Do the math, dosing vs salt quality
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Randy Holmes-Farley
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There is a misconception in this question that cheaper salts have less calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity, or other "missing" elements. That just isn't true from any data I have seen.
I was going to say the same thing as some very expensive salts have NSW levels which are quite a bit less than what is found in inexpensive salts.
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basile
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What do make of certain salt that claim to have a higher % of magnesium compare to others the same for the other elements. That's was my angle. i use the cheap because i'm dosing what will be in shortage during the month. But dosing costs , so that was my question can you lessen the cost of dosing by buying a better salt.
How are you defining better? Just higher cost? Not trying to be funny, actually curious.
Maybe that is a better question for Randy, how would you define what is a better salt mix?
My 120 used to drop 3dk/day, so with how much dosing I had to do the levels in salt mix when doing say 10 to 30% monthly changes didn't matter at all!
Maybe that is a better question for Randy, how would you define what is a better salt mix?
My 120 used to drop 3dk/day, so with how much dosing I had to do the levels in salt mix when doing say 10 to 30% monthly changes didn't matter at all!
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basile
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Some salt are suppose to be for or exclusively or promote if you will, sps reef, some are for fish only, some say this and some say that, That's what drives the price up. It is in that optic that i'm asking the question . is it worth the money if you also dose the same element those salt claim to have BETTER quality in their own opinion. And when one salt is $69 for 160 G while the other is $122 for 160 as well ; the question is worth answering.
which is your favorite between and why. Those are just a few example. But if they all contain the primary elements what are we spending on......
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/seachem-reef-salt-160-gal-bucket.html
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/tropic-marine-bioactif-system-salt-200-gallon-bucket.html
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/reef-crystals-sea-salt-bucket.html
http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_...ket_Reef_Salt_Mix-Red_Sea-RS4211-FISM-vi.html
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Interesting discussion.
The problem is that no matter good the salt is you'll still need to dose for a mature reef tank.
The problem is that no matter good the salt is you'll still need to dose for a mature reef tank.
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basile
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My point also; so why spending more for salt is the question.
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basile
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Ok but you dose right so why would you pay more for something you're adding anyway. Which in the end cost less the salt or the elements you dose.
hybridazn
Acro killer.....
The cost difference between the blue bucket red sea salt and coral pro isn't much, so I don't see a reason to use a cheaper salt. I'm not a fan of IO or RC because I do not like how it mixes. So those 2 aren't even an option for me.
mckinleyw
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I don't really think it makes a difference. With lower grade salts you will need to know how much to adjust for the lower levels which I guess would eat more elements to cover that. going with a better salt that you trust will keep you from having to cover for a lower grade salt. This is just my opinion. I use a cheap salt mix and dose as well. I do run into issues with my levels dropping after a WC, which leads to dosing more elements if I used a more expensive salt I may or may not have to do this as well, idk. Anyway this is a good topic. I will be following to see what more experienced personnel have to say.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Regular IO is about as cheap as salts get, yet has as high of alk and magnesium as most mixes.
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basile
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I didn't choose those salts for my own use it was just to show the difference in price i found on the net. Some swear by their brand but that wasn't my angle lol. The premis was WC cost vs dosing cost and why.
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basile
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Thanks, i suspected that much. a weekly WC would "cover" every lack of elements and properties.
hybridazn
Acro killer.....
In place of dosing or in conjunction?
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basile
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Well it all depends on the bio load and what you want to achieve. If you have a full grown tank you may not want to encourage growth, if its mostly LPS well , they're much less demanding. If you have a good salt and you don't have to much needs, the weekly WC should IMO be enough, how ever if growth is your goal dosing will be necessary . I may be wrong but that's what i get from this discussion.
