Oceanic vs. Instant Ocean Reef Crystals

[errattiq]

I have been using oceanic salt for over a year now and was wondering if anyone has used this brand AND Instant Ocean Reef Crystals to give me a good quality comparison. I know its long shot but if anyone has tested the trace elements of both these brands newly mixed with ro/di water that would be awesome! I've also heard changing salt brands in an established tank has the ability to cause a serious crash. If anyone has successfully swapped oceanic for the I.O. with no negative effects let me know. So let the arguments begin, Oceanic, or I.O.??

 

[nano reefer]

i use both. i found that when i use oceanic i have to dose trace elements less, and with instant ocean, i have to dose every day. i switch between the 2 all the time, and my tanks are fine.

 

[ryancw01]

I use the newer Red Sea one for RO/DI water. Never have to dose anything except for Calcium and KH.

 

[kanima]

I swapped from Reef Crystals to Oceanic , I got tired of trying to get my Cal up with reef crystals.. So far 3 months in everything is looking better color wise and growing much better with Oceanic than with -- and my Cal has hung steady around 450

 

[salt210]

do stores around you all carry these? the only ones that I can find are reef crystals and the regular Instant ocean brands

 

[westwind77]

I order my Oceanic salt from amazon in buckets that are good for 200g and pay $10 for shipping. I find that the easiest way for me.

 

[aquaguy24]

been using oceanic from day one...i do water changes once a month...CA at 450. ph around 8.2 alk around 10-11...test result are right before water changes...imo its the next best thing to tropic marin pro..i get mine from my lfs..

 

[detane]

I use Ocean Pure Pro. Its not as high with the CALCIUM but its dam close.lol and its priced at $70 for a 200 galon mix.

 

[crypt keeper]

you can get oceanic at pet smart. I use it for my fowlr and my fish do great in it. I have tons of growth on my rocks as well.

 

[salt210]

I have been wanting to get away from IO, even tho it is 40 for the 5 gallon bucket. I am wanting to move into corals.

 

[culp]

I use IO and so does my LFS. and neither of us have any problems with it and my LFS raises and frags their own corals.

 

[windlasher]

Originally Posted by errattiq
http:///forum/post/3024753
I have been using oceanic salt for over a year now and was wondering if anyone has used this brand AND Instant Ocean Reef Crystals to give me a good quality comparison. I know its long shot but if anyone has tested the trace elements of both these brands newly mixed with ro/di water that would be awesome! I've also heard changing salt brands in an established tank has the ability to cause a serious crash. If anyone has successfully swapped oceanic for the I.O. with no negative effects let me know. So let the arguments begin, Oceanic, or I.O.??
-- is a great salt but be careful if you buy the new 200g boxes. I think they changed the formula. I had gotten very good at measuring how much salt goes into how much water and then I ordered the boxes. WHen I tested my new water itwas 15% saltier than before.

 

[canareef]

I've used IO and the only thing I found it fell short on was magnesium had to bump it up after a water change and everything else is fine. You can do a search on the net and find the make-up of the salt mixes in a comparasion.

 

[uneverno]

Originally Posted by windlasher
http:///forum/post/3025737
-- is a great salt but be careful if you buy the new 200g boxes. I think they changed the formula. I had gotten very good at measuring how much salt goes into how much water and then I ordered the boxes. WHen I tested my new water itwas 15% saltier than before.
Good to know. I'm a bout 1/2 way through a 200 gal bucket I bought several years ago.
errattiq - here's a good article comparing various mixes including Oceanic and IO:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/aafeature1
I use Oceanic myself, for no particualr reason except that it's what my LFS uses. LFS is on the same municiple water supply that I am, so I figure acclimation may be a tad easier in that all I really have to match is temp and salinity.

 

[errattiq]

Wow!! Great replies everyone. I think I'm going to stay with Oceanic after reading the comparisons. Thank you all for speaking up!
-Josh