Reef Crystals And Instant Ocean

[Riley]

From what I understand, Reef Crystals is just a branch off of Instant ocean. what is the difference between them?

-Riley

 

[SkiFletch]

Although I've never tested it, they claim that reef crystals contains slightly more calcium and carbonate for higher calc/alk than instant ocean does and perhaps some other extra trace elements too.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

hmm all i noe is that a use instant ocean for my puffer and he loves it!!

 

[Riley]

Yes I use Instant Ocean in my salt water tank too. I was just curious after seeing it advertized.

-Riley

 

[Adrinal]

The theoretical nice thing about the two is the chemistry is very similar. I have tested RC and a new batch comes out to 420 (though I have never tested IO, but I hear it is in the 380 range, which is enough for most applications). RC is great for smaller reef tanks with high Calcium demands. As you learn more DIY you should beable to find the stuff to make RHF 2part additive.

Small tank with high calc demand RC + Kalc top off is an easy way to go.

anything else IO is enough (though you will need more 2 part or calcium reactor or Kalc top off or a mix, to keep the Calc/alk up.

 

[hyrookin]

I use instant ocean as well,
but once had to get a small bag of r/c,
did not see much difference,
to me instant ocean dissolves a little quicker.

 

[steelhealr]

I went from Oceanic to Tropic Marin to RC. Much happier with RC. I switched because they told me it was better buffering and higher in Mg2+. Never went back. Choosing a salt, like buying a car, is a personal preference and also based on some characteristics of the salt (eg, Oceanic is reportedly one of the highest in Ca2+ and poorest with buffering....this salt might be better with larger established reefs). Don't laugh..one of the reasons I hated TM was it came in a paper box. HOWEVER, I now buy my salt in the large bucket. SH