Liveaquaria Salt Users?

[Dugless]

Anybody having success with this salt? I seem to have random struggles the few times I've switched to this mix. Is this stuff kryptonite for any one else?

 

[GoVols]

To me it's the exact same salt as the Fritz RPM, with different labels.

Same specs, bucket, and box sizes too.

https://fritzaquatics.com/products/fritz-rpm-reef-pro-mix

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/3912/?pcatid=3912

Fritz did have some qc issues way back, but thinking it was just high on magnesium.

 

[SeaDweller]

I used two boxes of Fritz aka LA salt. It mixed up super clear and fast, I didn’t see any adverse effects from the salt in my all acro system, but I kept getting funny alk numbers (8.5-9.5+) so I said the heII with it and went back to regular IO and now on TM pro.

I didn’t care enough to try again but the two boxes I tried seem ok

 

[Tamberav]

I use it and haven't noticed any problems after water change or what not. Alk runs a little higher than I like.

Red sea blue bucket is my favorite though.

 

[Cristy17]

Any updated thoughts? I am down to my last 1/2 5 gallon bucket. I had purchased two boxes a while back. Seems good. My tank is doing well and my parameters run regular with a doser. I need to order more and just trying to decide if I should stay with the same or change. I like to have the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but in this hobby, there is always room for improvement! TIA

 

[ryshark]

Any updated thoughts? I am down to my last 1/2 5 gallon bucket. I had purchased two boxes a while back. Seems good. My tank is doing well and my parameters run regular with a doser. I need to order more and just trying to decide if I should stay with the same or change. I like to have the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but in this hobby, there is always room for improvement! TIA

It may be expensive, but in my experience it doesn't get cleaner or more consistent than ESV Seawater. With that said, I've never even tried LA or Fritz salts.

 

[jda]

Remember that you can use Muriatic Acid to lower alk in any freshly mixed salt. Alk should never be a reason to choose a salt mix. There is not a salt on the market that I would not have to doctor up a bit to meet my needs.

 

[Cristy17]

Remember that you can use Muriatic Acid to lower alk in any freshly mixed salt. Alk should never be a reason to choose a salt mix. There is not a salt on the market that I would not have to doctor up a bit to meet my needs.

Muriatic Acid like the one you add to salt pools??? If so, that stuff is nasty to the lungs! How do you know how much to add?

 

[jda]

Gallons * desired dKh drop * .123 is the number of MLs of Muriatic Acid to use.

It is nasty stuff, but not death in a bottle, or anything. Some of the algaecides that people use, kalk and other are also pretty nasty. I have been adding it to my salt mix for decades now... and I also use it to clean my stuff (diluted) since it makes vinegar look like a kids toy and does not appear to hurt any plastics like vinegar does.

 

[Cristy17]

Gallons * desired dKh drop * .123 is the number of MLs of Muriatic Acid to use.

It is nasty stuff, but not death in a bottle, or anything. Some of the algaecides that people use, kalk and other are also pretty nasty. I have been adding it to my salt mix for decades now... and I also use it to clean my stuff (diluted) since it makes vinegar look like a kids toy and does not appear to hurt any plastics like vinegar does.

Gallons * desired dKh drop * .123 is the number of MLs of Muriatic Acid to use.

It is nasty stuff, but not death in a bottle, or anything. Some of the algaecides that people use, kalk and other are also pretty nasty. I have been adding it to my salt mix for decades now... and I also use it to clean my stuff (diluted) since it makes vinegar look like a kids toy and does not appear to hurt any plastics like vinegar does.

So lets say my salt mix is 9.0 and I want to lower it to 8.5..how do I figure out how much muriatic acid to use for a 75 gallon system? Is it that easy or am I missing something?

 

[drawman]

Sodium bisulfate is also very effective if you don't want to deal with muriatic acid. That's what I've used you just want to wait 24hrs before you use it.

 

[jda]

You cannot add it to your tank... it lowers the pH way too much and you need time to blow off the excess co2. Nothing that will lower dKh is probably a good idea add to a tank. With fresh mixed water, then follow the formula that I posted, let it mix and aerate for a day or two, then retest with your alk test kit.

Any strong acid is not without needing care when handling.

 

[drawman]

You cannot add it to your tank... it lowers the pH way too much and you need time to blow off the excess co2. Nothing that will lower dKh is probably a good idea add to a tank. With fresh mixed water, then follow the formula that I posted, let it mix and aerate for a day or two, then retest with your alk test kit.

Any strong acid is not without needing care when handling.

Agreed this is very important! You really want to let new saltwater offgas CO2 for 24 hours in your mixing vessel.

 

[TX_Punisher]

Formula:

If that was in a separate container like a brute, using your numbers?

75 (water volume in given container) x .5 (dkh drop desired) x .123 = 4.6ml needed.

I've found this to be very close.

 

[Cristy17]

You cannot add it to your tank... it lowers the pH way too much and you need time to blow off the excess co2. Nothing that will lower dKh is probably a good idea add to a tank. With fresh mixed water, then follow the formula that I posted, let it mix and aerate for a day or two, then retest with your alk test kit.

Any strong acid is not without needing care when handling.

Ok, got it. I have a mixing station so I can add it to that. I will see what my salt is mixing at and then decide if I should use it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Cristy17]

Formula:

If that was in a separate container like a brute, using your numbers?

75 (water volume in given container) x .5 (dkh drop desired) x .123 = 4.6ml needed.

I've found this to be very close.

Now I can relate to the amount to use! Thank you! Math was never my strong area!

 

[Falcar]

My Scoly was extremely unhappy for months, almost to me to the point of death. I tried/tested for everything I could but everything looked good. I was using LA salt...Then after viewing the BRS salt video I thought I'd give TM Pro a try. The moment I did a 20% WC with it, the Scoly fluffed out and looks great since.

I have no idea if it was a contaminate, or something missing in the LA salt, but to me, it was a noticeable difference.

Just anecdotal I know, but thought I'd share my experience.

 

[LiveWire]

I used their salt and the live bacteria when it was DRS Foster and Smith. I had no complaints on either product. The salt would go on sale a lot and you could combine a coupon code and the bacteria was always priced well. But once they got bought out they raised the price a lot on both so I have not bought either in some time.

 

[Justdrew]

You just have to watch the strength of the muriatic acid. The acid sold at big box retailers is usually 14.5%, while the acid purchased from pool stores is 29%. Pro pool stores also offer 32% some places.

 

[Cristy17]

You just have to watch the strength of the muriatic acid. The acid sold at big box retailers is usually 14.5%, while the acid purchased from pool stores is 29%. Pro pool stores also offer 32% some places.

Thank you, I never even knew it came in different strengths!