Instant ocean VS Reef crystals

[reefnjeff]

is instant ocean really that far superior to reef crystals??? seeing there is a big differance in price.

 

[krusk]

I think Reef Crystal are more expensive then Instance Occean
the end result?
I really need to know as well

 

[ky]

I think that you had that backwards, but: For ten years I have used both, depending on which one was on sale. I have 3 tanks (75,90,120), so I have done a lot of water changes. I have never found a difference. I have never examined my water on a microscopic or cellular level, which I'm sure not many have, but I think it depends only on which flavor you prefer. Someone may have some research to back up an opinion (hopefully not by either of the two companies), but I'm giving mine on what I have always had success with, which is both.

 

[reefnjeff]

yeap see here we go with "*****" mania again cus the only place for me around here to get sea salt is *****, $21.99 for a 50 gal bag instant ocean $13.99 reef crystals, I have read any many cases the reef keeper will use nothing but Instant ocean

 

[reefnjeff]

were do you shop for your sea salt lore?? $34.00 for a 200gal mix and I pay $22.00 for a 50gal your getting a hell of a deal <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />

 

[ky]

I buy a 200 gallon bucket for that same price from ***************.com. (+ about 7 $$ for S&H). Also, they have Miracle Mud for $45.00.

 

[lordofthereef]

hey ''ky'', intant ocean is made by the same company as reef crystals. as for a differance, I don't know. i've used both, mainly reef crystals.

 

[reefnjeff]

I was useing reef crystals to, but I been finding these coral farm sites and other places like garf, they swear on instant ocean, I thought maybe I was getting a inferior brand of sea salt

 

[reefnjeff]

and what brand do you use??? how much do you pay??
yea you!!!!!

 

[beth]

Those great deals for salt mixes can be found via online shopping rather than shopping LFS. However, the shipping fee is what usually kills me when it comes to buying salt on line [the shipping usually costs me as much as the salt! But it still beats the LFS!]. Did I hear you right? $7 bucks for shipping 200gal? If so, I'll be making my next purchase there!
Additionally, IO and Reef Crystals are indeed made by the same manufacture. Thus, probably the same salt mix. Reef Crystals is supposed to be more reef friendly with many of the requisite additives needed by the reef system already in the salt mix. I just bought some reef crystals to try out, as the salt I was using is too low in calcium.

 

[fishman1]

They are both manufacturer by Aquarium Systems. I think one cost a little more they the other. And their is a little difference it is make up.

 

[reefnjeff]

so does that mean I was useing the better choice of the 2 for my reef... this hobby has gotten me really <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> I remember the good ol days when I just use to breed fresh water fish, live was so much simplier...

 

[ky]

Yeah, shipping is $7.00 - $10.00. I don't remember exactly. I haven't bought any in about 2 months. Premium Aquatics in in Indiana and I live in Michigan, so I can use Airborne Express ground (which is about half as much as UPS) and it gets to me in 2 days. I get all of my dry goods from them. Very cheap and very good service. Also, they send out the day you order.

 

[starfishjackedme]

I know that Instant Ocean doesn't have enough Magnesium in it for a reef. I have to dose Kent Tech-M to bring it up to proper levels. Apparently they reduced it to make it faster dissolving and makes no difference in a FO.
Magnesium is directly responsible for calcium solubility. If you are having probs bringing your calcium up and are using Instant Ocean, this is prob why.
I think Reef Crystals is the "uncut" version.

 

[reefnjeff]

ok sounds like back to reef crystals to me, i'll save money were i shop

 

[chainsaw5vent]

hey, reefnjeff! $22 for a 50 lb bag of instant ocean?!! i would say that the ***** in your area is sticking it to you!!! <img src="graemlins//yell.gif" border="0" alt="[yell]" /> and that they are thinking that everyone who buys it is <img src="graemlins//silly.gif" border="0" alt="[silly]" /> for paying that price. even at the lfs's that i shop at don't charge that much. maybe $13, but not $22! <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" /> and under normal circumstances, lfs are more expensive than chain stores. do you live in a very remote area?

 

[reefnjeff]

thats nothing at my lfs;which there is only one in a 60 mile radius, they charge $36.00 for a 50gal mix of instant ocean so the ***** rip off is big savings for me, you see in live in the pits of the world " iron range minnesota" all we have up here is a lot of woods..lol can't even find a decent saltwater fish without having to pack a over night bag to go get one, which makes the $14.00 50gal reef crystals mix look even better, I thought because of the much lower price than instant ocean I was getting a lower quality of sea salt.

 

[jakob4001]

NOT!!! you just have to be lucky enough to be in large enough area to have at least 1 or 2 good dygoods LFS; just found another called CITY PETS; they have the complete HAGAN test kits for $60; huge shrimp pellets for $15; got our instant ocean 200 gallon for $40 w/ tax

 

[ratbattey]

Reef Crystals are made by Istant Ocean, and is the same mix with more vitamins and trace elements added, sort of I.O. on steroids. No need for the added expense if you have a FO tank, and many feel that their other additions and dosing more than make up the difference.
I have always had great success with Reef Crystals but I suspect that I am just a victim of marketing. (more, bigger, better, new and improved!)

 

[lordofthereef]

If you go to that fish place during the anual march sale, you con pick up 200g buckets of reef crystals for 35 bucks!!! io is like 25 or 30 bucks!! I never miss that one since i'm only about 2 hours from them.