Does Instant Ocean have a new formula?

mark · #1 07-12-2009, 11:24 PM

Have found each pail varies a bit but always on the low side, Ca 275-325 and Mg 900-1100 ppm (Alk steady around 11 dKH). Been probably a year though since I last stocked up on salt.

Snaz · #2 07-12-2009, 11:37 PM

Slightly off topic. I just bought my first bucket of IO as I have been using the smaller bags until now. Is it necessary to roll the bucket or otherwise mix the salt up before first use? I.E - does the bucket "settle out" if it has been sitting at the LFS for an extended period of time?

mark · #3 07-13-2009, 12:12 AM

I never have.

I'll usually test the pail when I first open it (and mark on the lid the Ca/Mg so I know how much to supplement) then midway through and it always seems the same.

StirCrazy · #4 07-13-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snaz

Slightly off topic. I just bought my first bucket of IO as I have been using the smaller bags until now. Is it necessary to roll the bucket or otherwise mix the salt up before first use? I.E - does the bucket "settle out" if it has been sitting at the LFS for an extended period of time?

it wouldn't hurt.. all salts will settle if they are joccled around as there are different weights of particles.. this is also why people get different readings from the same salt.

I used to mix mine befor using it all the time.

Steve

mike31154 · #5 07-13-2009, 04:27 AM

Yep, saw two different pails at one LFS in Vernon last week. I think the new formula is called IO reef crystals and is indeed designed to provide better levels of mag, calcium etc for reef tanks. Costs substantially more too.

fkshiu · #6 07-13-2009, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike31154

Yep, saw two different pails at one LFS in Vernon last week. I think the new formula is called IO reef crystals and is indeed designed to provide better levels of mag, calcium etc for reef tanks. Costs substantially more too.

Reef Crystals has been around for a while. Is the OP simply referring to Reef Crystals or a whole new formulation for plain old IO?

Snaz · #7 07-13-2009, 04:54 AM

There is no information on the IO website about new formula or new product but it can be seen new purple branding.

http://www.instantocean.com/sites/in...d=1294&cid=964

whatcaneyedo · #8 07-13-2009, 05:43 AM

I was only refering to regular Instant Ocean (not Reef Crystals) in the first post. I just thought that with the new branding that maybe they changed something about the product. I had checked their website too and saw nothing. I even did a Reef Central search but all I found was one thread that was a few months old with someone asking the same question as me.

Oh well I guess I'll just carry on supplementing like before.