Should I switch?

[lbannie]

I've been using IO salt mix for 2 years now......in my reef tank. I'm getting low on salt and I'm wondering if I should switch to the IO Reef Crystals? Does the reef crystals dissolve as well as the plain IO? Any suggestions?

 

[al&burke]

I started with IO salt mix and switched to IO reef salts - no problems with mixing - what I did on the first water change was use half regular and half reef salts.

 

[flower]

I did the same as Al, the reef crystals are higher in certain elements and much better for coral than the regular.

 

[al&burke]

I am going to be switching brands - going with Aqua Vitro - I will do smaller water changes at first.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///t/388225/should-i-switch#post_3422415
I am going to be switching brands - going with Aqua Vitro - I will do smaller water changes at first.
When I first went on disability, a dear friend gave me 4 boxes of IO salt. I have one more box left before I upgrade. I would not have been able to keep both tanks running if I had not had the help. I will be looking at some other brands as well, but all I have are just soft corals anyway.

 

[meowzer]

I also am switching from IO reef to Aquavitro...it is much more expensive, BUT supposed to be MUCH better
I can't tell you the results yet though...LOL....I will say that I have used IO and IO reef over 3 years....until recently I was happy (I thought) Lately the IO is leaving a lot of residue all over the mixing container and pumps...This picture is my brute after only ONE water change.....I use to clean the container every once in a while....NOT every time....I hear the Aquavitro leaves NO residue......and after seeing this last week...I have to wonder what it is doing in the tank

 

[snakeblitz33]

I've used Seachem Reef Salt for a long time now and I've had a lot of good success with it. It's also a cheaper brand, but I haven't had any problems with pH, Alkalinity or residues. So, I'm happy.

 

[btldreef]

How are your numbers with the IO, I always found them to be too low. I don't even use it in my FOWLR setups, because I always end up throwing in one coral here and there. And that residue that Meowzer shows, I got that after EVERY water change with IO.
I love AquaVitro Salinity, I absolutely swear by it.

 

[lbannie]

where do you buy that aqua vitro? I've never seen it before! My levels with IO have always been fine....never tried anything else

 

[btldreef]

We actually were just recently discussing this in another thread:
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/388072/salt-mixes-what-are-you-using

 

[abeandlulu]

I use Tropin Marin Pro Reef salt. I switched to red sea pro coral salt. And it sucked. It through my alk. off and it left a nasty brown residue. So I switched back to TMPR. I never had a problem with TM. I was looking to save some money. Just my 2 cents.

 

[bender77]

I've used oceanic for years and had no complaints, but after reading the thread BTDLReef mentioned I just picked up some Aqua Vitro Salinity today. I'll be mixing the two salts for a short period to get my tanks used to the change from natural sea salt to synthetic. I'll so my first water change with it this week. One tank will get it tomorrow.
As far as finding Salinity, email the company and they will tell you what stores in your area carry it. That's what I did. My store could order it but didn't carry it, so they ordered me a bucket. For me it ends up being cheaper than the oceanic salt in the long run

 

[btldreef]

I'm really interested to hear the results from people who are just switching. Honestly, I saw INSTANT changes in my corals.

 

[bender77]

I've got water mixing right now to do a change on my 12 gallon tomorrow. It's all coral and hair algae. :laughing: I'll let you know what I notice with the first water change

 

[lbannie]

Cool!! Where are you guys buying this Salinity?

 

[bender77]

One of my LFS carry it. I emailed the company and they sent me the closest sties to me that carry it. Just google aquavitro. Seachem makes it.