Which salt mix?

I use RC, but I'm thinking about switching back to Oceanic or SeaChem. RC seems to be having a fair amount of issues lately and it's somewhat uncalled for. If they don't know there salt mixes aren't correct theres a huge problem with quality control, someone should be checking the mixes regularly.

 

I use Oceanic, it was a new product when I got into the hobby and it has always worked well for me.

 

I wouldn't be too worried about the RC problem. Other sea salts have had bad batches in the past too. I think IO had a bad batch a few years back and maybe Oceanic.

 

I use RC just because it seemed like that's what most people used when I started and so I bought a couple buckets online when they were on sale at Dr F&S. I'm just now getting to the point where I need to start testing for CA, Alk and Mg - so up to this point I haven't had any issues /site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif

It also looks like it's one of the cheapest! works for me - hard to save money anywhere in this hobby, so you gotta do it where you can I guess...

 

I use IO but going to switch to RC, great post btw!

 

Good post kind of puts it all right in one place for everyone to compare everything. I wasn't really sure what I was going to use for salt yet when I get the tank setup so this def. helps shed some light on the subject.

 

I have always used Reef Crystals. Never even thought about anything else... Although i did have a point in my tank where my Alk shot up and my Calcium was really low.

 

it is nice to see this salt it never crossed my mind much. i am using corallife i have liked this product and some of their other products over the years and we sell the buckets for $42.99 which is the best price by the bucket that we have. just to through in there instant ocean and reef crystal are the same company and corallife, oceanic and kent are all the same

 

If I remember correctly Red Sea and Corallife both where supposedly "dirty" salts when I started 7 years ago. I used corallife anyway and loved it. Through RC popularity I made the switch to RC for my reef and then IO for my clownfish hatchery. I am half tempted to take another look at Corallife again, but Oceanic is really looking strong. As for the fluctuations I too agree that my faith has been shaken in IO/RC (same company same low standards for quality lately). Granted they are not number 1 and 2 in volume/ popularity because they are prone to problems, but there definatly should be more checks and balances in place if they want to stay number 1 and 2... I wonder how their company could handle a class action lawsuit if everyone that had a bad batch filed their losses... It really is not that hard to test every batch and loyal customers should be able to rely on the manufacturer they have been supporting for years, to continue to put out the same quality product. After I run out of my stock pile I will be switching to whomever shows a quality and dependable product.

 

After thinking about it for a couple minutes I think my next salt will be Oceanic. I was a little turned off by the high values, but if you think about it, during a water change you on change 10-20% of your tank's vloume. That fresh 10-20% is then dilluted by the old low value water, so you are essentially doing a water change and topping off your values for 20 cents a gallon. So, make room on the Oceanic bandwagon Slovan I jumping aboard... /site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

Posted By Travis on 01/19/2008 1:18 AM
After thinking about it for a couple minutes I think my next salt will be Oceanic. I was a little turned off by the high values, but if you think about it, during a water change you on change 10-20% of your tank's vloume. That fresh 10-20% is then dilluted by the old low value water, so you are essentially doing a water change and topping off your values for 20 cents a gallon. So, make room on the Oceanic bandwagon Slovan I jumping aboard... /site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif src="/site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif" align=absMiddle border=0>
Just so you know the pail are heavier then the IO/RC pails since they make 200 gallons. Your Fed Ex guy is going to look at you like you have done something bad to him.

 

Posted By slovan on 01/20/2008 10:52 AM

Posted By BGreenlee on 01/19/2008 6:29 AM
Just so you know the pail are heavier then the IO/RC pails since they make 200 gallons. Your Fed Ex guy is going to look at you like you have done something bad to him.
Does he have the look of someone who has been beaten with bamboo? /site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif src="/site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif" align=absMiddle border=0>  I too, would be upset if there was 6 buckets of salt and stairs involved.
My house is about 9 foot above the road level, he had to carry them up a semi icy driveway and around to the house. He looked angry, of course it was about 5 degrees out too.
Whats this bamboo thing I keep hearing about

 

Posted By BGreenlee on 01/19/2008 6:29 AM

Posted By Travis on 01/19/2008 1:18 AM
After thinking about it for a couple minutes I think my next salt will be Oceanic. I was a little turned off by the high values, but if you think about it, during a water change you on change 10-20% of your tank's vloume. That fresh 10-20% is then dilluted by the old low value water, so you are essentially doing a water change and topping off your values for 20 cents a gallon. So, make room on the Oceanic bandwagon Slovan I jumping aboard... /site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif src="/site/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif" align=absMiddle border=0>
Just so you know the pail are heavier then the IO/RC pails since they make 200 gallons. Your Fed Ex guy is going to look at you like you have done something bad to him.
Well, now you have given me the perfect revenge for the next time my package arrives late or damaged...