Salt Mix Switch

[Jack22]

I've been using Reef Crystals since I started my tank, about 8 months. I was seeing some growth on all of my corals and everything looked okay, but the parameters were not coming out to what I wanted and the mix was really inconsistent.

I decided to switch to a "better quality" salt and I went with the Red Sea Coral Pro. After the switch my Acans didn't seem to be as open and it seemed like the growth on my Acros slowed. I figured it was just because of the change and that everything would go back to normal in a few weeks once everything acclimated to the new mix. It's been 4 weeks and 3 water changes and some corals still seem unhappy and my best Acro has been loosing tissue.

The question is, do I switch back to Reef Crystals, stick with Coral Pro for a while longer, or try a different salt like the blue bucket or Brightwell?

 

[LittleMaui]

Corals will grow with any salt. You'll hear people who use all salts successfully and unsuccessfully. instead, focus on the exact problem.

 

[GugsJr]

That's because you've probably changed the alkalinity too quick.

I think Reef Crystals mix has a dkh of 11-12

Red Sea is 9ish.

As of right now you need to check your Alk and try and keep it stable.

 

[LittleMaui]

My red Sea coral pro mixes at 10dkh

 

[GugsJr]

My red Sea coral pro mixes at 10dkh

Oh, trying to go from memory I just remember that RC had a higher dkh.

 

[DMG Reef]

Agree with @shaywood. Some parameter is apparently off but the issue isn't likely to be just from changing salts. In 5 yrs., I've switched from RC to Red Sea, then to Fritz, back to Red Sea then back to RC. I recently went back to Red Sea. My mixed reef never gave a flip. Even my acros didn't notice. As long as there are no parameter swings, your corals don't care about brands. Something else is going on.

 

[Jack22]

Thanks all. I’ll start testing more frequently for the next week or so and see if I can get a good idea of what is going on.

 

[SPR1968]

Hi Jack
The Red Sea Coral Pro mixes to around 11.5-12.5dKH at 35ppm salinity so depending on how you switched over is could be the alkalinity swing, but it could be something else.

I used the Pro salt for over 12 months with great success before lowering parameters to the standard Red Sea salt

What are your water parameters currently reading ?

How big (volume) is your tank and how much water are you changing ?

 

[Dom]

I started a thread here on this exact subject. I too switched from Instant Ocean Reef Crystals to Red Sea Pro hoping that it would accelerate growth.

I've been doing a 10% water change every 10 days, snapping a picture and posting it to the thread. I'm gearing up for the 3rd water change tomorrow (11/30). No noticeable changes yet, but it is early.