instant ocean sea salt vs reef crystals

The Best Corals for the Bottom of a Reef Tank. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, but both salts are usually available in 10-gallon, 50-gallon, 160-gallon, and 200-gallon options. Anti-caking agents tend to turn your saltwater holding buckets and vats brown over time. 1 = Instant Ocean, 2 = Tropic Marin, 3 = Marine Mix, 4 = Reef Crystals, 5 = Rea Sea Salt, 6 = Kent, 7 = Coralife, 8 = SeaChem Reef Salt, CA = carbonate alkalinity (mequiv kg-1), BA = borate alkalinity (mequiv kg-1), TA = total alkalinity (mequiv kg-1). So its Brightwell for me. There are a few main differences between the two. But sea water is not just "salty"; it contains a precise mix of trace elements, all of which should be present in an artificial replacement. Measure specific gravity with an Instant Ocean Hydrometer. After you have the salt at the correct salinity, let it mix in the container. The Reef Crystals would be a better choice, it has higher levels of magnesium, calcium, strontium, etc. The salt is collected from the Red Sea. Reef Crystals Reef Salt Box (Makes 200 Gallons) - Instant Ocean. 2.5 3) ATM Aquarium Products Hot Salt Reef Mix Bucket. This means there are two ideal places to purchase your salt mix. I want to get around all the marketing fluff and just tell you what works for your tank and needs. Brightwell is the best value for mixed and SPS reefs. Now lets talk about the reef salt mixes themselves. Copyright 2023 Salt Tank Report. If you have a bucket, mix it thoroughly prior to use, mix, then test. Instant Ocean is a legacy aquarium product found at most local fish stores. In new aquariums, transfer animals to the aquarium after salt is completely mixed and aerated and specific gravity is adjusted correctly. Red Sea Coral Pro mix contains elevated and balanced levels of thefoundation elements(Calcium, Magnesium, Bicarbonates) necessary for sustainable, accelerated coral growth. Well, despite all thats been mentioned, there are still a few good reasons to choose the Sea Salt if you have a fish only aquarium. It does not have the evaluatedlevels and trace elements that Reef Crystals have. Thanks for your help. Reefer's Best 420 11 1200. Instant Ocean salt is one of those items. There is also mainly synthetic made salt, which tends to be very popular in Europe. Aqua Life Hub is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can be confident that whichever option you choose, you're getting a product that has been a favorite among hobbyists for many years. Its a known fact in our hobby that most retailers lose money selling salt, especially online retailers as the shipping cost is very high in comparison to other dry goods. (I recommend using a refractometer). Formulated by researchers and marine scientists, RPM contains all of the necessary major and minor elements of natural sea water that are utilized by living marine and reef animals. Features Extra Calcium to help ensure the growth of large and small polyp stony corals as well as coralline algae Extra Trace Elements to provide an additional measure of vital . For example, SPS corals like Acropora are going to need different parameters and trace elements vs. say a softie tank. Thats what I will show you in this article. Niger Triggerfish: Care, Tank Mates, Tank Size & More. Enriched Reef Crystals Reef Salt is formulated especially for reef aquariums. That reading should be consistent for the rest of the salt batch. Nicole is also a manager for Reef Builders social media accounts and a weekly contributor to the Reef Builders site. By the way any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon and other stores/partners are affiliate links. If you are hoping to keep a simple saltwater fish tank that will serve only as a sanctuary for fish, than Instant Ocean themselves recommends using their classic Sea Salt. More Choices Available. When they first went to market, there were some batches with different Alkalinity numbers. Now lets go into detail and see why each mix was picked, With pharmaceutical level ingredients and a guarantee of all 70 trace elements, Tropic Marin is ideal for tanks full of designer corals. This is the main reason I stopped selling salt mixes online. Salinity: 35 ppt (1.0264 sg)| Ca: 430 ppm| Mg: 1290 ppm|Alkalinity: 8.0 dKH. Andrew. Eco-Complete vs Flourite: Which Is Better? Tropic Marin PRO-REEF Sea Salt has been designed to meet the special requirements of reef aquariums with optimized Enriched formulation. Login or register now to maximize your savings and access profile information, order history, tracking, shopping lists, and more. Formulated specially for use in reef aquariums, Reef Crystals contains essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water. But here is a direct quote from. Reef Crystals is underweight to produce 50 US gallons at aquarium needs. Others will be pulled from the ocean like Red Sea Salt. Even raising your calcium and mag won't stop the dosing requirement; which will be needed both more often and in larger volume as your tank gets filled with growing corals. Mined reef salt mixes come from the mined evaporated seawater ocean deposits. Keep reading. What do you recommend? Instant Ocean® Sea Salt is the most carefully formulated and universally preferred sea salt in the world. Nano reef tanks are good candidates for a salt mix with higher parameters since they sometimes are not dosed as they rely on water changes to get parameters back up. Specially formulated for use in reef aquariums contains essential ocean reef elements in greater concentrations than natural sea water, Contains extra calcium to ensure stony coral and coralline algae growth, extra trace elements to provide vital nutrients and extra vitamins to support vigorous growth and survival of corals, anemones and other invertebrates in a captive environment, Neutralizes trace heavy metals often found in tap water. He has kept freshwater tanks, ponds, and reef tanks for over 25 years. Correct pH and buffering capacity, essential minerals and trace elements have been added in precise ratios to ensure a correctly blended mix for the health and longevity of your livestock. But here is a direct quote from Instant Ocean themselves. You can also use it for reef tanks provided you add the additional amount of elements needed to meet a reef tanks requirements. I like oceanic it dissolves so far and its a great salt, i was using instant ocean and kept getting ph swings.. 75 . This high alkalinity mixture tests between 9.5-13 DKh depending on the water temperature. The of the most available and affordable salt mix. Either way works just fine. Perhaps you have a nano tank and buy a 10-gallon bag of reef crystals for $15. This salt contains high levels of potassium and trace amounts of calcium in addition to the important micronutrients that help keep the pH balance in check, all without any additives or other substances. Social Share:- Mixing Instant Ocean salt is straightforward and easy to do. Instant Ocean reef crystals on Amazon here. The main difference between Instant Ocean Sea Salt and Reef Crystals is that Reef Crystals contain higher levels of magnesium and calcium. Maintaining consistency in dKH, magnesium, and calcium levels is very important, and you should factor in the additional magnesium and calcium found in reef crystals. Q: What is the difference between Instant Ocean Sea Salt and Reef Crystals? 2. /TM/ 2023 Spectrum Brands, Inc. or one of its affiliates. 3. Aquarium Pumps & Filters Instant Ocean Reef Crystal Sea Salt Marine Mix, 50-Gallon, New, 3.1 out of 5 stars 2. They started in Europe in the late 1990s and recently entered into the US Market. You can then use these numbers to figure out how much its going to cost you each month to purchase salt for your tank. Curious as to what constitutes/tips the use of Reef Crystal Salt over say standard Sea Salt? WheresTheReef This salt doesnt contain any additional calcium and magnesium, and the last thing youll want to do is experience a sudden change in water chemistry. After you order you can change the schedule in, Copyright 2023, LiveAquaria. There are actually two mixes Red Sea sells. *This post contains affiliate links. If your soft corals are doing fine you can stick with the salt you have. Adding water after salt can cause a highly concentrated solution leading to some precipitation of ingredients. Calculating the cost of these salts can be done easily. The #1 choice of hobbyists, public aquariums, and scientific research facilities, Instant Fritz ProAquatics Reef Pro Mix (RPM) is manufactured using only the highest quality raw materials. Your cost per gallon each month would be 0.50 cents. It doesnt make the #1 pick because of its price, not because of its quality. It really depends on what corals you are planning to keep. Two of the most popular options are Instant Oceans Reef Crystals and Sea Salt. Thanks everyone. Reef Crystals contains essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water. Reef Crystals is intended for use in a reef environment. Water Changes: Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I recommend using a bucket or food-grade container like Brute to mix water and salt together. Table 3 presents the results of the analysis of fifteen trace elements for eight brands of synthetic sea salts (SSS): Instant Ocean (IO), BioSea Marine Mix (BSMM), Crystal Seas Marine Mix Bioassay (CSMMB), Coralife (CL), Tropic Marin (TM), Reef Crystals (RC), Red Sea (RS) and Oceanic Sea Salt (OSS). ssmallville June 19, 2012. If you have a fish-only saltwater tank and want to save some money, go with the sea salt mix. I don't think there is a good reason to run levels outside of that range but we all have our preferences. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Excludes Frozen Foods. What is the recommended specific gravity range? This salt has been trusted in some of the worlds largest public aquariums and will serve as an excellent foundation for your tank. Plus, it tends to be a bit more popular, so its often easier to find locally which can save you a few extra bucks in shipping costs. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "addb0abe3263ece774dda48475cc2787" );document.getElementById("c8f286cabb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Get the latest on sales, new posts, and new videos! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Unfortunately, fish die. At this point, you may need to humanely euthanize your fish. CAUTION: REEF CRYSTALS IS NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. I began my saltwater expedition with Instant Ocean Sea Salt not realizing the amazing nature of Corals and there demands. They have created the benchmark for the industry and quality control standards. Reef salt is the magic ingredient for your saltwater aquarium. Stir vigorously to mix salt and water. Fritz RPM Reef Pro Mix is manufactured using only the highest quality raw materials. Red Sea Coral Pro Saltis about as close as you can get from natural sea water from how they formulate their mix. Saltwater is only as good as the equipment you use to maintain it. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If your goal is to maximize coral growth, then Coral Pro combined with ourreef care recipeswill enhance growth up to four times their natural rate. (And Should You Use Them), What Are Blood Worms? It is readily available at the local fish stores and online though, meaning you wont have to worry about getting your normal salt mix in a pinch if you need to get it locally. Like I mentioned the tank is going on 2 years and is humming along. There are many incredible looking reef tanks that use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals and you will save some money using it over the other brands. Might even consider reverting to Standard Instant Ocean if the difference in dosing is negligible at a given saturation point. This means that those who already dose 2-part, use kalkwasser, a calcium reactor or other similar dosing regimes can conduct a water change with D-Ds new salt without experiencing a spike in their KH or Calcium levels. Red Sea Coral Pro 490 7 1300. If you follow reef YouTubers around, you likely have heard of Fritz Reef Pro Mix. This is one of the more detailed videos on the net that describes the process so give him a sub and like if you like the video. Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt is the best salt mix you can purchase for your reef tank available on the market today period. Optimum effectiveness. There are many other trace elements I can discuss, but for most aquarists, these are the big 3 we concern ourselves with and test for in our reef tanks. We do frequent water changes and have a RO system. It is also the most readily available reef salt on the market so if you are in a rush or bind it's very easy to get locally even from a chain pet store. Which way should I go? Are Ghost Shrimp and Tetras Good Tank Mates? Instant Ocean recommends 1.020-1.026 at 77 degrees F. I mix my saltwater to achieve 1.025 SG at a temp of 79F. Salinity: 35 ppt (1.0264 sg)| Ca: 400-450 ppm| Mg: 1300-1400 pp|Alkalinity: 8.0-9.0 dKH. The More You Spend, The More You Get! Its first product was Instant Ocean, and its been used in large-scale hatcheries and aquariums ever since. He swears by and only uses Reef Crystals. I'd say most people are successful using just plain old salt like Instant Ocean. The Reef Central Forums are now located at https://forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity. We dont spam. The thing to get used to is measuring and dosing, as your tank grows out you will get a feel for what you need and use automated dosing, kalk, or a ca reactor. . The Sea Salt simply packs a much smaller list of chemical properties that are suited to provide your fish only with what they need to thrive. Instant Ocean Reef Crystals can be as high as 13, which can be disastrous to an SPS tank after a water change. Professional Sea Salt contains all of the important macro and tra. He started in the aquarium hobby at the age of 11 and along the way worked at local fish stores. My tank does better with it. The parameters out of the boxes are perfect and makes it very safe to make water changes so you dont have to worry about swings when you make a water change. One of the fastest dissolving and readily available salt mixes at local fish stores. built-in metal detoxifier goes a step farther to neutralize traces of heavy metals often . Yes I was referring to standard Instant Ocean Salt vs Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. These stingrays have had their barbs removed and have been acclimated to being touched, making this a safe and fun experience for both parties. We seek to promote and sell equipment that works and understand that sometimes these will be products we do not carry so we are happy to part folks in the right direction :). 2.3 2) Instant Ocean Sea Salt For Marine Aquariums. The stability and quality control of this mix makes this pretty much a must for those with the most demanding corals like Acroporas. AquariaCentral.com, a division of Monster Aquaria Network, LLC. Most reefers should choose a standard alkalinity mix and aim for stability to avoid alkalinity highs or lows. What type of tank do you have and making sure you dose to what your salt mix is. 5. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Is it an RO system not an RODI system? Tightly reseal bag to keep out moisture. Salinity: 35 ppt (1.0264 sg)| Ca: 465 ppm| Mg: 1390 ppm|Alkalinity: 12.0 dKH. If you perform 2 water changes each month at 20 gallons each, you will need to make 40 gallons of saltwater each month. Hopefully these answer your questions. Instant Ocean Sea Salt is the most carefully formulated and universally preferred sea salt in the world. You do not have to follow that guideline if you purchase a mix with an evaluated level of Alkalinity, but you will likely want to still regularly check your levels and make sure you do not drop below 8 DKH. These extra measures reduce the need for constant supplements and additives to replenish essential substances quickly depleted in thriving reef aquariums. Mark is the founder of Aquarium Store Depot. It is not available locally, but you can order it in bulk online. Optimum effectiveness. Instant Ocean at Petsmart- I just ordered 3. Just to be clear, "standard sea salt" is a mix like Instant Ocean, not just plain salt right? In this post, well compare the similarities and differences between these two products and provide guidance on which option is best for reef tanks, newly established aquariums, and more. Although the Reef crystals can be used right away, we suggest aerating the water until it achieves oxygen/carbon equilibrium. Fortunately I have been taking things nice and slow and enjoying the establishing process of building a nice tank and listening to other reefers . Many reef salt mixes you will see on this list will have evaluated Alkalinity. Saltwater sunbeam: Do you have a Yellow Tang? So when it comes to choosing the salt for your aquarium, keep it simple: Instant Ocean Sea Salt for fish only environments, and Instant Ocean Reef Crystal for more complex reef based environments. 4. This may not seem like much of a difference, but given that the added benefits of Reef Crystals make practically no difference in a fish only tank, why not save a few bucks? There have been questions regarding using a salt calculator to figure out how much salt you need to add. You will also need a heater and powerhead to mix the salt. Things that corals use to grow and survive. D-D The Aquarium Solution has added a second formulation to its popular H2Ocean salt brand. The mix also has anti-caking agents which will turn your buckets and holding vats brown over time with crud making non-ideal to use for those who like to store saltwater. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy, The Best Salt For Saltwater Aquariums Reef Builder Gear Guide, Reef Evolution is a new salt from Aquarium Systems, Fritz Reef Pro Mix (RPM) High Alkalinity Formula, Seachem Made a Surprisingly Good 'Dual' Air Silencer, Acanthoplesiops jessicae, an Attractive New Species of Spiny Basslet from PNG, New study finds herbivore fish poo is bad for corals, Improving Carbon Dioxide and pH Management, New Coral Reef Discovered in the Galapagos, Gilmorei is the first Polylepion wrasse to be found in the Atlantic. Both work great, but I would lean on the regular mix if you have a heavy SPS tank for better Alkalinity stability. ), Salt mix package is measure at 35 PPM you will actually get the volume stated on the box, Low ALK can be a disadvantage for those who dont dose (e.g. AquaForest has been quietly making a name for itself in the reef industry. You need a mix that's meant for saltwater aquariums. Formulated specially for use in reef aquariums, Reef Crystals contains essential ocean reef elements in concentrations greater than those found in natural sea water.
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