Instant Ocean Salt mix

Low Cal from start anyone else have this issue?

After mixing the SG to 1.023 for 3 water changes now it seems that IO salt mix is low on cal. Anyone else have this problem? Mine reads 360 after mixing.

I have dosed 2 days with Kent liquid cal and will be testing tonight to see the change if any.

 

I only used it once, and it didnt even test that high. PART of the reason I believe IO is recommended for FO but not for reefs I believe.

 

What salt mix do you use Pack?

I just used up my last of IO and after testing with RO/DI water mixed I am thinking of changing.

 

H20 is a good reef salt, as stated io is fish only, but can be supplemented like i do, i would like to change salt too but have heard some nasty experiences from others that have done this, tank chemistry and algae blooms etc, i have soft and hard corals in my tank and they do fine...calcium is at 390...

 

I am using reef crystals. I have also used Coralife. Both had good numbers for me, but IMHO, the reef crystals mixes a little bit easier.

 

Interesting,

I will wait to see what my cal levels are this evening before make any rash thoughts.

 

I use IO. Its Ca is lower than what you want (I think most mixes are going to be low on something...)

I just add Ca and Mg to the new water when I mix the IO (have to test it first, of course) as part of my routine...

 

Yeah,

I have been reading that Mag levels are linked to cal levels. What Mag supplement do you use Peredhil?

 

there is bad batches going around, i got RC salt with1050 mag,350 calcium, and 8 kh.

 

So taken from another site IO got tested and the totals are as follows Cal- 350, Alk- 12, Mg- 1070.
Over the last year and a half I have switched 6 brands of salts with no adverse effects on my tank, the key I think is when changing over to mix half the fresh saltwater with the new salt and half with the old salt and then move to just the new salt. Most people change less then 25% of their tank water at a time so it allows the corals to gradually get used to the new salt.
The salts I liked best are Reefers best, and the one I am currently using which is d-d h2ocean (I switched to this one as l liked the readings I was getting from it a bit better then with reefers Best)