New Coral Keeper Question

[HardyG]

Good Afternoon!

I have been keeping saltwater fish for many years and always had a few corals here and there but never a coral dominated tank..

As I am starting this journey I am noticing that the salt I use (Instant Ocean Purple Box) gives a pretty low mag compared to what industry standards are for what mag should be. Are the 2 options:

1) Keep using IO and start dosing Mag/other elements that will get depleted (in the form of All for One) as my Euphyllia and others consume it?
2) Switch to a different salt that starts out at higher levels which may be more expensive, but doesn't require dosing?

I mix up salt as I need it and don't keep it in a container for long periods of time so thought reef crystals may be a slightly better option.

In the long run does the money I save in the salt just basically get repurposed to additives for Mag, calcium, and Alk?

If option 2 is better in the long run, any salts you guys recommend?

 

[lapin]

Post #3

Parameters of Instant ocean reef crystals

Would any kind soul let me know the paramters (alk, mag, calc, nitrates, etc) of a saltwater mix made using instant ocean reef crystals? Thanks :)

www.reef2reef.com

You can always mix Instant Ocean with Reef Crystals to get the perfect balance

 

[Jukesyy]

I use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, and have been pretty happy with it!

 

[HardyG]

I use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, and have been pretty happy with it!

Thanks for the reply. I have been thinking about reef crystals... From my understanding, it takes a lot of mag/all for reef to get from IO standard levels up to 1300+ each water change.. And that stuff is anything but cheap!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I don't think you should make a complete change based on magnesium alone. According to Randy, magnesium is not important to test, and test kits are inaccurate.

Just say NO to magnesium testing: RMM is born

Reef Advantage Calcium also has 17mg of magnesium. If you have a coralline algae and lots of it boosting maybe needed if you have LPS dominant tank You don’t have to test magnesium as frequently as you would test calcium/alk Dosing by hand could be more of problem but if you have dosing pumps...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Good Afternoon!

I have been keeping saltwater fish for many years and always had a few corals here and there but never a coral dominated tank..

As I am starting this journey I am noticing that the salt I use (Instant Ocean Purple Box) gives a pretty low mag compared to what industry standards are for what mag should be. Are the 2 options:

1) Keep using IO and start dosing Mag/other elements that will get depleted (in the form of All for One) as my Euphyllia and others consume it?
2) Switch to a different salt that starts out at higher levels which may be more expensive, but doesn't require dosing?

I mix up salt as I need it and don't keep it in a container for long periods of time so thought reef crystals may be a slightly better option.

In the long run does the money I save in the salt just basically get repurposed to additives for Mag, calcium, and Alk?

If option 2 is better in the long run, any salts you guys recommend?

I've used instant ocean reef crystals for years it's a good salt, unfortunately the price for it continues to go up. it has good levels of calcium and magnesium along with the RC's....you may need to lower the alkalinity a little if you prefer a lower range.

currently im using redsea blue and it's pretty good for me, choosing between the I.O line I'd use the reef crystals

 

[HardyG]

I've used instant ocean reef crystals for years it's a good salt, unfortunately the price for it continues to go up. it has good levels of calcium and magnesium along with the RC's....you may need to lower the alkalinity a little if you prefer a lower range.

currently im using redsea blue and it's pretty good for me, choosing between the I.O line I'd use the reef crystals

I remember seeing the purple box for close to $90 at petco at one point. I now see the 5 gallon bucket of RC on amazon for $60. Tough to beat!

 

[exnisstech]

Post #3

Parameters of Instant ocean reef crystals

Would any kind soul let me know the paramters (alk, mag, calc, nitrates, etc) of a saltwater mix made using instant ocean reef crystals? Thanks :)

www.reef2reef.com

You can always mix Instant Ocean with Reef Crystals to get the perfect balance

This is exactly what I've been doing for the last year but because I bought a bunch of both on sale. I don't test mag often but it was 1350 when I tested last November