anyone else use reef crystals?

What kind of test kits are you using? Reef Crystals are know to vary as are all of the regular grade salt mixes. If you want exact levels every time you mix your makeup water, you should use a higher grade salt mix such as ESV or Tropic Marin. There have been some studies done on the salt mix element levels in various batches and the verdict was that if you want the most bang for your buck, Reef Crystals are your best bet. If you want exacting specifications, be prepared to pay for it.

--AJ

 

I had the exact same problems a couple years ago and switched to seachem. I like the seachem a lot, seems a lot more consistant than rc. I know some have started using the " new" red sea coral pro with good results too.

 

Are we talking varied readings coming from the same batch of salt or are we talking different batches?

 

My understanding is that kalk is not going to raise any parameter, only help keep it where it is.

I suppose you could try to better homogenize your dry salt mix in case some of the components have settled. Is this a bucket or the box with four fifty gallon bags? I'd still tend to feel that it is test kit error or something. Those numbers are all over the place, namely alk.

 

Kalk is balanced calcium and alkalinity, since those levels are already high, you don't need to add any of that to your mixing tank. Raising your calcium levels any higher does no good and it'll just precipitate out onto you pumps, tank wall, etc. If you want to raise magnesium, add epsom salt or magnesium mix from a 2-part solution.

 

I use reef crystals and dont have a problem with it, as do my uncle and cousin.

 

Makes sense, I believe reef crystals markets the 200 gallon box at about 28ppm salinity not 35ppm which most reef hobbyist keep their aquariums at.  As far as the heating goes sounds more like marketing.  Any salt with a elevated amount of calcium will do that to some degree whether it's enough to be noticeable while mixing the salt mix I couldn't tell you.  Ever taken a pure dry calcium supplement (Calcium chloride) and added water to it?  Gets so hot you can't hardy put your hand in it.

 

Just something to look at at....

Gettankedaquariums salt is the most consistent mix I havever seen. All of the bucket type mixes settle and separate so as you scoop out mix to make salt water you don't always get the proper proportion of to components and it causes of inconsistant parameters.
Gettankedaquariums salt comes in 25 gallon packets with the calcium in separate bag. To make salt water you dump one bag of the mix in a 5 gallon bucket and make salt slurry (without the Calcium). Now you can add the slurry t o fresh RO/Di to make any quantity of salt water you need (up to 25 gallons) just add the calcium when you make your final water (1 teaspoon per gallon) The slurry can be stored for long periods by putting a lid on the slurry bucket.
Another nice thing to keep in mind is that most salt companies list their quantity at 1.023 instead of 1.025 or 1.026 where we typically mix it. This means that you don't get the quantity posted on the bucket and the parameters of end up mixing different.
Gettankedaquariums is made to mix to 1.026 at 25 gallons so you get the actual quantity at the actual parameters. This really offsets any price differences you do the math.
He actually mixes each 25 gallon bagto ensure accuracy and consistency.

I used this salt with fantastic results for 2 years before I shut down my tank and I will be using it again as I get it going again.

Goggle it if you want to read more or look into it.... It's really a great product!

Good luck!
einsteins