Author Topic: Switching salt question (Read 1588 times)

j80 · « **on:** October 23, 2011, 22:02:14 »

For the last 11 months I have been using regular instant ocean salt. I was going to go fish only but that lasted about a month. I am going to reef crystals now, Is there anything to look for or any tips when switching salts?

DarinSchmidt · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:05:20 »

just the amount of mag, calc and such that it has in it. If you have a lot of corals and such i would prob go with RSCP so you are sure that your tank has enough minerals in it for them. But if you are starting out with a few, RC is good enough IMO.

slandis3 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:10:07 »

When switching salts start slow. I always start by mixing 1 part of the new with 3 parts of the old salt. I do this for 2 water changes. Then I go half for 3 water changes, lastly I go 3 parts the new salt and 1 part until I run out of the old salt. Some people just switch and have had no problems others ( like myself) tried to switch from 1 brand to the next and have something go wrong.

j80 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:11:54 »

RSCP is the other one I have been looking at, I might go with that one. Do i just use the new salt when i do a water change or should i mix them at first?

j80 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:13:24 »

What goes wrong when switching?

DarinSchmidt · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:14:21 »

I'd do what slandis3 said to be safe. RSCP is more expensive and if you have few corals, i dont think that it would benefit you. But everyone has their own preference. I have a ton of coral in mine and been using RC, but thats mainly because people buy it off me and rarely do i get anyone that wants RSCP so i have fresh stock in RC all the time.

DarinSchmidt · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:15:20 »

you could have a PH shock, or who knows what with all the differences in the two types of salts. Maybe one brand has more P04 in it, could have gotten a bad batch of salt on you luck of the draw.... Just a few examples.

j80 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:29:24 »

Ok Thanks, I think i will try RC for now.

kattz · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2011, 22:51:41 »

If you want my opinion, the RSCP is the best thing going for stony corals. If that's the direction you're headed in your tank, then go that route. If you're going for softies and some LPS, then Reef Crystals, Seachem, or TMRP. If you go with the RSCP, then you definitely want to mix the salts as Mike had suggested.