The best saltmix you are using

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't get it Randy - how can IO+Dowflake+Magflake be cheaper than IO?

Easy.

You adjust to sg = 1.025 with the additives there, not before adding them. They can add quite a lot to sg.

To expand...It takes a certain amount of solids to reach 35 ppt. MAG flake, whether from Home Depot, Buckeye Field Supply, or Bulk Reef, can be cheaper per unit weight than is IO salt mix (depends a bit on where you buy it, etc). So to reach the same total mass added, it can be cheaper to use MAG flake plus IO than IO alone. Same applies to Dowflake. Even the new Dowflake is suitable for this purpose. Both are certainly cheaper than IO salt when bought from Home Depot.



or this slightly different explanation:



To get to 35 ppt IO salt mix, you use X grams of salt mix that costs Y dollars.

To get to 35 ppt IO salt mix boosted with Dowflake and MAG flake, you start with less than X grams of salt mix that costs less than Y dollars. So you spend less money on the IO salt mix and save money.

Then you add MAG flake and Dowflake to get to 35 ppt. That costs money, but it can cost less than the savings you had on using less IO salt mix. That is true because on a weight basis, Dowflake and MAG flake can cost less than the IO salt mix itself.

[DheereCrossing]

OK, I got it in the first paragraph. So you add the dry MAG and DOW to the dry IO and then proceed to mix to 35ppt thereby reducing the amount of dry IO it takes to make the mix. My origional assumption was on performing the additions after the salt was mixed to the full sg.

The only question that remains for me then is how to make that measurement determination. Is it as simple as saying 1 cup of IO and 1 tablespoon each of MAG and DOW?

[DheereCrossing]

Oh, and if you get into moles and balancing chemical equations I'll let you know right now that I'll just stare and nod...

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Oh, and if you get into moles and balancing chemical equations I'll let you know right now that I'll just stare and nod...

OK, I'll be careful. But at least you knew the term moles.

The only question that remains for me then is how to make that measurement determination. Is it as simple as saying 1 cup of IO and 1 tablespoon each of MAG and DOW?

I have predetermined how much Dowflake and MAG flake I want to add to my mixing reservoir based on a calculated boost using this calculator:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Then I add the salt (roughly), the water (roughly), the exact magnesium, then the exact calcium, then adjust to 35 ppt (53 mS/cm or sg = 1.0264 or whatever I want for a final salinity on that day) with a bit more salt or a bit more water.

[DheereCrossing]

Thank you Randy - I'll be looking into that idea when it looks like I'm about to finish my current bucket of salt.

[DheereCrossing]

Originally posted by plancton
I never stir my water salt mix well, I haven´t seen any issues either. I used red sea salt and then switched to seachem and haven´t seen any differences, all I do is mix the right ratio of salt in a 5 gallon water plastic bottle(the ones you normally buy for home consumption) I used RO water and mix the right ratio of salt put the cover on and shake the bottle and leave it there for 2 days before using it, then shake it again right before pouring the saltwater into my sump.

I mean, are there any issues because of this?, I´ve seen most people use big plastic containers put the mix and use a powerhead to mix the whole thing. What´s the difference by not doing this?

The main reason as I see it is oxygenation and stabilazation. The aggitation (sure is a lot of -ations..) is to get oxygen in the water and a stable pH reading.

[Garage1217]

I use Oceanic, great calcium and mag levels but average on alk which I am now boosting. I have used Oceanic for over 2 years now without issue and keep a stellar looking tank.

[Jar*Head]

I have try the tunze salt. it mixed very well just like TM pro except no PO4. It has an ideal parameter just like TM pro....

[tangers]

I use Seachem reef salt now, I used to use Reef Crystals. I couldn't be happier. I have half the nightmare's now since I switched. Like mentioned before, the mag is a little low, but I have no problem adding a little mag, as opposed to dosing everything just to try and make reef crystals work!

[CSAreefer]

Originally posted by briangg57
I've been having great results with Oceanic and Instant Ocean mixed 50/50

+1 on this. I use 50/50 oceanic and IO mixed as well

[shenyong]

Originally posted by s ruppa
mixing your own saltwater is very easy ( and probably cheaper)

you just need a container to hold the water. rubbermaid brute garbage cans are cost effective.

a heater, powerhead and refractometer to check the SG of the mixed water

i have found approx 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water is close.

combine the salt and water in the container with heater and powerhead. let it circulate for about 24 hours. check your SG. add salt to raise the SG and RO water to lower as needed.

steve

Thanks for your info Steve!
I'll start doing it whenever i recieve the salt. :-)

[shenyong]

looks like i'm gonna go with Oceanic :-)

[shenyong]

any body has diffrent experiences out there?

[Canarygirl]

I also like the Tunze salt a lot. I've tried many salt mixes.

[NealNano]

Tropic Marine Pro Reef is the best for sure I have never had the growth and color using any other salt mix. HW Marine Mix and HW Reef are also very good. I use Reef Crystals now and dont like it at all. I have never liked IO and thought the RC my be better. I was wrong. IO and Oceanic mixed are very good as well, I think this will be the way I go next.

[Billybeau1]

shen, salt brands are like buying a car. Some like Fords, some like Chevy's and still some like Mopars.

Most commercial salt mixes are ok for someones tank. There are only a few that I've came across that had problems.

Depending on your husbandry practices and stocking levels, some salts may work better than others for you. All of these folks recommending particular brands are happy because it works for them and their situation.

You must find your own situation that fits your needs. This will give you an idea of what to start with and adjust from there.

A general guide to salt mixes
www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

Good luck.

[Canarygirl]

HW Marine Mix and HW Reef are also very good.

Neal, what's the difference between these two salts? And where have you found the HW Reef salt? I've only found the other one (at Drs F&S).

[MileHighFish]

there is a salt made by "via aqua" ( i cant remember the name) it claims to have elevated levals of mag etc.. has anyone tried this? thanks

[MileHighFish]

o yea its "ocean pure"

[connorsbala]

Have been using Red Sea Coral Pro since day one and have had great results, on both my tanks

[GSMguy]

via aqua, is probably chinese salt.

[MileHighFish]

chinese salt?? hmm o.k.. in the link above i found the info i need..

"oceanpure" 580 cal 10 alk 1320 mag

[Canarygirl]

chinese salt?? hmm o.k.. in the link above i found the info i need..

"oceanpure" 580 cal 10 alk 1320 mag

Are you sure those levels are for Oceanpure and not Oceanic?

[MileHighFish]

o sorry.. cal was off.. 510 cal

[shenyong]

Originally posted by Billybeau1
shen, salt brands are like buying a car. Some like Fords, some like Chevy's and still some like Mopars.

Most commercial salt mixes are ok for someones tank. There are only a few that I've came across that had problems.

Depending on your husbandry practices and stocking levels, some salts may work better than others for you. All of these folks recommending particular brands are happy because it works for them and their situation.

You must find your own situation that fits your needs. This will give you an idea of what to start with and adjust from there.

A general guide to salt mixes
www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

Good luck.

Thanks for the General Guide Bill!
This thing will definitely works for me.