davidr2340 Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I've been using Instant Ocean/Reef Crystals for over 8 years and never once switched salts. I read the reviews for this salt, then this thread, and am seriously thinking about buying a bucket of this salt. IMO, you won't be sorry! I had NO reason to switch from Oceanic other than I like change... My coral is sure glad I switched! Link to comment
PodRod Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Well, since I jumped on this bandwagon early on, I thought I'd give my 2 cents worth. I'm on my 4th bucket (small bucket) and still no problems or regrets. No issues with low Ca, ALK, or Mg and my tank is thriving. I'm perfectly happy with this salt and have no desire to change or look further. Now, that being said, I don't think there's a perfect salt that will work for everyone. All tanks are different and their requirements vary depending on stock but this salt sure works for me. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Where is all this negativity toward Seachem magnesium test kits coming from? Can any one actually offer proof they are bad or is it all speculation? My gut tells me its 100% speculation because I use them and they are perfectly fine. But if proof is out there then please lay it out man.. I would appreciate being proved wrong if its truly bad. Link to comment
Weetabix7 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I was suspicious of my Seachem Mg results so I had the LFS check it with a Salifert kit. My reading was 1200 w/the Seachem kit. Their reading was 1475 w/the Salifert kit. To be fair, I've had my kit for over a year, so it's probably just expired. I just ordered a Salifert replacement cause I could get it for a cheaper price than the Seachem through a Group Buy. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Yeah they are definitely not good past a year. Link to comment
Weetabix7 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Okay, so I got a new Salifert Mg test kit and wanted to post an update in regards to the low Mg level as tested with my Seachem Mg test kit. BibleSue got a new Tropic Marin Ca/Mg test kit in at the same time, so we tested with that as well. We tested water from my tank, not freshly mixed SW. Here are the results we got: Seachem Mg kit-- 1200 Tropic Marin Mg kit-- 1340 Salifert Mg kit-- 1320 So in this instance I have to say that I think the Seachem Mg test kit was definitely off. To be fair, the Seachem kit is slightly over a year old. The reference sample checked out though, but I'm still fairly certain the test kit is off. I have a new batch of D-D salt mixing now and will test it later today and post results for everyone. Link to comment
Weetabix7 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Okay, here's test results from fresh batch 'o D-D Alk-- 9 dKh (brand new Tropic Marin test kit) Ca-- 400 (API test kit, 1 yr. old) Mg-- 1305 (brand new Salifert test kit, exp 09/11) Bah, now I'm doubting the accuracy of my Ca and Mg test kits. Link to comment
muzzys-reef Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Bah, now I'm doubting the accuracy of my Ca and Mg test kits. i recently tested a sample with salifert kits and then sent the same sample to a lab. the results were almost the same for ca an mg, they didnt test alk, but there should be a reference solution in the alk kit Link to comment
disaster999 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Okay, here's test results from fresh batch 'o D-D Alk-- 9 dKh (brand new Tropic Marin test kit) Ca-- 400 (API test kit, 1 yr. old) Mg-- 1305 (brand new Salifert test kit, exp 09/11) Bah, now I'm doubting the accuracy of my Ca and Mg test kits. why you think its the test kit thats off and not the salt? Link to comment
Weetabix7 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 why you think its the test kit thats off and not the salt? I'm askeered to answer, I might get NINJATATED!!! Link to comment
Nick's Reef Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Ordering a new bucket soon, will test that and see what I get. Pretty sure I need all new tets mine are old. There's a $100 I really don't want to spend..... Link to comment
disaster999 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I'm askeered to answer, I might get NINJATATED!!! is that even english? Link to comment
Nick's Reef Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 is that even english? Part of it I think is, rest is just jibberish to me..... Link to comment
BibleSue Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I just got my second bucket & started a batch so I'll test it, too. Maybe tomorrow. Been doing web stuff all day & my eyes are about crossed. I don't think I could see the lines on the test tonight. Link to comment
BibleSue Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Finally tested the H20 water tonight with the Tropic Marin Cal/Mag test kit. I got a reading of 450 in the calcium & 1400 on the magnesium. This test kit is pretty new to me but I feel like I got it right. It doesn't take as long to do once you get used to it. Link to comment
BlueAbyss Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 I'll be using this salt when I start my tanks. I was planning on using Tropic Marin Pro but there isn't a North American distributor for it anymore. Link to comment
BibleSue Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 When did that happen? I have the phone number of a guy I talked to about 4 months ago. I have used the Tropic Marin regular salt for 2 1/2 years. I liked the salt but had to supplement with Magnesium & Calcium regularly. I also had issues with the calcium dropping out & clouding the water if I wasn't careful. Everything is happy with this salt & levels are where they should be. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 May be a Canadian only thing. "North America" Is also Canada. When dealers don't offer to them ( usually because they are US based and don't want to pay customs and import export ) some times it shows up on their end as "not available in North America" even though it is available in the US. LOL! I have no idea why it comes up that way since Canada IS also part of north America though ? Then again it could very well be a new development an dit could very well not be available to all countries in North American any more ? Link to comment
KoolFish Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 I'll be using this salt when I start my tanks. I was planning on using Tropic Marin Pro but there isn't a North American distributor for it anymore. If you are looking for TM Pro, check out mops.ca, reefsolution.com, bigalsonline.ca are just a few places in Canada that sell it. I'm sure a Big Als store probably carries it as well. Keep in mind that it is more money than DD H2O salt and I believe the H20 salt is better anyways. Link to comment
Nick's Reef Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Just got my third buckert this morning from gulfaquaria. Also ordered test kita but they shipped them seperatly cause the salt comes from texas and the test kits come from california. Once I mix up a batch and get the test kits will let you guys know. Link to comment
K-MAN Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 For those using this salt, I'm setting up a new tank and plan on using this salt myself. I have read the instruction on the bucket, but does anyone have a cup to gallon ratio that they use??? Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Uh.. what ? It doesn't say how much per gallon on the bucket ? Or doe sit give a weight per gallon and you want a cup conversion ? Link to comment
KoolFish Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Uh.. what ? It doesn't say how much per gallon on the bucket ? Or doe sit give a weight per gallon and you want a cup conversion ? Probably looking for a cup conversion. I believe it says on the bucket 1lb to 3 US gallons or something. Still, weight is the better way to go and in the end it should be tested anyways. Just take a pound of H2O salt, put it in a measuring cup and there you go... Link to comment
davidr2340 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I use 1/2 cup / gallon. Link to comment
Nick's Reef Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I use 1/2 cup / gallon. +1 Link to comment
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