IO vs Reef Crystals?

[_chiefxr33f]

Hey Guys!

So- I am still battling a velvet outbreak, and I have ordered a 50g bag of IO to try out instead of my usual reef crystals or coral pro, as the cost is much lower. There will be many water changes coming.
I have had very mixed opinions with most of the people i've asked about instant ocean vs reef crystals. Most have had good results, others are reporting stunted coral growth and browning in other circumstances.

I am likely going to be capturing and treating outside of the display, but i am attempting a low-dose treat of the display with both reef medic and minn finn.

Are there any of you that swear by io over reef crystals?

 

[bubbgee]

I tried but the magnesium was too low. I like mine at 1400 and I've been struggling to bring it up there with Magnesion. Switched back to AF Hybrid salt and have to do a few more water changes before I get my Mag back up.

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Ive used both in my SPS heavy, high alkalinity reef and see no difference in how my corals react. So i just use regular IO now.

 

[exnisstech]

I been using IO for years. It mixes dirty but that doesn't bother me. I'm currently running 4 tanks using it. No show tanks but I'm happy with them. I just posted images of all 4 in post #34 below if you care to take a look.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/what-does-your-tank-look-like.1113981/page-2#post-13620878

 

[_chiefxr33f]

They are all beautiful!

is that a space invader pectina in #4?

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks. It is a space invader.

 

[_chiefxr33f]

Gorgeous. Thats one that is on my hit list for sure!

 

[exnisstech]

Gorgeous. Thats one that is on my hit list for sure!

They need room if they're in with other coral they don't like. Mine wasn't fond of other meaty LPS so it had its own corner.
This was it a couple of years ago when it was in a tank with some of them.


It doesn't seem to mind other coral just the fleshy ones. It and the rainbow pectinia get along fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I prefer normal IO to RC because I do not want the organics in RC.

 

[courtneykeeps]

I prefer normal IO to RC because I do not want the organics in RC.

Out of curiosity, what organics are present in Reef Crystals?

 

[bluemon]

Out of curiosity, what organics are present in Reef Crystals?

I’m guess the phosphorus and phosphates.

2.17 microg/L and 0.01 mg/L respectively

 

[Miami Reef]

Ive used both in my SPS heavy, high alkalinity reef and see no difference in how my corals react. So i just use regular IO now.

Where’s the alkalinity at?

 

[Ancient Mariner]

Where’s the alkalinity at?

9-10dKH. 10% water change doesn’t seem to make much of a swing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Out of curiosity, what organics are present in Reef Crystals?

Vitamins and a metal chelator.