I find that IO always has small particle floating around in it, almost as if the salt doesn't fully dissolve.

Anyone ever heard of a brand "Deep Ocean", a friend of mine swears by it, but only Aquarium Paradise in Lakewood sells it. I am not sure about the levels of phosphate, but it is highly soluble.


Eliyah

 

[anglerfish]

It's been a while since I've checked out the ingrediants (both parts) on Marine Environment, but the last time I did bile was one on the list. I haven't found it to be the greatest as far as phosphates go. Haven't heard alot of good things about Deep Ocean. IO always been a good standby.

Couple conferences ago Marlin Atkinsin compared synthetic salt mixes with seawater. Instant Ocean was one of the closest. I like it myself. I've also used Tropic Marine and like it very much along with Kent. Kinda your tank's chose.

Every tank has its own sorta personality. This based on feeding, fish load, skimmers, water flow, water changes, lights, type of corals, etc. Once phosphates are in, they take a while to work their way out. Try a reputable salt (of course while using your testing) for at least a month, to give time for the phosphates to be leached out.

Seen a few different situations, good luck.

 

[esmith]

I placed some phosgard in my canister filter to help lower the phosphate levels in the tank right now. I believe that I will be switching salts as I have been using Tropic Marin for about 2 months and it's not getting better. After a partial water change (within a day) the sand is totally covered, in spots, with algae.

I think I will continue using the IO that I have for now, and will test the Deep Ocean before I decide to purchase any.

Eliyah

 

[Scooterman]

IO

Well after screwing my tank balance up with BIO-SEA MARINEMIX! I was given 5 bags, 25g each, this guy was very proud of his products at aquacraft. After making 100gallons of the stuff and testing I will not go back to their salts again. I tested & retested IO & learned I had no reason in the first place to switch. I guess all the hoopla about IO having a few bad batches made me want to switch. After reading post & post of test on all the other salts out there, IO has been Number one! I printed the S-15 reports and crossed out the closest mix & IO won at that again. I'm slowly doing more water changes and trying to bring my tank back in balance and unless IO stops making salts, or they really go to crap, I'm not screwing with a good thing.
After the first water change, things immediately are looking better.

Case Closed!

 

[mojoreef]

Good to hear it is coming back to normal Scoot. That guy wanted to send me some free salt to...I passed.

Take care

MIke

 

[Desolas]

I've been using Coralife for two buckets worth now. I had been using IO, I just decided to try the coralife mainly because of price. Overall it has been okay, but I've noticed more algae growing on the glass over the last few months. Might be the salt. One positive thing to say for it is it does dissolve very well, and fast.

Myself I'll be sticking with IO from now on.

 

[esmith]

After hearing everyones opinions about IO and the use of other salts I believe that I too will be going back to IO.

Anyone have any feelings about using SeaChem's Phosgard? :?: I put it into my canister filter last night to lower the phosphate, and this morning walla...all gone from the sand. I am curious about using this product because I have read that some PH removers contain hight amounts of aluminum.



Eliyah

 

[Scooterman]

I don't know but intrested to see if there is any negative affects!

 

[tankgirl]

I've been using Coralife for a couple of years and haven't had any problems. I use the scientific grade marine salt, is that what you're using, too, Desolas?

 

[Doug1]

IO since 1975

 

[plack]

I use oceanic and i don't have any way to test it seems fine but has anyone ever measured it?

 

[wrightme43]

I use instant ocean, very very happy with it. I would rather add stuff to it than try to take it out. LOL The big selling point for me though was the free t-shirt, I mean it says "were swimming in it" lol Now I get the industial 200 Gallon box that is labeled not for resale and has no pictures on the bags inside. They keep upping the price, can anybody beat 49.99 delivered for 200 gallons worth of IO? If so I am interested. Correction with tax it is 52.99 in my hands. I have enough of the stupid buckets to last me a long time. LOL Steve