General Discussion - Need advice: Buy new bucket of salt or supplement?

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Need advice: Buy new bucket of salt or supplement?

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Topic: Need advice: Buy new bucket of salt or supplement?

Posted By: Goonter
Subject: Need advice: Buy new bucket of salt or supplement?
Date Posted: September 27 2020 at 12:54pm

Hello!

So here is the story. I noticed my parameters decreasing in calcium/alk and I’m using instant ocean salt which I bought a bucket and have started using that instead of a bag. I tested with API and asked on a separate forum and they insisted it I needed to get salifert test kits... I got nearly the same numbers. I figured maybe I didn’t mix the bucket well enough and it may have had stuff settle, so I tested water prior to mixing the salt and after and it’s been the same. Calcium is around 340 and alk is about 9 on both batches.

My corals are looking great which is what I’m leaning more toward over numbers. So here are my options and I can’t decide which is a better route?

-Continue using the salt mix but start supplementing.

-Buy a new bucket of the same mix and hope it’s a better composition.

-Switch salts.

Parameters:

28 gallon - 1 fish, 6 corals (1 SPS) I don’t think my tank has a heavy enough bio load that this these parameters should be a problem and with the size I think all 3 options are viable.

Salinity 1.025

Temp: 77

Alk: 8.9

Ca: 355

Mg: 1140

Any advice on which is the best/cost effective/least headache approach?

Replies:

Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 28 2020 at 1:57pm

Interesting question.

I'm unsure.

I think I would dose over a few days and bring the numbers up, but keep using the salt.

Adam

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Come to a meeting, they�re fun!

Posted By: Goonter
Date Posted: September 28 2020 at 6:32pm

Thanks Adam— that’s the route I decided to go. I’m working on the magnesium right now then plan to work on the calcium. I’ve been going back and forth on selecting a calcium/alk supplement. I’ve been debating on either BRS cacl/sodium bicarbonate, reef code a/b powder, or tropic marin all for reef (I’ve heard amazing things about this, it is pricier but viable for a small tank). Any recommendations? I’ve done esv b-ionic in the past and liked it, but it’s sold out everywhere I’ve looked.

Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 28 2020 at 9:05pm

Kalkwasser

Adam

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Come to a meeting, they�re fun!

Posted By: Zubaneva
Date Posted: January 21 2025 at 1:56pm

I’d stick with the salt mix you’ve got for now if your corals are still looking good. I’ve had similar situations where the numbers weren’t perfect but the tank still seemed fine. Supplementing calcium and alk has worked well for me when I’ve had minor dips in levels, and it’s a lot less hassle than changing salts or buying a new bucket. As long as your corals are healthy, I wouldn’t stress too much about the numbers unless you start seeing issues. Just keep monitoring and adjust the supplements as needed.

Posted By: 08TRDOFFROAD
Date Posted: March 11 2025 at 9:58pm

Could give All for Reef a try! It is an all in one supplement. I use it on my tank and have been very happy with the results. Test and dose according to alkalinity and other parameters should remain in acceptable ranges too!