Originally posted by Beth
I will 2nd that. Red Sea almost dissolves instantly. I switched resent to RCrystals because the Red Sea is really low on calcium and I was having a heck of a time with the calcuim. However, I must say that the RCrystals is giving me difficulty dissolving. It leaves a pretty thick residual all over my mixing tank, which I assume is calcium and all the other trace elements that is added to the mix. And I mean thick. Yes I use a PH to mix, and now I am using 2 PH's to hopefullly resolve [dissolve] the matter. But, I'm not pleased.
I too switched to Reef Crystals (from IO) because I was having trouble maintaining my Ca levels since adding 100+ gallons of water to my system (bigger sump and Refugium). I use a Rio 2100 to mix my salt in a 32 gallon garbage can. I mix the water continuously for 48-72 hours with a heater set at 80. I have not noticed any problems with it not dissolving, but I do get the calcium deposits on the can and PH. NOt real thick though. I am led to believe that the calcification is normal and not something to worry about.
My Ca levels of the freshly mixed Rcrystals salt water tests at around 400ppm after mixing for 3 days. The IO mix only tested at 285ppm Ca. Had to switch!
I believe IO and Reef crystals are made by the same company. So, if they are making one in China, maybe both? I would also love to see some proof of this.