Changing Salt

Garypharm · 03/03/2014, 09:21 PM

Hey everyone. So I want to switch from regular instant ocean to reef crystals. I have a mixed reef and dose about 10 mL each of alk and calcium a day. I'm looking for some advice about what changes I should make. Should I lower my two part? Will my calcium and alk go up significantly when I make the switch? Should I not even bother with the switch? I'm getting more into corals and think the change can benefit my tank. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

sneeyatch · 03/04/2014, 07:42 AM

I "think" - don't know for certain, that RC's levels are a little higher / better than regular IO. That said, I've used countless gallons of IO and RC (as well as other types of salts) in the past. Since they're made from the same manufacturer, I think the switch over would be easier than if you would be switching to something like Tropic Marin or something.

If it were me, I would just start off with the switch by mixing half and half of each for a little while, then move over 100% to RC. Should be a smooth transition.

I would also just suspend your dosing while making the switch and find out what your levels turn into, then dose accordingly afterward.

I use RC on my nano and I don't dose anything, I just do a gallon water change maybe twice a week and livestock looks good.

rtparty · 03/04/2014, 09:22 AM

Personally, I wouldn't switch. I used RC for over a year and had nothing but problems with it. I could never figure out my problems until I switched salts.

03/03/2014, 09:21 PM	#1
Garypharm Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 55	Changing Salt Hey everyone. So I want to switch from regular instant ocean to reef crystals. I have a mixed reef and dose about 10 mL each of alk and calcium a day. I'm looking for some advice about what changes I should make. Should I lower my two part? Will my calcium and alk go up significantly when I make the switch? Should I not even bother with the switch? I'm getting more into corals and think the change can benefit my tank. I appreciate any advice. Thanks. __________________ 65 gallon 36" Mixed Reef, 20 g sump, 2 AI Hydras, BM Curve 5 Skimmer, WP25 and Tunze 6045 powerheads, phosphate and carbon reactors,10 gallon RODI JBJ ATO unit. Marine Color dosing pump (Ca,Alk,Trace

03/04/2014, 07:42 AM	#2
sneeyatch Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,312	I "think" - don't know for certain, that RC's levels are a little higher / better than regular IO. That said, I've used countless gallons of IO and RC (as well as other types of salts) in the past. Since they're made from the same manufacturer, I think the switch over would be easier than if you would be switching to something like Tropic Marin or something. If it were me, I would just start off with the switch by mixing half and half of each for a little while, then move over 100% to RC. Should be a smooth transition. I would also just suspend your dosing while making the switch and find out what your levels turn into, then dose accordingly afterward. I use RC on my nano and I don't dose anything, I just do a gallon water change maybe twice a week and livestock looks good. __________________ - Todd It's often the saddest of us working our hardest to make everyone laugh Current Tank Info: Tankless

03/04/2014, 09:22 AM	#3
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Personally, I wouldn't switch. I used RC for over a year and had nothing but problems with it. I could never figure out my problems until I switched salts. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+