Favorite Salt for Reefs?

[Reefd Up]

I used to use Instant Ocean regularly.  After about 1.5 years (it all is a blur now) later, I started using Reef Crystals...switched to Red Sea Coral Pro shortly after I think...stuck with that for a while...now I'm using SeaChem...and plan to stick with it for a while.  I'm quite happy with it.  For the past 2 years I've had reefs with a very high demand for supplementation - even down to potassium. 

I'm sure this is way more than you ever wanted to know about iodine in saltwater aquariums, but here you go:  http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/chem.htm 

Basically, dosing iodine is very complicated due to its different forms (iodine & iodate...but varying forms of those as well).  Unfortunately, in marine life, what one life form may need for iodine...is deadly toxic to another life form.  There doesn't seem to be a level scientists have found that is ideal.  Sure, we know what the oceans averages are for iodine/iodate...but not what we should have in our aquariums.  If you want to keep dosing, I would dose less than the recommended manufacturer's suggestion. 

[HUNGER]

ive been reading up on the neo marina salt seems to be one of the best you can get  looks like ill be trying it soon

[Rbunk13]

I use coral pro also and love it. although for you instant ocean users, jacks has the buckets on sale all month for $36.99. 

[ghurlag]

I use coral pro also and love it. although for you instant ocean users, jacks has the buckets on sale all month for $36.99. 

Rbunk, are those the Sea Salt or the Reef Crystals?

[ghurlag]

nevermind, I found it.  It's the regular sea salt.

[Rbunk13]

sorry just regular sea salt

[lazylivin]

1 cup rock salt per gallon of RO/DI water here.

[jd]

1 cup rock salt per gallon of RO/DI water here.

At least you're using RO/DI water.

[HUNGER]

I use coral pro also and love it. although for you instant ocean users, jacks has the buckets on sale all month for $36.99. 

thats a good price

[ghurlag]

As a side note, does anyone else think that Instant Ocean Reef Crystals smells like bacon?

[HUNGER]

every thing smells like bacan lol

[aquatic mouse]

I haven't been using RO, but I plan to. Can I start using Red Sea Coral Pro with new RO water, and do 5% water changes weekly? Remember, my whole tank is decholrinated tap and Coral Pro is meant for tanks w/ RO water.

[HUNGER]

I haven't been using RO, but I plan to. Can I start using Red Sea Coral Pro with new RO water, and do 5% water changes weekly? Remember, my whole tank is decholrinated tap and Coral Pro is meant for tanks w/ RO water.

thats a good one i dont know

[Rbunk13]

I'm sure it will work with any water. Just formulated to work great with r/o. It is a great salt.

[HUNGER]

thats what i was thinking but wasnt sure

[atreis]

In the past I've used IO, Reef Crystals, and Tropic Marin and not really noticed a whole lot of difference.  (Tropic Marin dissolved the easiest, but otherwise not much difference.)  My current tank is using Reef Crystals Coral Pro because that's what Jack's had on sale at the time I needed it.  It's nice, but again I just don't notice much difference.

[aquatic mouse]

My current tank is using Reef Crystals Coral Pro because that's what Jack's had on sale at the time I needed it.  It's nice, but again I just don't notice much difference.

I'm confused. Are you using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals or Red Sea Coral Pro?

[Kenn]

RED SEA CORAL PRO Description
Main Features

Specially formulated for the use with reverse osmosis water

Red Sea is please to announce the addition of an innovative new salt formula designed to meet the needs of today`s advanced hobbyist. Coral Pro Salt has been specifically formulated for use with "mineral free" Reverse Osmosis, or soft tap water and contains the elevated levels of calcium and buffer capacity that provide the extended availability of these elements, essential for vibrant coral growth. Utilizing the same natural sea minerals used in Red Sea Salt the new Coral Pro Salt will enable all reverse osmosis users and reef enthusiast a superior product with out the need for immediate supplementation.

    * Chemically balanced formula to support the most delicate Corals and other marine life
    * Reaches a stable, natural pH shortly after mixing
    * Free of Nitrates & Phosphates
    * Produced by a small batch process to ensure homogeneity and consistency of the salt mixture

Corals, calcareous algae and other invertebrates use large amounts of Calcium for the building of their skeletons or shells. The Calcium level in natural seawater at 35ppt is approximately 400 ppm.

The Coral Pro formula provides elevated levels of calcium at the "lower than natural" salinities preferred in reef aquariums. Table shows Calcium levels of Coral Pro mixed in RO water at 24°C 75°F and salinity.

s.g.    Salinity    Calcium    Qty of Salt
1.021    30.6 ppt    420 ppm    33.4 g/l 1.4 lb/5 US gal
1.023    32.8 ppt    450 ppm    35.8 g/l1.5 lb/5 US gal
1.025    35.0 ppt    480 ppm    38.2 g/l1.6 lb/5 US gal

[xXTheWendigoXx]

I used to get BULK boxes of Instant Ocean from up north, but I was thinking about switching around a bit as soon as I use up this last box. Partly because I'm curious, partly because I'm trying to buy more from sponsors, and partly because I don't feel like driving three and a half hours for salt.

As a side note, does anyone else think that Instant Ocean Reef Crystals smells like bacon?

I definitely jammed my nose in a bag of salt after reading this. We talking cooked, or uncooked bacon here?

[atreis]

I'm confused. Are you using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals or Red Sea Coral Pro?

Sorry - Red Sea Coral Pro.