Sea Reef Crystals 5/11/08
Dear A. Nixon, Scott V. or anyone else that might know:
<Hello Andy, Scott V. with you today.>
I have been following with much interest the various posts regarding the bad batches of Instant Ocean/Reef Crystals ("Sea Salt Mix and Calcium 05/02/2008") and was wondering if anyone could share in more detail the kinds of problems being reported and whether anyone at a "higher lever" has been able to determine what, if anything, is going on (or not)?
<I have heard mainly complaints of low calcium/alk in this mix that is supposed to have increased levels. I must say I am personally a big fan of Instant Ocean, so I have periodically given Reef Crystals a try throughout the years. I never saw any abnormally low levels in my makeup water, but never saw any levels higher that the standard IO salt. My personal gripe with the stuff is getting it to completely dissolve.>
I use Reef Crystals and am in need of a new bucket of salt. Generally, I have no complaints about RC and you simply cannot beat the price (unless you choose an unscrupulous e-tailor that charges you $30 for shipping alone)--I once got a bad bucket of Instant Ocean (high phosphates), but otherwise I haven't had any problem with this manufacturer. I was wondering how wide-spread these reports/problems are?
<Not too common, many use this salt exclusively without issue.>
I tested my RC make-up water and it checked out fine--at a specific gravity of 1.025, alk was 3.2 meq/L, calcium was 430, and magnesium was a little low at 1160.
<These levels are fairly good, what it should be (other than the Mg, a problem with most salts).>
Would you please tell me the date of Steven Pro's "Salt Mix Impressions" and whether anyone has published more recent studies?
<The article was published in the CMA May/June issue of 2006. There are many, many other studies/opinions out there, both quantified and not. A simple Google search of aquarium salt studies will yield you more than most would ever care to read on the subject!>
I see that the 200 g buckets of Tropic Marin are sold out most places, which tells me this is a very popular brand.
<And difficult/slow to get in many areas.>
I see that this is a reputable/good brand of salt, but is it really worth $30-$35 more per bucket(my LFS uses Tropic Marin)?
<Not for me, I see no benefit to switching if you have no problems with your current salt. >
While searching the internet, I found this piece about
misleading/false advertising/packaging by
manufacturers:
http://www.northcoastmarines.com/salt_comparison.htm.
Not sure if it's a legitimate study/piece or not, as it looks like it's hyped by a retailer that pushes Marine Environment® dual phase formula salt (never heard of it), but it's worth a read.
<An interesting article with many truths. It is curious how it ends with making the exact claims about the salt being marketed in the piece that the body of the article says are false/impossible with the other salts.>
Please keep adding info about these products to the Aquarium Systems post-page so we can keep up to date with what's going on. The concept of dedicating pages to posts about specific/popular manufactures and products was great thinking and a big help to us. It makes finding information about that issue much easier.
<It is nice to be able to read other’s experiences/opinions regarding specific products, but do keep in mind it is just that: one person’s opinion! There is no one correct way/answer to almost anything. Fact of the matter is most major brand salts are fine for aquarium use. You will here this from one source and the complete opposite from another about one brand of salt. Find what works for you and stick with it. I had personally fallen in love with the Red Sea Pro salt, but went back to IO just because of supply problems in my area. Price, availability to you and what it does in your tank are all factors that will vary from person to person.>
Take care.
Andy
<You too Andy!>

Salt Mix and Calcium 05/02/2008
Dear Crew,
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
I recently chose to stop purchasing pre-mixed saltwater from my LFS. I bought a good RO/DI system and some Reef Crystals sea salt mix based on readings from your site. I was disappointed to find that the salt mixed to a 1.026 specific gravity only contained 300ppm calcium according to my testing kit.
<<I have to say that there have been quite a few reports recently of Reef Crystals producing lower levels of trace elements, is a concern>>
I've tested the mixed water twice now to the same effect. Do you suggest that I try a different salt mix brand next time, or do you suspect
that all brands are like this?
<<I was a personal user of RC salt and was suffering similar results, i changed over to SeaChem salt as a test, and now all my trace elements before introduction to the tank are all acceptable. So, yes, maybe switch to a different brand after the RC has been used up. Possibly buffer until you change>>
If necessary, I will begin dosing calcium to around 400ppm in my water column, but I'd prefer to stick with my 15% water change per week. Any suggestions?
<<As above, dose until RC is used up, and try another brand of salt like SeaChem for example>>
Thanks so much for the help!
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Which Salt? 3/2/08
Hi guys. Jake here
I know you guys must have a forum on this, but I looked forever and could not find anything on it. I was at the LFS and they told me that that marine environments and BIO-SEA salts were a million times better than IO.
<There is a minimal difference, if any. Instant Ocean is a constantly good salt.>
I use IO and have a pretty good bit of nuisance algae. They said the IO salt was a cause for that.
<Hmmm, no, do look into other factors. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm and related FAQ’s, articles.>
I was just wondering is the BIO-SEA salt really that much better than IO? Is it really worth the money?
<Not my money. I have nothing against the Bio-Sea, I just have no problems with Instant Ocean either.>
Thanks again you guys, Jake
<Welcome, Scott V.>

Re: Fall 2007 Sea Scope Article, livestock longevity survey, Instant Ocean salt...   1/5/08
I will put something together for a brief, hopefully easy survey and send it to you. I'm not sure how the results would be collated, but I'll try to draft something with individual fields so that later sorting will be possible.
<Simple accumulation of data will do for now...>
Now a question: I've not seen reference to this before, but I can't believe I'm raising it for the first time. Having added Instant Ocean salt to my RO/DI water, my nitrate level went from zero to 40 ppm. I used a Seifert test kit and checked it a few times over two days. The result was consistent for both the RO water and the salted. Do all the salt mixtures add nitrate?
<Mmm, no>
Could this have been a bad (dirty) batch? What gives?
Thanks. And your book is superb. Eric
<There have been more than a few such observations re the "new" ownership of Aquarium Systems and their salts; please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/aqsysio,rc.htm
Bob Fenner>

My Instant Ocean Salt Raises My pH To 8.8 – 11/13/07
First off, thank you for all the help you guys give to us ignorant hobbyists.
<<Mmm, not “ignorant” I’m sure…>>
I'm very new to the hobby and this is my first time writing a question, but I've already spent countless hours on your site, and reading "The Conscientious Aquarist."
<<Excellent>>
Great book by the way.
<<Much in agreement>>
Anyways, I inherited a VERY dirty 120g tank and took about 50% of the original water (all the fish in it died after 1 hour of transport).
<<…!>>
It has a huge wet-dry trickle filter (already replaced bio-balls with live-rock 2 months ago), about 45 lbs live rock (plan on getting more), I added 1- snowflake eel, 4- damsels, 1- arrow crab, 1- zebra hermit, 1- scarlet hermit, about 10- blue-legged hermits, and about 6- turbo snails (used to be a lot more but they've been dying off. I'm assuming it’s due to my nitrate issue).
<<Oh?>>
Ammonia - 0, nitrite - 0, nitrate - 80 (gone down recently from over 160!),
<<Yeeikes!>>
pH 8.8,
<<Too high as you know, do get this down to about 8.4>>
Phosphates- 1.0,
<<Way too high… Everything needs Phosphate to survive, but you should strive to keep this reading below 0.02ppm>>
Specific gravity- 1.022.
<<Natural saltwater levels are best…1.025/1.026>>
Despite the levels, all the fish seem to be doing fine (except for the snails R.I.P.).
<<Maybe not for the long term…but then maybe these readings are not as they seem…do verify them/the efficacy of your test kits>>
I just bought a 5-stage RO/DI that will cure my phosphate problem so my only problems now are nitrates and pH. I age the water in 3 separate closed 6g tubs each with their own airstone for 24 hours. The pH at this time is 7.4 (nitrates 0). I then add 3 cups of Instant Ocean and after another 24 hours the pH is at 8.8!
<<Troubling…assuming the tester is accurate, something is terribly wrong here. I will also state that after about 3 decades of use, I recently changed from using Instant Ocean salts due to troubles with the last dozen or so buckets I’ve purchased>>
I have done multiple tests and always the same.
<<I see…with new kits, and of different brands?>>
Is this normal for synthetic salts?
<<Not in my experience and not with this brand>>
Should I use an acid buffer for all my change water and if so what kind?
<<I wouldn’t… If this is truly a characteristic of the salt mix, I would consider a change…and my recommendation for a switch is the Seachem brand of artificial sea salts>>
For my nitrate problem I've added a ton of Denitrate chemical media, I do a little more than a 15% bi-monthly water change, and I have a large hang-on turbojet Berlin skimmer. Am I doing anything wrong?
<<Until the nitrates are brought down I would increase the water changes to bi-weekly. I would also recommend a better/more efficient skimmer>>
Suggestions to better my set-up?
<<Along with what I’ve already stated, the addition of a refugium with a DSB and Chaetomorpha macroalgae would be beneficial…but you also need to determine the source of the Nitrates. You state you’ve just acquired an RO/DI unit which should help here as well if the Nitrates are coming from your source water (have you tested this?). I would also add as small canister filter with cut-up Poly-Filter in it>>
I apologize for the length.
<<Not a problem>>
I just want the best for my fish.
<<Please do read here and among the associated links at the top of the pages: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/filtration/marineFiltr.htm >>
Thank you so much for the help!
-Phil
<<Happy to assist. EricR>>

Salts, purposely over-rich in alkaline reserve    7/25/07
I am new to your site, and I have found it very informative.
<Good>
I just started a saltwater tank and have found it to be a little tough on keeping my Alk. Levels at a mid range.
<Mmmm, due to?>
It seems the I.O. salt I am using has a high Alk. level and I thought the levels should be @7.5 but I am at 12-13.
<Yes... formulated thus>
I only have L.R. in the tank and I am on a RainSoft system. I have read up on the salts and it seems most out there are high, is there a reason?
<Yes... are made for "average" hobbyist conditions... with reductive (as in RedOx) settings that "eat-up" alkalinity/alkaline reserve... to prevent rapid drops in pH... By design. Bob Fenner>

Liquid Calcium...Safe To “Boost” New Saltwater? – 07/23/07
Hey guys.
<<Howdy Steve>>
I have been reading your articles for several years now, you guys are great.
<<Thank you...quite the collective effort, indeed>>
Here is my situation: I have noticed that the IO Reef Crystals salt that I am using only mixes to 340ppm of calcium.
<<Mmm, just a “personal” comment...I have been very unhappy with Instant Ocean these past months...am suspecting a formula change or a possible loss of quality control...will be making the switch to Seachem very soon>>
I am using C-Balance in my 55-gallon reef to maintain proper calcium and alkalinity. Can I use Kent Marine liquid calcium in my freshly mixed saltwater?
<<You can, yes>>
I have read about all of the drawbacks in using liquid calcium so I have tried to stay away.
<<Mmm, yes...possible buildup of Chloride...though maybe not that much of an issue after all>>
However, I figured that the 5-gallons per week that I am replacing really is not that much…so there won’t really be any ill effects. I have found that 5ml of the liquid calcium will get to me to around 400pm of calcium in my 5 gallon bucket. Can you think of any drawback that this would have for my tank in the long term? I am thinking it will be ok…
Steve
<<And it probably will... There “may” be some concern over long-term buildup of Chloride ions...and if you wish to avoid such you could use a Calcium Acetate or Calcium Gluconate product, or even simple Kalkwasser. EricR>>

Synthetic salt going bad? 7/21/07
Hello crew and thanks for all the great advice. I searched the FAQs but couldn't find any incidence that were similar to my situation. I have been making up my salt water in a Brute trash can using RO/DI water for a few years. Recently I have made two consecutive batches that have had a mild fowl odor. On the second batch I noted no odor after the water had been aerated for 24 hrs with a powerhead, but about an hour after adding the Instant Ocean I noted a fowl
<Heeee! Smells like a bird?>
odor. I would not expect the solid salt mix to have microbial growth problems, but I wanted to see if there is any history of this. Thanks again.
<Well... the folks at the new AS keep claiming there is nothing new re their salts, but we have had a few reports to the contrary. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/aqsysio,rc.htm
I would keep aerating this batch, perhaps add a carbon filter of some sort... Bob Fenner>

Change In Reef Crystals Formulation 7/14/07
My 50gal marine tank (fish and inverts with live rock) has been established for nearly two years, and several months ago I decided to convert it to a reef tank. In preparation for the conversion, I began looking into switching salt mixes, as the Instant Ocean I had been using appeared to be deficient in calcium and magnesium. (According to my tests, IO mixed to 35ppt (SG 1.026 at 80F) contains only approximately 300mg/L Ca and 1100mg/L Mg.) I decided to try Reef Crystals, and the first batch of water I prepared (again, at 35ppt or SG 1.026 at 80F) contained approximately 380 mg/L Ca and 1250mg/L Mg. So I decided to switch to Reef Crystals for the increased Ca and Mg levels (closer to NSW). A couple of months ago (and a couple of bags of Reef Crystals later) I noticed that the saltwater I'd prepared for a water change was slightly low in Ca but significantly low in Mg, testing at 350mg/L Ca and 1100mg/L Mg. Likewise, water prepared from the most recently purchased bag of Reef Crystals tested at 340mg/L Ca and 1130mg/L Mg. From my observations it appears that Aquarium Systems has reduced the levels of Ca and Mg in their Reef Crystals formulation. If this is the case, then it is now not much better than IO, especially with regards to the Mg.
I'm using SeaChem Calcium and Magnesium Reef test kits, have done many of these analyses in duplicate, and have verified the integrity of both tests using the reference standards supplied with the kits. I use deionized water to prepare saltwater for water changes and use both a box hydrometer and handheld refractometer to check salinity.
I've not yet contacted Aquarium Systems - they don't appear to offer customer support via email and I've not had/taken the time to call. Has anyone at WWM made or heard of anyone else whose made similar observations, or heard definitively that Aquarium Systems has changed it's formulation of Reef Crystals?
<I have contacted Aquarium Systems for their input. Probably will not hear from them till Monday. At that time, I will send you my reply.>
Thanks in advance for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Re: Change In Reef Crystals Formulation? 7/18/07
My 50gal marine tank (fish and inverts with live rock) has been established for nearly two years, and several months ago I decided to convert it to a reef tank. In preparation for the conversion, I began looking into switching salt mixes, as the Instant Ocean I had been using appeared to be deficient in calcium and magnesium. (According to my tests, IO mixed to 35ppt (SG 1.026 at 80F) contains only approximately 300mg/L Ca and 1100mg/L Mg.) I decided to try Reef Crystals, and the first batch of water I prepared (again, at 35ppt or SG 1.026 at 80F) contained approximately 380mg/L Ca and 1250mg/L Mg. So I decided to switch to Reef Crystals for the increased Ca and Mg levels (closer to NSW). A couple of months ago (and a couple of bags of Reef Crystals later) I noticed that the saltwater I'd prepared for a water change was slightly low in Ca but significantly low in Mg, testing at 350mg/L Ca and 1100mg/L Mg. Likewise, water prepared from the most recently purchased bag of Reef Crystals tested at 340mg/L Ca and 1130mg/L Mg. From my observations it appears that Aquarium Systems has reduced the levels of Ca and Mg in their Reef Crystals formulation. If this is the case, then it is now not much better than IO, especially with regards to the Mg.
<I have been informed by Aquarium Systems that there have been no formula changes to Reef Crystals. At a SG of 1.026, Reef Crystals typically has 440mg/l Ca++ and 1320mg/l Mg++. They allow for a +/- 5% variance so you could see 418mg/l and 1250mg/l respectively at the same SG. Lower SG levels will of course yield proportionately lower levels of all ions. My contact at Aquarium Systems has tested their salts daily for over 13 years and finds them to be very consistent in both calcium and magnesium levels.>
I'm using SeaChem Calcium and Magnesium Reef test kits, have done many of these analyses in duplicate, and have verified the integrity of both tests using the reference standards supplied with the kits. I use deionized water to prepare saltwater for water changes and use both a box hydrometer and handheld refractometer to check salinity.
I've not yet contacted Aquarium Systems - they don't appear to offer customer support via email and I've not had/taken the time to call.
<They do offer customer support by email. Just go to www.aquariumsystems.com and click on the
technical support link.>
Has anyone at WWM made or heard of anyone else whose made similar observations, or heard definitively that Aquarium Systems has changed it's formulation of Reef Crystals?
<No, there have been no formulation changes to Reef Crystals, and if there were, it would be to better the product. I personally have been using Aquarium Systems salts for over 20 years, and have no problem with the product. You may want to try a different test kit and compare readings. I use Salifert and LaMotte Test Kits, my personal favorites. Hope this has been of some help to you. Steven Pro has written an article on salt comparisons. You may want to read it here in our Conscientious Aquarist On Line Magazine. http://wetwebmedia.com/ca/CAHomepage.htm>
Thanks in advance for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William
I erred in not mentioning that yes, occasionally we do hear of aquarists reporting on various salt brands, but here is a link to FAQ's regarding Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/aqsysio,rc.htm James (Salty Dog)> <<Well-done James. RMF>>

Re: Change In Reef Crystals Formulation?  7/27/07
James, thanks for checking into this with Aquarium Systems.
<You're welcome and sorry for the delay. Have been in the process of setting up a new reef tank...lots of work as you well know.>
Sorry for the misunderstanding about the email support -- I checked their site some time ago and didn't notice this option.
<Is there.>
And thanks for pointing me to Steven Pro's article. However, it appears to actually support my results rather than those from Aquarium Systems. Mr. Pro analyzed two samples of Reef Crystals, both prepared to a SG of 1.025, and they contained 340 and 350 mg/L Ca. In fact, these results were no better than those he reported for Instant Ocean (340 and 360). Even after "adjusting" these results to a salinity of 1.026 this still only gives you an average of 360 mg/L Ca. This result is closer to the results I observe than to the 440 mg/L Ca you mention
<What I mentioned comes from Aquarium Systems.>
as "typical" for Reef Crystals.
Thanks again for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Re: Change In Reef Crystals Formulation? 7/27/07
James, I was waiting for a response to my follow-up email and then realized I hadn't posed any additional questions or actually requested any sort of follow-up from you. So I apologize in advance if you hadn't yet responded simply because you were still looking into this.
<Sorry for the delay, have responded earlier today.>
In any event, I wondered if you have been able to or would be able to follow up with your contact at Aquarium Systems since Stephen Pro's data also appears to support what I'm seeing. Something I've thought of since then:
Is it possible that the saltwater they use for their QC testing is prepared to 35ppt *by weight* (i.e. dissolving 35g salt mix in water and diluting to a total volume of 1 liter) rather than by preparing a solution to a SG of 1.026 for a *salinity* of 35ppt?
<I will check with Aquarium Systems on the test methods and get back to you, but I think we are nitpicking a little here. I've been using Reef Crystals since it's inception, and not once have I ever questioned the actual chemical make-up of the salt.
Aquarium Systems is a reputable company and I trust that I will always get a good product from them. Results are the bottom line for me.>
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Re: Change In Reef Crystals Formulation? 7/28/07
James, thanks for the replies. I have a few pieces of follow-up information.
<You're welcome.>
First, regarding the Aquarium Systems email support... After looking a little further I realized they actually do not offer tech support via email.
On their technical support page they specifically state that they do not provide tech support via email, only via the 800 number. Minor point, but it does make it a little more difficult to correspond with them regarding issues such as this.
<Mmmm, that is how I originally contacted them in the past. Quite possible they eliminated the email support and just offer it by phone.>
Second, regarding my more recent speculation that the low results are due to differences in water preparation procedures... I've looked into this a bit further and don't see this as a likely cause. While it is a fact that commercial salt mixes are not exactly the same as NSW, leading to different SG when prepared to 35ppt, the formulation would have to be significantly different from NSW to cause a large enough difference in SG to lead to the results I'm seeing. So scratch that one.
I agree with you that "results are what's important" -- that's actually why I wrote to inquire about this. I used IO and switched to Reef Crystals specifically for the reported higher levels of Ca and Mg. I was simply trying to determine the cause of the lower results I'd been seeing.
If Reef Crystals really isn't any better than IO in this respect then it's not worth the higher cost, unless there are perhaps other reasons why Reef Crystals is preferable.
<Bill, I am experimenting at this moment with Instant Ocean. I've just set up a 60" x 18" reef tank and used CaribSea's aragonite. This supposedly provides many of the trace elements we are adding to our tanks, specifically magnesium. I'm thinking, for the cost of Reef Crystals, it may be less expensive to bring up the calcium  level by supplementing. I still dose Lugol's and strontium.>
If you do happen to learn anything else relevant to this issue please do let me know.
<Will let you know Aquarium Systems response on your question when I receive it.>
Thanks again for your assistance.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Re: Change In Reef Crystals Formulation? 7/31/07
James, I was waiting for a response to my follow-up email and then realized I hadn't posed any additional questions or actually requested any sort of follow-up from you. So I apologize in advance if you hadn't yet responded simply because you were still looking into this.
In any event, I wondered if you have been able to or would be able to follow up with your contact at Aquarium Systems since Stephen Pro's data also appears to support what I'm seeing. Something I've thought of since then:
Is it possible that the saltwater they use for their QC testing is prepared to 35ppt *by weight* (i.e. dissolving 35g salt mix in water and diluting to a total volume of 1 liter) rather than by preparing a solution to a SG of 1.026 for a *salinity* of 35ppt?
<William, I've pasted the reply I received from Aquarium Systems regarding your question. See below.
folder=[Netscape_Mail]
James, I've seen that link before. The first thing I noticed on the calcium results is that the levels are low for every brand shown. Even 470 for the Oceanic is lower than I have ever tested and lower than what most users report on the BBs. Also, that author has specific gravity values listed under the heading Salinity; maybe it shouldn't, but details like that really bother me and make me question any and all results. But, to answer Williams question, I fully understand the fact that there are hydrated compounds in all sea salt mixes and you cannot simply dissolve 35g to 1.0L and have 35ppt sal. In fact, as formulated and without absorbing any moisture, you would need to dissolve ~41.6g of Instant Ocean per liter to achieve 35ppt salinity.
Bob
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, Snails, and a Klein's Butterfly... Mich   4/11/07
(I don't know if you received this before, sending a second time)
<Thank you for re-sending. I don't recall seeing this>
To Whom It May Concern:
<Jonathan>
First and foremost, thank you for all the vital information you provide to your readers.  I have successfully maintained a 30 gallon FOWLR saltwater aquarium for approximately fourteen months, and have utilized your site on numerous occasions.
<Glad to be of service>
Unfortunately, I feel like my questions would seem quite elementary.
<?>
Having researched your FAQ section, I have found some similar situations to that of mine.  I've been using Instant Ocean since beginning my aquarium.
<A good product... that has seemed to have suffered some inconsistency incidents in recent times>
Recently, running low on salt, I decided to try Instant Ocean's Reef Crystals. When I got home and opened the Reef Crystals I noticed a very strong smell.
<!?>
The best way to describe it is that of a freshly opened container of multi-vitamins. I have never noticed a smell with my traditional Instant Ocean salt,
<Me neither... perhaps with the exception of a sharp, salty "clean ocean" smell at times>
and wondered if this could be attributed to the added trace elements in the Reef Crystal mix?
<Mmm, shouldn't be>
Additionally, since I performed my first water change with the new salt, my Margarita snails have been acting quite sluggish and are losing their ability to adhere to live rock, glass, etc. I have had my (4) snails for over a year now with no problems. I am a bit concerned over the smell of the Reef Crystals and the possible correlation to the decline of my snails. Red Sea test readings are as follows:
Ammonia = 0.0
N02 = 0.0
NO3 = .25ppm to .50ppm (this has always floated in this range)
Copper = 0.0
PH = 8.2
Alkalinity = Normal Range (I am aware I should implement a more specific test kit)
I use RO for 10% weekly water changes and have never tested for magnesium or calcium. I am worried that the magnesium could be an issue, being several statements in the FAQ section comment on such a problem. I am also aware that my NO3 readings are quite high, yet they have been consistently floating in that range for several months. I would think my snails would have been adversely affected by these NO3 readings before now. All of my other livestock appears fine - (6) hermit crabs, a Bi-color Blenny, and a Klein's Butterfly.  Please provide additional information you may have acquired since those previous submissions. Also, is this potent smell typical of Instant Ocean's Reef Crystals, and if not, could it be the cause for the decline in my precious Margarita snails?
<Don't know... but this is possible>
Finally, I am aware that a Klein's Butterfly fish is not well suited for a 30 gallon set-up. I am getting married later this year and cannot upgrade to a larger aquarium until late 2008. In my research, I have found the Klein's Butterfly will grow to approximately 5 inches. He is an adult that is currently 2“ 2½ inches.  Is there any information as to the growth rate of this fish?
<Does generally grow slowly... am out in part of its range currently visiting... You can see a graphic representation of a "growth curve" for this on fishbase.org: Well, actually you can't... they don't show a Growth curve for this species: http://fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=5446&genusname=Chaetodon&speciesname=kleinii
But IME it is a slow grower...>
Will I be able to maintain him in a 30 gallon aquarium for another year and a half? I love my fish a great deal, and some would say, treat him as if he was a cat.
<Perhaps>
Thank you for your time and effort in these matters.
Sincerely,
John.
Bristol, Pa
<Mmm, am hoping MichL, will see your physical address, direct you to fellow marine keepers, associations in your State. Bob Fenner>
<I would contact the company that makes Instant Ocean, Aquarium Systems... re your concerns here... Send them back a sample for testing. BobF>

Re: Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, Snails, and a Klein's Butterfly  – 04/11/07
Mr. Fenner:
<John>
Thank you very much for your prompt response to my inquiry.
<Welkomen>
Unfortunately, since my last correspondence with you I have lost (1) Margarita snail. A second appears to be dying as well, completely withdrawn into its shell. As I stated before, my other livestock appears to be thriving.
I thoroughly checked my Instant Ocean Reef Crystals bucket for any apparent damage and could find none. The consistency of the grains also appears to be the same as my previous Instant Ocean salt. I, too, have noticed the sharp, salty, "clean ocean" smell that accompanies newly purchased salt, yet I wanted to reiterate that this is far from the scent described above.  The smell actually permeated through the room when I was mixing the salt for the water change. Following your advice, I will contact Aquarium Systems and inform them of my concerns.
<Good>
Finally, I'd like to thank you for your input in regards to maintaining a Klein's Butterfly in a 30 gallon aquarium. Hopefully, I will be able to acquire a larger system before late 2008. In the meantime, I will do my best to provide a sustaining environment for this beautiful and intelligent creature.
<Ah... yes>
Best wishes on your current visit to Hawaii. It has been a pleasure speaking with you. Again, thank you for your time and consideration in these matters.
<A pleasure to serve. BobF>
Sincerely,
John.
Bristol, Pa

Re: Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, Snails, and a Klein's Butterfly, PA thereabouts Reefathons!  – 4/13/07
<Mmm, am hoping MichL, will see your physical address, direct you to fellow marine keepers, associations in your State. Bob Fenner>
<<Would so gladly! Hi John, Mich here, there are several clubs near you.  Typically are tons of fun.  I would highly recommend you go out to an event or two, if you haven’t already! Here are some local happenings for you!
There are several in your vicinity.  
There is the Philadelphia Area Reef Club (PARC)
http://www.phillyreef.org/
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=51
Meeting category: 2007 - April 28 (Saturday)
!!!! LOCATION & DATE CHANGE for April !!!!
Location: Pets Plus - 215-943-5229
151 Lincoln Hwy Rt. 1, Fairless Hills, PA 19030
1:00pm - 3:00pm (Adjacent to Pond Display)
Agenda: Store Review and Coral Discussion
Food: Misc beverages, bagels & Danish type munchies
Raffle: Misc Coral TBD
This particular store has been slowly upgrading their salt water section and has become quite impressive. All tanks should be stocked up with corals and salt water fish just before the meeting. Everyone attending will get 20% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE this day only. Also if anyone was interested in something special just let us know a reasonable time before the meeting and we've been promised a reasonable deal if possible. This included special orders on tanks. It should be an exciting time. We look forward to seeing you there!!!
The New Jersey Reefers Club (NJRC)
http://www.njreefers.org/forums/index.php#2
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=70
APRIL Meeting: Sunday April 22nd in Washington, NJ
We are having a split meeting at the homes of SpankYou and PnoyReefer.  The date is Sunday April 22nd starting around 10:30 at Williams (SpankYou) for Coffee/donuts and then on to Steve's house (PnoyReefer) for the meeting at 1:00.
When: Sunday April 22nd
Where:
Part I
spankyou's (William) @ 10:30am
211 Mountain Ave.  APT 115
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Food: Donuts and coffee
Drink:
Part II
pnoyreefer's (Steve) @ 1:00pm
31 Alvin Sloan Ave
Washington, NJ 07882
Food: pizza and Chinese
Drink:
What To Bring: Any extra help would be appreciated and I'm sure we'll get a list going.
Speaker: Steve from MASNA will be speaking at Steve's house around 3:00pm North Central Pennsylvania Reef Aquarium Society (NCPARS)
http://www.ncpars.org/
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=246
Delaware Reef Club (DRC)
http://www.delreefclub.org/
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=260
Next Meeting - Mon April 16
Our next meeting will be Monday, April 16, 7-8:45PM at the Newark Library. Right now we don't have anything special planned, so if anyone would like to show some tank pictures or discuss a DIY project or anything of that sort, we'd love to see it. Maybe we can get that promised tank tour from Gordonious as well? See you then.
Hope you find something that fits into your schedule!  -Mich>>

Instant Ocean issues...?   2/20/07
<Hello, JustinN with you this morning.>
Can you provide some guidance on recent info I've seen on IO salt mix?  
<Depends, what info have you seen?>
I was just on F&S website where this product is on sale - big time.  I'm wondering now if I have made a mistake buying it.  Are there any lot numbers or any info that can be shared?
<The only info that has come through our hands recently regarding Instant Ocean, was a concerned hobbyist who emailed us in regards to information he had heard about the central formula of Instant Ocean being modified. This query was forwarded to Marineland's department that handles Instant Ocean specifically, and we received a response that unanimously stated that no changes have been made to the formula, and any changes "would not be taken lightly" or be without notice. If you feel you got a good price on your bucket of salt, enjoy. You will have no issues of quality here. Hope this helps you! -JustinN>

Salt Mixes... trouble... new big owners... changing names, formulations...   2/19/07
Hi folks -
<Darrel>
I have a rather peculiar problem -- Short version question first -- long version follows, if needed:
<Okay!>
Q: If a name brand salt mix container is left opened and it absorbs ambient humidity, can that make the salt mix go bad (unable to stabilize PH)?
<Will not... just makes it a bit harder to dissolve>
Regards,
Darrel
Long Version format:
1) 55 Gal main marine tank  fish, live sand & live rock -- doing fine.
2) Doing 5 gallon water changes every week -- alternating between salt mix (Marineland Ocean Crystals) and store bought RO salt mix (they use Instant Ocean)
3) Again ... main tank doing FINE
--salt mix -- we mix into 15 gallon storage container, age & aerate for 48 hours before use.
4) Decided to add a new tang, bought a 10 gallon tank setup @ Wal-Mart for quarantine
5) Sterile tank, just whisper filter, bare bottom, PVC pipe for tang to hide in
6) Added 10 gal salt mix, ph fine, salinity fine, temp fine
<Mmm... a very good idea (see WWM...) to pre-mix, store all new water... for days, a week... even more... ahead of use>
7) Add tang -- fish fine
8) Two days later, Tang in trouble, rapid breathing -- PH = 7.2 !!!!!!
9) Used SeaChem Marine Buffer to bring ph to 8.3  -- tang recovered
10) 6 hours later (overnight), PH 7.0 Tang expired.
<...?>
A) ALL usual questions asked and answered -- no contamination, nothing added to tank, cleaners, solvents, etc.  NOTHING.
B) Washed tank, refilled with salt mix (no fish this time) -- same results
C) Washed tank, refilled with store RO-salt mix ... so far .. 72 hours ...
PH stable.
Naturally, we suspect Salt Mix now -- although we started our whole 55 gallon tank on the same container of mix and did several water changes with it and it was fine -- so here's what I think happened:
After one mix set, my son left the top of the salt mix container slightly ajar and three days later when I noticed, the mix had absorbed humidity and caked -  I hacked at it with a wooden spoon until it was loose again and naturally paid extra close attention to salinity during subsequent mixes since the salt was bringing some of it's own moisture to the mix (pun intended).
Are there any physics known about salt mixes that would support this conclusion?
<Am beginning to become more than a little concerned re this (former Aquarium Systems... Instant Ocean)... product... Do you have any left to do a small experiment? That is, to mix up some, set it up in an open container... aerated or not... and monitor the pH over a few days time... I suspect that this formerly fine, consistent product is now bunk! Bob Fenner>

Re: Salt Mixes  2/20/07
><Am beginning to become more than a little concerned re this (former Aquarium Systems... Instant Ocean)... product... Do you have any left to do a small experiment? That is, to mix up some, set it up in an open container... aerated or not... and monitor the pH over a few days time... I suspect that this formerly fine, consistent product is now bunk! Bob Fenner>
Thank you Bob, I will run that very test and update you with the results --
<I thank you>
Thing is... if the batch "turned" it did so long after we used the first half of it during tank setup & water changes.
Also to correct myself ... its REEF Crystals .... not OCEAN Crystals -- but I suspect you knew that.
<Ah yes. BobF>

What brand of Marine Salt do you use in your personal tank(s)?   12/19/06
<My boyfriend, Chris, and I use only Instant Ocean in our saltwater and brackish water tanks.  It's always served us well, and we figure if it's good enough for Chicago's own Shedd Aquarium, well, then, it surely is good enough for our comparatively small tanks!
Regards, Jorie>
Nick

Switching Synthetic Salt Mixes - 08/15/06
Hello.
<<Howdy>>
I just wanted to know if it is ok to mix different types (brands) of salts.
<<I've heard accounts of "some" folks experiencing problems when changing salt mixes but for most I don't think it is an issue...my own experiences included.  I've been pretty much using the same brand (Instant Ocean) for three decades, but I admit to "trying out" a couple other brands in that time>>
I have been using Instant Ocean because it is easy to get, not too expensive, and seems to be working ok.
<<Indeed...IO is the best "bang for the buck" when it comes to synthetic sea salts, in my opinion>>
I recently changed to their Reef Crystals salt which is supposed to be better for corals.
<<Mmm, a larger measure of calcium...may or may not be worth the extra expense.  I'm happy to stick with Instant Ocean and let my calcium reactor/Kalkwasser reactor earn their keep>>
I recently read a forum on WWM that suggested using Tropic Marin.
<<Considered by some to be the "premier" salt brand>>
I have never heard of this brand and definitely never seen any for sale.
<<How strange...this salt has been available/popular since before I had my first saltwater aquarium (1976).  In fact if memory serves, Tropic Marin and Instant Ocean were about the only "readily available" commercial synthetic salt mixes around back then>>
What is your opinion on this brand?
<<If money were no option?  ...is what I would be using.  It is a great salt mix...but I find IO gives me good, consistent results for a bit less cash>>
I found some reasonably priced and was wondering if you thought I would benefit from switching to this brand.
<<Mmm, maybe...  There's much more to this hobby than which salt mix you are using.  Making the change won't hurt anything...and if your maintenance habits/husbandry skills are up to snuff then yes, the salt mix may foster an improvement>>
If so, are there any negative effects of mixing different brands of salt?
<<Don't try to change all at once...make the switch slowly by introducing the new mix during your regular water change routine>>
I have the Reef Crystals in the tank now, and would use the Tropic Marin for future water changes.  Would this be ok?
<<Ah...you're ahead of me <grin>.  Yes, this is fine>>
Thanks
Jon
<<Happy to help.  Regards, EricR>>

Instant Ocean Changing Formula? 12/3/06
Hey Guys. I have been hearing rumors about Instant Ocean changing the formula and people were having some problems. I use it weekly and haven't experienced any bad effects but I am concerned about long term use .Is there any basis to this? I've been reading along for years. You guys are great.
<Mark, I'm not aware of such.  Will send this along to Bob Studt of Aquarium Systems.  Will post his reply on the dailies, probably won't show up
until Tuesday.  James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks,
<You're welcome>
Mark

Instant Ocean: if it's good enough for Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, it's good enough for me!   12/4/06
Hey guys.
<And girls - you've got Jorie here tonight!>
I have been hearing rumors about Instant Ocean changing the formula and people were having some problems.
<I haven't heard this.  We, too, use Instant Ocean exclusively in our SW and BW tanks.  Plus, if Chicago's own Shedd Aquarium considers Instant Ocean to be good enough for their 750,000+ gallons of seawater, that's approval enough for me!>
I use it weekly and haven't experienced any bad effects but I am concerned about long term use .Is there any basis to this?
<We've never had a problem in the 5 years or so we've been using it.  What was the source of the rumor you heard? Perhaps contact MarineLand directly to ask them if it's true?>  
I've been reading along for years.
<Me too!>
You guys are great.
<On behalf of WWM, thank you.>
Thanks, Mark
<Best regards, Jorie>