reef crystals???

SPAMREEF · #1 01/06/2008, 12:47 AM

whats everybody think about this "cheap" salt????

o.c.d. · #2 01/06/2008, 01:01 AM

RC just had a poll on what salt was being used and reef crystals was the most used, I use it but it's not that cheap to other salt here ,$85 a bucket.I'll stand by it.
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The Shan Man · #3 01/06/2008, 01:22 AM

I agree I use reef crystals as well and I love it... Works well for me and I have never had a problem.

RyanBrucks · #4 01/06/2008, 01:29 AM

anybody know the main difference between reef crystals and instant ocean? they are the same company, right?

my understanding was the reefcrystals just had more calcium and cost morethan IO, but I wonder what other differences there are.

TheHumbleLobste · #5 01/06/2008, 02:07 AM

Yep, Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals are made by the same company. Reef Crystals has a higher concentration of Calcium and Magnesium as well as a few other things if I remember correctly.

nursefry · #6 01/06/2008, 04:11 AM

It contains trace elements as well from what I understand

buffalo123 · #7 01/06/2008, 08:24 AM

all the salt brands contain trace elements, its the concentration of trace elements that becomes an issue. It may have too much or too little according to what actual sea water has in it.
Another issue is consistency of the salt formula, on occasion bad batches that might have low alk, mg, or low calcium is made and ends up being sold. Every salt brand has its merit or short comings. Because its the most popular does not make it the best.
although it could be ; someone would have to do a really good study to figure that out. The only thing you can compare to is ocean waters from different parts of the world.

drawman · #8 01/06/2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by o.c.d.
RC just had a poll on what salt was being used and reef crystals was the most used, I use it but it's not that cheap to other salt here ,$85 a bucket.I'll stand by it.
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85 a bucket? Try drsfostersmith.com if you want t save some money.

ReefCrystals is supposed to have more calcium, mag, and alkalinity but I've tested aged NSW from some of my batches and found calcium to be low (less than 350ppm) on a few.

o.c.d. · #9 01/06/2008, 12:48 PM

Yes very cheap but I've been burnt trying to ship into Canada be for I've been charged up to 80 bucks at the border and a shipping fee on top. It's not the supplier it's the shipping company that does it. I don't pay $85, Thats what it's priced at I have a good relationship with my LFS they know that Im an educated consumer I price online and at the other stores and most will come down on the price. Last bucket cost me $65. I've actually seen it priced at $109. at one place and the layer of dust on it HA. '

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kingfisher62 · #10 01/06/2008, 12:57 PM

Very happy with the reef crystals! been using for close to 2 years.

RyanBrucks · #11 01/06/2008, 12:58 PM

my conspiracy theory..... everybody here loves reef crystals because the acronym is the same as reefcentral... RC!!!

IslandCrow · #12 01/06/2008, 01:05 PM

It does seem that RC is not very consistent as far as calcium goes. I've had a bucket or two that's had calcium levels no higher than IO. As a matter of fact, 375 is about the highest I've seen. What I've heard a lot of people do is mix their salt water with 50/50 Reef Crystals/Oceanic.

atvdave · #13 01/06/2008, 01:06 PM

You may want to read this.

It seams that Reef Crystals have some bad batches out there.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1285879

buffalo123 · #14 01/06/2008, 02:15 PM

someone need to test Instant Ocean and see if reef crystal is worth the extra dollars, Test whatever salt you use.
The names don't equate to quality necessarily.