Reef Crystals vs. Instant Ocean

[Amber]

Should I use Reef Crystals or Instant Ocean salt in my reef aquarium? Does the Reef Crystals really make a difference on the coral?

Thanks,
Amber

[YZ]

It's my understanding that Instant Ocean is actually better than reef crystals, I use IO and haven't had a problem whatsoever besides some cyano growth which isn't caused by the salt but by the carbon I use once a month.

[golfish]

They are both made by the same company and are pretty much the same thing. RC has a little more calcium than IO. You will find that most ppl use IO.

Mark

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I have used Instant Ocean since 1975, its always worked fine. Reef Chreystal whan avilable run $5-$10 more (50gal size)
I use kalwasser assition 24/7 in top off water and supplement twice weekly with 30 ml each of B-Ionic. You will still need supplemental calcium with reef chrystals, whats the point

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

[rayjay]

Here is a link to salt water comparison chart.
Salt Water Comparison

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ICQ #30079114
Ray's Reef

[Amber]

Thanks! Yall are very helpful. We just ordered a 200 gallon bucket of Instant Ocean for my tank. Now I just have to figure out this whole lighting / filtering deal...

Amber

[YZ]

Ask away, I can answer almost anything you want to know.

[Amber]

Hey YZ,
I ordered the Marine Reef Handbook but it hasn't come in yet so I'm still clueless. I would like to eventually keep at least a zoanthid, ricordia, and a few star fish (these are my favorites). I have no idea how strong the lighting will have to be. 2 light fixtures came with my tank and all I can tell you about those is the bulbs are 17 inches long and each holds only 1 bulb. Do I need to buy a whole other light fixture that can hold 4 small bulbs (2 actintic blue or whatever, 2 white?)? Or will just replacing my bulbs do?? If I'm going to drop $130 on this Aqua C Remora skimmer everyones raving about I need to save my money as much as I can on the other stuff.

Thanks!
Amber

[rayjay]

Amber, saving money is hard to do in this habit/I mean hobby. The lighting depends on what you wish to keep in the end.
I feel I pinch the pennies on lighting as much as can be done, but even so doing, it's not cheap. To be able to help more, you would have to be quite specific about tank size, filtration, what stock are you planning in terms of fish and corals.

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ICQ #30079114
Ray's Reef