Salt

[PSreef75]

I have always had 55 gallon of pre mixed salt in my garage heated and circulated using instant ocean. I am switching to Red Sea Coral Pro because I just do not feel like I get the proper Calcium, KH/Alk, and Mag from the instant ocean. I am wondering if anyone has experience with the Red Sea and keeping it mixed and circulated? I have seen some mixed opinions.
Thank you

 

[Oscar47f]

Coral pro will precipitate out more because of the higher levels of alk it’s one of those use it as soon as you mix it in my experience something with lower alk and chem levels will generally last longer in storage

 

[exnisstech]

I'm an IO user and keep a batch in a brute stored in my basement.
RS instructions state mix 0.5-2 hours but specifically states not mix longer than 4 hrs max.
Is there something in particular that makes you feel like your not getting proper levels from IO?

 

[rtparty]

No go. It will precipitate and Red Sea even states to not mix for more than 4 hours before using.

The next question is usually: Why doesn’t it precipitate in our tank then? I asked Randy this exact question and here is his reply:

“Organics and phosphate are well known in the literature to block precipitation of calcium carbonate by making the surface not look like a good seed crystal for more precipitation. That’s how magnesium works as well. I think even whole bacteria can serve this purpose.

Yes, things in 5 are, IMO, a big reason why raw artificial seawater is much more prone to precipitation than is reef tank water at the same basic values for alk, pH, and calcium.

I did an experiment years ago where I found I could boost the alk and pH in a test tube very high using ESV alk part plus raw salt water, plus a polymer known to bind to CaCO3 surfaces (sodium polyacrylate). The same could not be done without the polymer.”

The “things in 5” relates to a list he had made. That is bullet point 5 and I believe it talked about phosphate and organics

 

[PSreef75]

I'm an IO user and keep a batch in a brute stored in my basement.
RS instructions state mix 0.5-2 hours but specifically states not mix longer than 4 hrs max.
Is there something in particular that makes you feel like your not getting proper levels from IO?

I used RS before and all my levels seemed good consistently then I tried IO and they dropped and that is the only thing that changed.

 

[exnisstech]

That makes perfect sense. I run my alk mid 8 dkH calcium 400 - 450 and I don't test mag or anything else other than N and P so IO works for those levels. I do have to dose 2 part to a couple of tanks and AFR in two others to keep levels consistant but I think that's normal with any salt once stoney corals start growing.
I love being able keep fresh saltwater on hand so I can do changes when i feel like it.