Switching salt mix

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

I have been using IO reef crystals and looking to switch to Aquafresh. What is the best way to transition to new mix without any issues. I have never switched since starting my tank 3 years ago. I change out 10 percent weekly.

Kershaw · Jan 17, 2017

Just start using the new salt in your water changes. That's it. Don't change size of water changes. Just do as normal with new salt

MaiReef · Jan 17, 2017

Why change?

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

MaiReef said:
Why change?

My coral growth is not much even with supplementing. I'm going to research more first and see if there is an another cause for it first

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

I have heard other people have issues with growth on IO but will do my research first!

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

Kershaw said:
Just start using the new salt in your water changes. That's it. Don't change size of water changes. Just do as normal with new salt

Thanks, i wasn't sure if it needed to be slowly changed over or not

MaiReef · Jan 17, 2017

Some of the most successful use IO. Good luck though. I went to Aqua Forest Reef , but I am not convinced that is was the salt mix.

Kershaw · Jan 17, 2017

I switched from reef crystals to salinity. About a year ago for no reason really I always heard good things about it. I am considering going back because since then my alk has been very hard to keep up. Over the past 5 years I have tried, reef crystals, Kent, salinity, microblift, and one other I can't think of name right now. And I always go back to reef crystals. My tanks just seem more stable.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 17, 2017

slipknotgrrl83 said:
Thanks, i wasn't sure if it needed to be slowly changed over or not

I belive you want to look at the difference in alk/cal. Ie, IO to red sea coral plus.

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

MaiReef said:
Some of the most successful use IO. Good luck though. I went to Aqua Forest Reef , but I am not convinced that is was the salt mix.

Yeah I hear mixed reviews, some successfull some not. I am not convinced it's my salt yet but will be researching fully before I change anything

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

Kershaw said:
I switched from reef crystals to salinity. About a year ago for no reason really I always heard good things about it. I am considering going back because since then my alk has been very hard to keep up. Over the past 5 years I have tried, reef crystals, Kent, salinity, microblift, and one other I can't think of name right now. And I always go back to reef crystals. My tanks just seem more stable.

Good to know! Stability is definitely a must. Mine does stay stable so now I'm second guessing changing

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
I belive you want to look at the difference in alk/cal. Ie, IO to red sea coral plus.

Thank you

Blmain · Jan 17, 2017

I have used Instant Ocean Reef Crystals without any issue. If you decide to switch, I don't think you can go wrong with Red Sea Coral Pro or Aquaforest Reef Salt. I think the reason why myself and other reefers switch is because we are all chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

At the end of the day, they all get the job done. Good luck in finding out what works best for you!

Kershaw · Jan 17, 2017

Another thought. When I buy reef crystal. I buy the box and pour it into a bucket. This allows the salt it self to be mixed. I have read that when you buy the buckets you should roll them on there sides to mix them. This could be the reason I have not had stability with the salt I use now.

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

Blmain said:
I have used Instant Ocean Reef Crystals without any issue. If you decide to switch, I don't think you can go wrong with Red Sea Coral Pro or Aquaforest Reef Salt. I think the reason why myself and other reefers switch is because we are all chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At the end of the day, they all get the job done. Good luck in finding out what works best for you!

So true! Thanks

slipknotgrrl83 · Jan 17, 2017

Kershaw said:
Another thought. When I buy reef crystal. I buy the box and pour it into a bucket. This allows the salt it self to be mixed. I have read that when you buy the buckets you should roll them on there sides to mix them. This could be the reason I have not had stability with the salt I use now.

I store mine in a bucket and always stir the salt up a bit before using