Reef Crystals analysis question.

Hi all.

I just went down to LFS to get some Reef Crystals because the salt i've been using hasn't impressed me in the least (grotech).

I just mixed up 4 litres of RC using their recommended amount (33gr/L)

Ive been aerating + heating in a bucket now for about 3 hours and the results of the testing are below.

The water was RO from the marine fish shop down the road, in the past i have tested their water and found it to be very good.

temp=27-28'c
SG=1.025 ish (prob 1.0245)
ALK= 5.37-5.49meg/l
Ca= 340mg/l
Mg= 840mg/l

Well my first question is have i left the salt long enough to mix? Assuming i have is this typical levels to see in a fresh mixed batch of Reef Crystals?

Other than the alkalinity the Ca + Mg levels frankly do not impress me, i have to admit they are better than my grotech's 220mg/l, 540mg/l for Ca, Mg.

I would be really appreciative from any users of RC who could perhaps shed light on this, perhaps i am just wanting too much out of a salt? Maybe i should carry on heating and aerating and est it tomorrow?

All replies gratefully received

Thanks for now

 

I see this is old, but still deserves an answer. I currently use RC, but I am having a problem keeping my Ca and Alk up at the levels I want them (420-450ppm Ca, and a about 10-12 for alk.) So I have been pouring over the threads here on salt and have looked at several studies done that have analyzed the composition of each element in a wide variety of salt mixes. According to aquariumwatertesting.com, RC basic elements are approximately, 340ppm Ca, 1118ppm Mg, and about 3.1meq/liter. So you Ca is right on, but your Alk is high and Mg. low.
Through my research I have also come to realize that one reason for different results with the same brand is that settling occurs in the bucket, bag, or box. The one study hints at this as a possible variable in the difference. If you mix the salt mixture after you buy it, you may get more even, consistent results. However, because most of us buy in bulk, the large buckets, or even if you don't, I dont' know many people who mix the salt mix before using it, it makes it impractical.
I am planning on switching to either Coralife or Red Sea Coral Pro. the AWT study shows both have higher levels of Ca and Mg. then RC. I will let you guys know when I do and how it works out.

 

I'd say Coralife.. Cal and Mg are jacked.. I use it, and don't have to worry bout this.

 

that's what I was leaning to, then I saw SeaChem and the Ca and Mg levels of that are a little higher then coralife. Don't know which one I will try.

 

Coralife is high enough, what's Seachem

 

Ca - approx. 470ppm
Mg - approx. 1385

 

Last time I tested Seachem, I don't believe it was that high, but I'm going off of memory and unless I dig out my results I won't be 100% The issue w/ Coralife is even though for me its a local company(Go WI!!) I have bad feelings about it. Its had a track life of inconsistency and elevated metal content esp lithium among others. Granted this is before the reformulation. Plus it smells weird. I've used it to nudge Ca levels of other salts but never alone. Well, thats just me!

Good luck all!