Switching from Reef Crystals to Aquaforest

[spartanman22]

I have been running an SPS dominate reef on IO Reef Crystals for years with good results. I've been debating switching to the Aquaforest salt. Any advice from users that have made this switch? Is the probiotic salt worth going for or just the regular salt? I currently dose BRS two part but if I like the salt I'll probably switch to the Aquaforest line too.

I'm just Nervous to change anything. I've got a lot invested in coral and everything's doing well. I'm open to trying something new but don't want to get burned by trying to fix something that isn't broken.

 

[skim]

I have heard a lot of good reviews with the Aquaforest products. I would not worry too much about trying the Salt, I would keep the change at say 20% at a time depending on the size of your tank, I based 20% on around the 100 gal mark. You may want to take a long good look at the tank before you do a water change and keep a short log of the switch over. I do know if you choose to use the Probiotic you can't store the water more than 24 hrs., you really want to use it after mixing or within 12 hrs. Good luck and keep us updated on your switch.

 

[Anirban]

I have been running an SPS dominate reef on IO Reef Crystals for years with good results. I've been debating switching to the Aquaforest salt. Any advice from users that have made this switch? Is the probiotic salt worth going for or just the regular salt? I currently dose BRS two part but if I like the salt I'll probably switch to the Aquaforest line too.

I'm just Nervous to change anything. I've got a lot invested in coral and everything's doing well. I'm open to trying something new but don't want to get burned by trying to fix something that isn't broken.

What alkalinity you maintain currently? The normal reef salt is just fine and its more of a choice.I did that kind of transfer but I shifted from Tropic marin Pro. Just gradually introduce the new salt mix through your weekly water changes and after maybe 4-6 weeks you are good to go with all new salt mix.

 

[spartanman22]

I run my alk at 7.1-7.3

 

[Anirban]

I run my alk at 7.1-7.3

You are good to go..

 

[spartanman22]

I have heard a lot of good reviews with the Aquaforest products. I would not worry too much about trying the Salt, I would keep the change at say 20% at a time depending on the size of your tank, I based 20% on around the 100 gal mark. You may want to take a long good look at the tank before you do a water change and keep a short log of the switch over. I do know if you choose to use the Probiotic you can't store the water more than 24 hrs., you really want to use it after mixing or within 12 hrs. Good luck and keep us updated on your switch.

Thanks for the info. I never store salt long anyways. I just mix up what I need and go.

 

[spartanman22]

Is the probiotic salt the way to go? I figure why switch from RC to just the regular AF reef salt. I'd probably not see much of a change.

 

[Anirban]

Is the probiotic salt the way to go? I figure why switch from RC to just the regular AF reef salt. I'd probably not see much of a change.

There is no difference in both salts as far the elements composition but only difference will be vitamin, amino acid and bacteria.

 

[spartanman22]

There is no difference in both salts as far the elements composition but only difference will be vitamin, amino acid and bacteria.

Ok thanks. The benefit of the probiotic is to be N and P reducing and organic a for stony corals correct?

 

[Anirban]

Ok thanks. The benefit of the probiotic is to be N and P reducing and organic a for stony corals correct?

Yes, I like to dose them manually instead of depending on the salt but its more of a choice.

 

[riverreefer]

I'm doing the switch now rc to aqua forest bio salt .
I'm doing 5 gallons daily for a week then I'm going to up it to 3 10gallon changes and see how it goes.
my system is 250gallons sps dominate .
all looks good so far I'm a week into schedule

 

[Perry]

Yes, both salts are great, but what I can tell you is that without demanding sps , Probiotic Salt is not likely the best choice. Otherwise, I have witnessed the change out water actually stimulating sps, before I restarted pumps, the water is slightly hazy, but the corals worked it out, and an hour later the water is crystal clear, again, keep in mind this is with no filters or return pumps, the sps go nutz, feeder poylps extend, etc. That in mind, both salts mix to near NSW values. I think it is also worth mentioning that the Probiotic Salt is formulated to be used within the Probiotic based system. I strive to do weekly water changes, but it works out to every other week. Hope this helps. Cheers

 

[Jainc]

I just switch to the aqua forest salt and the main thing I have noticed is how fast it mixes up to clear. Also I notice my saltwater holding tank is not turning brown like it did with reef crystals. No difference in anything in the tank I am also SPS dominate tank. There seems to be a slight color fade on a couple of the corals but still growing good.