How is Instant Ocean's salt?

[DanG]

I've found that both CA and MG are low in IO. As far as I'm concerned, it's cheaper for me to buy a different salt that has all the levels in the right spot as opposed to having to keep adding buffer.

Is it for a fish only tank or a reef tank? If it's fish only, then use whichever salt has consistant quality and is cheap, but if it's reef, then I'd consider spending the extra bucks on a different brand of salt.

[seanoman]

I agree, it doesn't make sense to me to buy a cheaper salt and then have to always add calcium to it when you do a water change. IMO it makes more sense to spend the extra on a salt that is balaced where it needs to be and then add to it if you still need the extra boost.

[mark]

Figure supplementing IO is probably going to be less than $5.00 a pail and might take an extra 10 minutes when making the water up, but think lesson learned no matter what salt mix, is to measure before putting in tank.

(maybe also justifying to myself the 5 pails of IO I still have)

[Myka]

What SG are you guys using??? IO Mg is right on target from my measurements using Salifert test kits.

I also find it's cheaper to buff up the Calcium on my waterchange water than it is to buy more expensive salt.

[eWarren]

I have fish tank and Instant Ocean works fine for me before. But now, since I am starting to get into coral side, and I seems have some trouble with ca and mg's level, so that's why I am checking to see if IO is good enough salt or if everyone else is using others.

[mark]

Originally Posted by Myka

What SG are you guys using??? IO Mg is right on target from my measurements using Salifert test kits.

SG 1.025

Using ELOS and Salifert for Ca, ELOS for Mg, Salifert for Alk.

[fkshiu]

There are thousands upon thousands of home reefs that use IO including my own despite it being a bit low on Ca and sometimes Mg. I may try another salt one day, but IO is usually the cheapest and the most plentiful.

[littlesilvermax]

IO for 6 years. I get incredible growth.

I supplement my salt with some magnesium and calcium, costs about $4 per pail.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Myka

What SG are you guys using??? IO Mg is right on target from my measurements using Salifert test kits.

I also find it's cheaper to buff up the Calcium on my waterchange water than it is to buy more expensive salt.

If you are getting the numbers you posted above from IO you must have a special batch.

While I do think IO is one of thebetter salts it is horably low in Mg like any other salt as Mg is an expensive additive. If you start a tank with it after a week check the MG and adjust it up to about 1350 to 1400ppm. This will also cause your Ca to raise if it is being supressed by low Mg.

I wouldn't worry about raising a 390 Ca level as that is about as perfect as you can get.

Steve

[Doug]

I do the same as Ben. Between the IO and the mag. & calcium, its still cheaper than most. My tank magnesium stays @ 1350 ppm and no precipitate in the mixing bucket.

As long as I can purchased those additives for a decent price and the salt for similar, thats what I will stick with.