First batch of Reef Crystals on the way

[severum mama]

Does anyone here use Tropic Marin? Just curious- I'd like to hear opinions. I'm considering it for my future tank.

[Scoot]

There seems to be a lot of variance in Ca readings from the same salt mixes.

My IO mix never gave me over 300 Ca. RC gave me 420 right off the bat.

Somebody up a few posts said their IO gave them 360-380 Ca.

Strange what a range there is. I wonder if there are inconsistencies from batch to batch, or in testing methods, or if something else is an issue.

[roka64]

There will definitely be a range, mine would probably be pretty high, since I am on well water. I guess it all really depends on what water you use or where you live. I just got my RC delivered yesterday.

[MT79]

My IO mix never gave me over 300 Ca. RC gave me 420 right off the bat.

I don't understand that, unlesss there was a variation between batches or something in your water source. I've had consistnent results w/ both IO and Reef Crystals. I use RO/DI water so maybe that's why my results are what they are. I consistently get approx. 340-365 Ca for IO as well as Reef Crystals. The only difference was IO had 3.5 meg/l Alk and Reef Crystals 4 meg/l.

[Kurt_Nelson]

I guess my original questioning wasn't about what the Ca levels were of the salt water, but the fact that after a 40% water change you went from some lower level (sounds like 320) to 420. That would imply that the new salt water you put in had a Ca level of something like 550+ ppm, wouldn't it?

Either I'm misunderstanding something, or I'm thinking maybe there was a bad/contaminated test result somewhere there. Don't get me wrong - I like Reef Crystals and use them myself, but something doesn't seem right here.

[Innovator]

I hear oceanic has great ca, but the alk is disturbingly low. I'll go ahead and chime in on being an IO user for 9yrs without any issues and ca always above 400 with minimal ca additions

Anyone have a link to the salt study, if results were even released (supposedly at macna)?

[Fluff]

This was posted somewhere else here....

Hara got to attend MACNA this year and here is her overview of the salt study with pics of the slide show etc.

http://www.fantasyreef.com/macna/macna10.php

[Innovator]

yea I actually decided to search for it right after I posted :s My coworker talked to Borneman who said the panel was surprised by how well IO did. Wish work permitted me to go to macna since it was only 10mins or so away

[Scoot]

Update - the cyano is all gone, after switcing to reef crystals. Not a bit on the substrate, where it used to grow quickly.

Theres a little red cyano I on one particular rock that doesn't get good water flow, but its easy to siphon.

I DO now have a real hair algae problem that I didn't have before.

I'm going to have to take a few rocks out and scrub them to get it off.

Otherwise, everything seems to be doing great since the change to RC salt.

Goodbye, cyano

[chase33]

In the "Saltwater & Reef - Getting Started" forum the following thread is available; "Are all Salt mixes created equally?". Lot of responses and leads. Seems like most like RC.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=95224