Ohio Reef

Reef Discussion => Water Chemistry => Topic started by: slandis3 on July 26, 2011, 13:41:34

Title: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 26, 2011, 13:41:34
So lets get an updated salt usage chart.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on July 26, 2011, 13:51:17
Ha Ha  I clicked on view results, thought it was already done .....   :hysterical:
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on July 26, 2011, 13:53:53
I use Oceanic.  I don't have a lot of corals.  Has anyone used Brightwell? 
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Todd W. on July 26, 2011, 14:01:05
Thanks for setting the poll up.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 26, 2011, 14:07:03
I use Oceanic.  I don't have a lot of corals.  Has anyone used Brightwell? 

I knew I was forgetting a salt

Will a mod please add Oceanic salt to the poll
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: micki on July 26, 2011, 17:13:05
I knew I was forgetting a salt

Will a mod please add Oceanic salt to the poll

Done!
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: FancyDirty on July 26, 2011, 17:32:39
i loved Instant ocean but than they changed it
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on July 26, 2011, 17:36:51
Now mine needs to change from "other" to Oceanic.  :)
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 26, 2011, 17:48:32
OK I did a reset since Micki added the salt I forgot.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Viggen on July 26, 2011, 17:53:48
didn't let me vote twice.... Instant Ocean (yea..... FO tank) & also Kent is what I use.  Based more on what I get a deal on since it's FO :)
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: starfishprime on July 26, 2011, 22:34:01
been using Reefcrystals for the past year, had an opportunity to get a bucket of RSCP at a reasonable price and I have been slowing down on water changes, we'll see how this goes...
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 27, 2011, 21:32:48
So far it looks like most are using RSCP and Reef crystals.

How many of you have been using the same salt since day 1 (how long have you been using it)?

How many have switched salts (what were you using what are you using, why did you switch)?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Wall_Tank on July 27, 2011, 21:37:06
Had a problem with the "OLD" formulation of RSCP, so I switched to SeaChem.   Have had good luck with SeaChem, so I have been using that for more than a year now.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on July 27, 2011, 21:37:27
I started out using Oceanic, than some people said Kent was better.  So, I switched to Kent, it left residue in my water storage container.  So, I switched to Seachem, same thing, left residue.  Maybe got some bad salt, I don't know.  Went back to Oceanic and stayed with it. 
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Steve on July 27, 2011, 22:54:02
I primarily use IO but have to admit that alot of times I buy what I can get a deal on. I keep my cal levels between 380 and 400 and always felt like some of the reef salts were over kill.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 28, 2011, 05:01:49
Had a problem with the "OLD" formulation of RSCP, so I switched to SeaChem.   Have had good luck with SeaChem, so I have been using that for more than a year now.

A lot of people had issues with their salt when they were nearing the end of its run. I think they were pretty much just cleaning out their equipment so they can start over fresh and all the junk was just left in there. I used IO for years then everyone was bragging about hoe much better RSCP was so I switched. I used that until Dodd closed then it became hard to get the salt so I switch to a 50/50 mix of seachem and kent. It worked great, mixed well and my levels we dead on. Since I live so far north it was a pita to go to 2 different stores to get salt so I switched back to RSCP. The new formula works as well as mixing the 2 salts together. That is what my tank is running on now and I think its doing good.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Todd W. on July 28, 2011, 08:16:04
Where do most people purchase RSCP... How much does it run for how many gallons of make up???
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 28, 2011, 08:39:04
I ordered the last bucket through dr foster and smith because I needed it in a hurry. I usually order it through aquarium ect but he was out when I needed it.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Todd W. on July 28, 2011, 09:53:36
Cost????
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 28, 2011, 10:10:19
I think it was 54.99 shipped from drfoster, Aquarium ect was $50 a bag on sale (200g mix)
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on July 28, 2011, 10:36:51
Aquarium ect was $50 a bag on sale (200g mix)
:smiley-happy112: Please let me know if you run across this deal or anything similar.  :-ThumbUpsm 
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on July 28, 2011, 10:45:56
Will do.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on July 28, 2011, 11:07:39
 :-Bravo  :T  :-URock  :sign0151:
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Kenn on July 28, 2011, 11:21:22
I pick up my rscp from the great Coral Ranch ! :)
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on July 28, 2011, 11:23:48
I pick up my rscp from the great Coral Ranch ! :)
Thanks for posting that Kenn! Now I don't have to go on endless searches for it locally.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on July 28, 2011, 12:29:55
Seachem 4 life  >:D I get mine from marine solutions, and they always have a good price on the buckets.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Kenn on July 28, 2011, 15:25:12
Thanks for posting that Kenn! Now I don't have to go on endless searches for it locally.

Glad to help... got to keep business going out to Coral Ranch :)
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: The WuSue on August 11, 2011, 11:06:42
Anyone ever dared to buy aquatic adventures brand of salt?  I got a bucket  :party0040: of it for free, but when it didn't even have an ingredients list I couldn't bring myself to use it....oddly enough, there doesn't seem to be a Google answer for this one.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: hatcher2014 on October 13, 2011, 19:14:47
i use IO didnt know that there were that many different kinds of salts out there to choose from. this is so crazy i do a little bit of research on something then something pops up is there ever a time to were u catch up. also is the salt just a personal preference. and is there salt that is better for FOWLR and REEF?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on October 13, 2011, 19:21:16
Salt blends are different... most marine salts don't have the concentration of minerals and nutrients that a reef blend would have... And most salt blends have the same minerals and nutrients in them, just different mfgs put different amounts from each other.... some mix better than others, in my experience... Some have higher PH spikes during mixing etc... it's all trial an error man... What works for you may not work for others... IO is good I used it and reef crystals for awhile... if it works, use it... When you start growing specific things you may want to look at the numbers, till then invest your time in researching/studying other things(IMO).

And I don't believe there is every really time to catch up on anything in this hobby, and no matter how hard you study and how perfect you are doing something, it can all go south in a heartbeat in this hobby.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on October 13, 2011, 20:24:01
, and no matter how hard you study and how perfect you are doing something, it can all go south in a heartbeat in this hobby.
+10000000000
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: hatcher2014 on October 13, 2011, 20:24:49
yeah i have found that out real quick.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 08:57:59
Bump for our new members, what kinda salt are you using?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 09:18:20
For those using RSCP are you cutting it with another salt?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on November 23, 2011, 09:18:59
nope
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 09:20:34
I am running it straight but am in the process of switching to Bright well. I like the fact that I can run up the road 10 minutes away and pick it up local. UDJustin has been bugging me to try it as well. He has been running it for aver a year now and likes it.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on November 23, 2011, 09:23:30
I am running it straight but am in the process of switching to Bright well. I like the fact that I can run up the road 10 minutes away and pick it up local. UDJustin has been bugging me to try it as well. He has been running it for aver a year now and likes it.
been thinking about doing the same
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 09:32:05
I used some brightwell dosing and other chemical products and they were great, very good quality, never tried the salt though.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 10:18:27
the salt has a very odd smell to it. also gets warm when mixing it so if you get some on ya get it off quick it tends to burn a little.lol
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 10:27:56
Interesting... wonder what's in it that causes that reaction.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 10:30:24
Not sure but it has some flakes in it that I was told were flakes of magnesium.So far I have mixed up about 30g and it mixes clean. I let it sit 24hrs before adding it and it looks crystal clear.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 10:41:05
Awesome, keep us posted on how it does on the long haul, my biggest peeve about some of the salts is their inability to mix, and the residual they leave after I am done mixing, seems like I am just throwing money away.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 10:44:33
I am going to finish using the water in my mixing container now and drain it completely and see what it looks like. I will let you know. I know the bag says 1/2 cup of salt per gallon to mix 1.025 and its pretty much dead on. Some salts say the bucket will make 175g but what they dont say is thats 175g at 1.018.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Wall_Tank on November 23, 2011, 10:51:56
the salt has a very odd smell to it. also gets warm when mixing it so if you get some on ya get it off quick it tends to burn a little.lol
Interesting... wonder what's in it that causes that reaction.

Ever use Kent Turbo Calcium?   That stuff gets down right hot when you mix it in water.   I would suspect that Bright well is using something similar for concentrated Calcium addition in their salt.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 10:52:47
This is very true... that is nice that the 1/2 cup brings you right at 1.025... RC always put me below this mark so I had to add more... Nor sure if it was because it didn't all mix into the water as effiecently or that their salt volulme is less than this.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on November 23, 2011, 10:58:53
Quote
Ever use Kent Turbo Calcium?   That stuff gets down right hot when you mix it in water.   I would suspect that Bright well is using something similar for concentrated Calcium addition in their salt.

We should find out what is causing this reaction... unless I stand correct, both mag and calcium can produce this same reaction, but as a by product hydrogen gas is produced... if this is the case, I wonder if it(hydrogen gas) can build up in sealed or somewhat sealed mixing barrel or drum or any storage container that is.

Could have a bad effect if it does and something were to ignite the build up of hydrogen

The calcium would be more of a concern than mag, but they both would still pose a threat... The calcium will make hydrogen in room temp water... mag will aswell, but tends to form hydroxide and stops the released of hydrogen... it usually takes steam or hotter water to make hydrogen with mag....
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Ashlar on November 23, 2011, 11:45:23
Pure anhydrous calcium chloride. Mixing it with water (either RO or tank water) is exothermic. (That's why it's also the main ingredient in driveway de-icers). If you mix it with RO, you get a bit of hydrochloric acid and Calcium Oxide.

CaCl2 + H2O --> CaO + 2HCl

If you put it directly in your tank, you get a double displacement reaction in conjunction with alkalinity in the water

CaCl2 + 2 NaHCO3 --> CaCO3 + 2 NaCl + H+

Then..

H+ (ions) + NaHCO3 --> CO2 + H2O + Na+

And the sodium ions react to one of many things (magnesium, calcium, water). You *could* get some hydrogen gas, but it'd be miniscule,
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: DarinSchmidt on November 23, 2011, 14:31:43
I built some hydrogen generators a while back, you have to produce a good amount for it to be of any harm and if there is the slightest leak area in your tank, it will go through it. Its really light and usually floats away faster than you would have to worry about it combusting with how little would be produced from any normal chemical reaction produced by your water.

But yes, if it got stored, and concentrated, i would worry a bit, but it's prob a billion to 1 chance of that ever happening unless it was intentional.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on November 23, 2011, 15:29:32
Ye a it takes a pretty direct spark I think. At least the ones we built did but then again we were building them to shoot off like a rocket, wow good old days. lol
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: DarinSchmidt on November 23, 2011, 17:49:25
ha ha ha, i bet that was fun
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 14:49:39
Can we have another updated poll taken on this?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on January 18, 2012, 17:10:19
Can we have another updated poll taken on this?
NO  but u can make one hahaha
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on January 18, 2012, 19:51:20
There ya go, started it over for ya.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: micki on January 18, 2012, 19:55:01
I swear I did this once already!   :th_rolleye0012:
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 20:05:52
Honestly just looking for a salt that doesn't leave my mixing barrel with a chalky white/brown coating. Also one that has the higher numbers so I don't have to dose anything yet.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on January 18, 2012, 20:08:03
Seachem, didn't leave any residue for me... and also yeilded plenty high in numbers... calc was almost too high, but i am sure the more inhabitants you have the less you will notice....


I have heard a few good things about brightwell recently.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 20:09:07
There ya go, started it over for ya.

Thanks Mike

I swear I did this once already!   :th_rolleye0012:

Sorry Micki

NO  but u can make one hahaha

Rebuild your own pump
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 20:12:39
Seachem, didn't leave any residue for me... and also yeilded plenty high in numbers... calc was almost too high, but i am sure the more inhabitants you have the less you will notice....


I have heard a few good things about brightwell recently.


Have been hearing good things about it too! Seachem, has always been on my list to go to next if not Brightwell
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on January 18, 2012, 20:22:48
Brightwell works great and leaves the container clean for me.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Blown76mav on January 18, 2012, 20:45:20
Been using IO for 5 years now, never had any problems.  Tried Kent once, we had a group buy with great prices,  slowly swithed over and all my SPS started to bleach.  Had to take all of it out of my 150g and put it in a friends tank (10g) while I switched back to IO.  Mixed up 320g in two weeks to get tank back on track.  Never again will I sway from what is working in my tank.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 21:03:57
Been using IO for 5 years now, never had any problems.  Tried Kent once, we had a group buy with great prices,  slowly swithed over and all my SPS started to bleach.  Had to take all of it out of my 150g and put it in a friends tank (10g) while I switched back to IO.  Mixed up 320g in two weeks to get tank back on track.  Never again will I sway from what is working in my tank.

How are you supplementing? How often do you clean out your mixing container?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on January 18, 2012, 21:39:21
Rebuild your own pump
well thanx
the new red sea  doesnt leave any residue
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 22:07:54
the new red sea  doesnt leave any residue

 It leaves residue for me.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Blown76mav on January 18, 2012, 22:09:02
How are you supplementing? How often do you clean out your mixing container?

Don't supplement anything.  Mixing container gets cleaned once a year if that.  I do 3 gallon/day water changes as well. 
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on January 18, 2012, 22:22:24
It leaves residue for me.

how long are u mixing it if its to long its most likely calcium buld up
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Reefpete on January 18, 2012, 22:30:09
how long are u mixing it if its to long its most likely calcium buld up

24-36 hours
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on January 18, 2012, 22:44:28
I was getting a good slime and deposits of unmixed salt every batch with reef crystals when I was mixing my batches, though, I was making 60+gals every 3 days... I cleaned my barrels every mix... Soon as I switched to Seachem it all stopped.

But my tank was always really high on calc with seachem, off the charts 99.9% of the time.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on January 19, 2012, 01:12:00
Do you guys leave a power head or pump on in your salt mix?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Blown76mav on January 19, 2012, 01:18:12
Do you guys leave a power head or pump on in your salt mix?

after the initial 24 hrs of mixing I turn mine off.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Sunny on January 19, 2012, 01:23:04
Oh, I leave mine on all the time, should I not do that?
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Blown76mav on January 19, 2012, 01:45:04
I don't think it will hurt, I just do it to save energy I'm using a mag7 to mix mine.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Boonjob on January 19, 2012, 08:09:16
I had both a pump and a Power head... The power head was turned to create like a whirlpool, while the Pump moved it from the bottom to the top of the barrel for agitation...

I left mine on every time.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: HUNGER on January 19, 2012, 08:19:00
ya i use a mag 5 ro mix and i leave it on but mine only runs at the most 24 hours
Title: salt choice survey
Post by: CoralBeauties on February 27, 2012, 21:07:56
Just wondering what salt brand or mixture of salts everyone is using?  I am currently using sea chem.  My corals are looking pretty good in color and starting to get my growth back but am not seeing the polyp extension that I feel I should have.  I have been thinking of trying a different mix
thanks
Jeff
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Neogenesis on February 27, 2012, 21:15:54
I've always used instant ocean.  I had one bucket that left a heavy brown residue in the bucket after mixing, but I have not seen that since.

Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: discus513 on February 27, 2012, 21:49:38
I switched over to Seachem about 3 months ago and havent seen any negative affects from it. My growth in my tanks have gotten alot more noticable. I think I'll stick with Seachem, plus I get it for $35 a bucket, so that makes it a little easier! LOL
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Wall_Tank on February 27, 2012, 21:49:55
Seachem.   I've been using for almost 2 years.

Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: HUNGER on February 27, 2012, 21:54:16
Rscp for 2the years
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Viggen on February 27, 2012, 23:03:14
Been using whatever is cheaper since I have always been FO.  Kent or IO is what I usully use

I picked up 5 200gal boxes of IO for $37 ish if I recall..... cheaper then the 160 gal buckets
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Steve on February 27, 2012, 23:20:51
IO unless I get a better deal on something else.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: HUNGER on February 27, 2012, 23:29:15
Mite be switching to brightwell
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Sunny on February 28, 2012, 01:11:25
Oceanic.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: CoralBeauties on February 28, 2012, 06:15:55
I recently read a tank of the month thread on reef central from mantis in columbus and he mixes oceanic and crystals. 
Jeff
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: The WuSue on February 28, 2012, 08:04:40
We used Instant Ocean for about a year and a half. It will grow corals and the fish won't dissolve in the stuff. However, I noticed a big difference switching to Brightwell. So much so that we decided to use Brightwell only when  filling the 550 system. I've heard great things about Red Sea Coral Pro and would consider it the only viable alternative. IMnotsoHO.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Mussin on February 28, 2012, 08:33:58
Ive been using Kent and seem to have good luck with it.


Jeremy
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Ashlar on February 28, 2012, 09:36:22
Been using aquavitro salinity since August. I was able to dial back my 2 part dosing.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: itsalifestyle on February 28, 2012, 10:14:34
running brightwell for around a year was running red sea im very happy with brightwell
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Twizted1 on February 28, 2012, 10:28:14
Salt is salt,right? :o
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: The WuSue on February 28, 2012, 10:32:42
Have you been to Aquavitro's website? I felt like i had to have a macchiato in hand and a hybrid sports car in the garage... lol. I'm sure they have great products, but I never thought saltwater could be so frou frou.

I should mention that I am planning on getting some of their calcium mix...it sounds goooood.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: The WuSue on February 28, 2012, 10:37:43
Salt is salt,right? :o

Yes it is...But all the other elements are important as well. Also purity levels come into play. If you were to have a blood transfusion, would you prefer to have agricultural, food or pharmacy grade blood? You can make an IV bag for yourself with just sugar water and salt (if you've seen the movie shooter, that part is real).

I might have taken this analogy a bit far...
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Neogenesis on February 28, 2012, 13:52:22
Salt is salt,right? :o

Not all batches are the same, even from the same mfg.  I've had some that leave a nasty brown residue in the bucket after mixing, and some that leave the bucket squeaky clean.  It would be nice to see a little tighter quality control on this, but I'm not sure that will ever happen as it's most likely a mixing problem and this stuff is made in HUGE batches.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Twizted1 on February 28, 2012, 14:12:53
I see what you guys are saying. Just seems like if 1 thing was better than others why isn't everyone using the better? Just one of those things I'm just to young in the sw world to crasp yet I guess. Sorry didn't mean to high jack the post.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Ashlar on February 28, 2012, 14:23:01
Nah, it's a perfectly valid question.

The function of a water change is two-fold- to remove some portion of the bad things that accumulate in your tank, and to replenish some of the good things that get used up.

If all you were worried about is the first (removing things), then any salt will do. This is often the case with folks who have a FO (Fish Only) or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tank.

If you have a reef tank with corals, both functions are important. Different salts will provide a balanced set of ingredients that help you maintain Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium.

Another consideration is that some salts are more consistent from batch to batch. If you're testing your make-up water and adjusting its parameters to closely match your tank, then having a consistent amount to add each time is a boon.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: The WuSue on February 28, 2012, 14:43:28
+1 couldn't of said it any better myself.
Title: Re: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Boonjob on February 28, 2012, 17:21:07
I see what you guys are saying. Just seems like if 1 thing was better than others why isn't everyone using the better? Just one of those things I'm just to young in the sw world to crasp yet I guess. Sorry didn't mean to high jack the post.

I dont feel there isnt a specific "better" grade salt... They all excel and lack in their respective areas... As Ashlar put it some salts are better for corals but the added costs for those benefits may not make it better for somone with a fo who may benefit more from a basic blend
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: CoralBeauties on February 28, 2012, 18:04:39
You think the manufactures would pick up on any short comings they might have, i/e low mag. and make the perfect blend.  seems as if everyone is happy with what salt they are currently using.
Jeff
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Twizted1 on February 28, 2012, 18:25:32
Exactly jjoos99. Thanks all for lil better understanding.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Wall_Tank on February 28, 2012, 19:29:05
You think the manufactures would pick up on any short comings they might have, i/e low mag. and make the perfect blend.  seems as if everyone is happy with what salt they are currently using.
Jeff

I personally don't care if my salt is a bit low in Alk.   I do small water changes, and my reactor makes up the difference.   If I decide to do a large water change, then I put additives in the batch to closer match my tank parameters.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Jon in SW Ohio on March 06, 2012, 03:35:00
I started using ESV B-Ionic Seawater Mix a couple years ago and will never use anything else now.
For the reef I mix it with distilled water and tweak the Mag, A, & B up a bit and never have to do any dosing to keep stable parameters even in a small tank full of LPS. For the FOWLR I mix it per directions with aged tap water. I do all the measurements with a cheapo digital scale instead of the measuring cups so each batch is identical.

I've never had corals respond better to a water change or color up as much even when I was doing tedious daily dosing.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: UDJustin on March 06, 2012, 09:48:10
I have been on Brightwell for about 2 years and have been very happy with it. I use Brightwell for all my dosing needs also.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: andys1982 on March 07, 2012, 18:33:04
Salt is not salt.  Drop some instant ocean (the regular stuff, not the crystals or whatever) in a 5 gallon bucket of water and see how long it takes to clear up.  We are talking hours.  There are also serious differences in the trace mineral content etc. between brands of salt as well.  I use tropic marin when I can afford it.  Mix up a bucket and it's completely clear in like 10 minutes. 
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Reefinmike on March 07, 2012, 21:38:32
ive been using instant ocean for 7 or 8 years with no problems. I NEVER have problems with it dissolving all the way, only have had that problem with RSCP and seachem salt. a 5 gallon bucket of IO clears up in about 45 seconds for me. If im using it on a reef tank, i simply throw in a little calcium chloride salt, a dash of magnesium chloride and a pinch of baking soda.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Blown76mav on March 07, 2012, 22:58:19
Salt is not salt.  Drop some instant ocean (the regular stuff, not the crystals or whatever) in a 5 gallon bucket of water and see how long it takes to clear up.  We are talking hours.  There are also serious differences in the trace mineral content etc. between brands of salt as well.  I use tropic marin when I can afford it.  Mix up a bucket and it's completely clear in like 10 minutes. 

You need to stop by when I make 40 gallons, clears up in minutes.  Never had a problem with IO.  I doubt a 5 gallon bucket with IO would even get cloudy at my house, might try just for the thrill of it.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Steve on March 08, 2012, 02:42:25
I have never had issues with IO either, it clears up and dissolves very quick.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Reefinmike on March 08, 2012, 02:51:30
i go through about 8 bags of IO a month, never a problem and very very cheap compared to others
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: The WuSue on March 08, 2012, 08:14:56
I used IO for almost 2 years and didn't have a problem mixing, as long as the water was to temp (78-82). The reason to switch up to the more expensive salts are the trace elements. It cuts back on the amount you have to dose, and also clears up the unknowns like strontium and molybdenum.
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: andys1982 on March 08, 2012, 16:51:10
I've got both brands here right now, guys, TM dissolves almost instantly and I have two bags of IO that both take forever to dissolve.  This is the first time I've used IO.  I got both bags of IO from the same place, and they've sat around for awhile, so maybe they are contaminated.  Either way I buy the Tropic Marin for the supposed completeness of trace minerals and such.  I am sure the IO is adequate though, and didn't mean to offend anyone, I was simply using that as an example of differences, however inaccurate it may be.  Happy reefing!
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Vinnbelle1 on March 09, 2012, 15:58:02
For the people who are using Brightwell salt, could you give the reasons why you like it more?
Title: Re: salt choice survey
Post by: Boonjob on March 09, 2012, 16:14:59
THREAD "SALT CHOICE SURVEY" HAS BEEN MERGED WITH POLL: "SALT"; FOR INTEGRITY...
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: slandis3 on March 09, 2012, 21:58:09
I like the brightwell as it has raised my calcium, alk, and mag levels up higher so I dont have to dose as much. It also mixes cleaner that rscp does.
Title: Re: Salt
Post by: Marine_freak on January 10, 2014, 23:35:11
I use Oceanic.  I don't have a lot of corals.  Has anyone used Brightwell?
Love it... Really fine and clears within minutes after mixing......