Need some suggestions

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

I’m currently using Red Sea coral pro salt mix, just found out that they may have changed their mix. I started on a new bucket roughly 2 weeks ago and ever since then I have been fighting the parameters in my tank. So what would be a good switch?

Jekyl · Mar 13, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
I’m currently using Red Sea coral pro salt mix, just found out that they may have changed their mix. I started on a new bucket roughly 2 weeks ago and ever since then I have been fighting the parameters in my tank. So what would be a good switch?

Which parameters and how? Have you tested the new water?

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

Jekyl said:
Which parameters and how? Have you tested the new water?

As of today on the Hanna checker ammonia is at 0.20ppm and nitrate is at 26ppm. I have checked both water source. My rodi needed a new filter (carbon block) and I even got rodi from lfs and checked it before mixing. I’ve done several water changes and added a few things. After water changes it seems to help for a bit and then right back up if not higher

Pistondog · Mar 13, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
I’m currently using Red Sea coral pro salt mix, just found out that they may have changed their mix. I started on a new bucket roughly 2 weeks ago and ever since then I have been fighting the parameters in my tank. So what would be a good switch?

Like @Jekyl said, hard to suggest anything without knowing your target params.

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

Pistondog said:
Like @Jekyl said, hard to suggest anything without knowing your target params.

It’s the ammonia and nitrates. I comment back to him if that would help you understand some

Pistondog · Mar 13, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
As of today on the Hanna checker ammonia is at 0.20ppm and nitrate is at 26ppm. I have checked both water source. My rodi needed a new filter (carbon block) and I even got rodi from lfs and checked it before mixing. I’ve done several water changes and added a few things. After water changes it seems to help for a bit and then right back up if not higher

Are these tests tank or freash salt water. If tank, test fresh salt water.

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

Pistondog said:
Are these tests tank or freash salt water. If tank, test fresh salt water.

The recent is tank. At the moment I don’t have any mixed that is not in tank.

Pistondog · Mar 13, 2023

Test your next batch before putting in the tank. This would verify the red sea salt is the source.

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

Pistondog said:
Test your next batch before putting in the tank. This would verify the red sea salt is the source.

I will do that to be sure. In the mean time is there another good salt mix to use just incase it is the salt itself?

Jekyl · Mar 13, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
I will do that to be sure. In the mean time is there another good salt mix to use just incase it is the salt itself?

The dirty little secret is that any of the brand name salts all do the trick. Pick what is cheap, available and has the parameters that make sense. As for the ammonia and nitrate without a test of some freshly mixed salt water, I don't think it's a likely source.

dirty_south87 · Mar 13, 2023

Jekyl said:
The dirty little secret is that any of the brand name salts all do the trick. Pick what is cheap, available and has the parameters that make sense. As for the ammonia and nitrate without a test of some freshly mixed salt water, I don't think it's a likely source.

I’m gonna test the next batch I get going and see where it lands first. To me it’s just all weird since I started having the issues since I got the new bucket. Nothing has been added or removed (died) from the tank. I just can’t seem to find the source of it

Jekyl · Mar 13, 2023

Always best to check the variables first

vetteguy53081 · Mar 13, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
I’m currently using Red Sea coral pro salt mix, just found out that they may have changed their mix. I started on a new bucket roughly 2 weeks ago and ever since then I have been fighting the parameters in my tank. So what would be a good switch?

Its a slight changed but if you are seeking something more stable-
Seachem Salinity
Tropic Marin Actif
Aquaforest salt

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 14, 2023

I still do not understand why you want to switch. I do not think any salt mix has enough ammonia or nitrate to be a reason to not use it.

gbroadbridge · Mar 14, 2023

Interesting.

I just happen to have picked up a box of Red Sea Blue this morning.
Didn't even notice it said new formula on the box.

Just for fun I'll mix up 5 gallons to 35ppt in the morning per their instructions and measure a few vitals and post them here.

Batch Number 1711220512 and I have their ICP in my inbox.

dirty_south87 · Mar 14, 2023

gbroadbridge said:
Interesting.

I just happen to have picked up a box of Red Sea Blue this morning.
Didn't even notice it said new formula on the box.

Just for fun I'll mix up 5 gallons to 35ppt in the morning per their instructions and measure a few vitals and post them here.

Batch Number 1711220512 and I have their ICP in my inbox.

Let me know how that goes please.

dirty_south87 · Mar 14, 2023

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I still do not understand why you want to switch. I do not think any salt mix has enough ammonia or nitrate to be a reason to not use it.

I’m gonna make a small batch this afternoon and see what I get on test results before I make my final decision. I just know I had nothing but trouble since I started on this new bucket

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 14, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
I’m gonna make a small batch this afternoon and see what I get on test results before I make my final decision. I just know I had nothing but trouble since I started on this new bucket

What sort of trouble?

dirty_south87 · Mar 14, 2023

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
What sort of trouble?

Ammonia and nitrates going up and no matter what I do it’s not coming down. I’ve tried different water sources to mix with and it don’t matter. I done a 30% Sunday and the numbers were even higher.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 14, 2023

dirty_south87 said:
Ammonia and nitrates going up and no matter what I do it’s not coming down. I’ve tried different water sources to mix with and it don’t matter. I done a 30% Sunday and the numbers were even higher.

That does not sound like a salt problem to me. What values are we talking about, and how long ago was the tank cycled?

Most salt mixes have a little ammonia, and that is no concern. Nitrite is not usually significant.