/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Reef Crystals salt - anyone having any issues with it????

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by beckerj3, Sep 4, 2010.

  1. Sep 4, 2010 #1
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0
    I ran out of the last of my Reef Crystals salt from the bucket - and have started using the salt that is bagged 4 bags for 200 gallons.  I'm sharing a box with Matt.  Previously I would mix up a batch of salt water (salinity 1.026) with 2 cups for 4 gallons.  Now with this latest batch of salt it is taking 3 cups for 4 gallons to get the salinity to 1.026.  And it doesn't seem to be dissolving as well.  After 24 hrs, my makeup water still looks a bit cloudy - and when added to the tank I seem tiny tiny white particles that I think are salt.  I'm almost finished with 1 bag - and it hasn't gotten any better.  I thought maybe there might be some settling (happened with the bucket of salt) - but not the case.  I talked with Matt and from the same box, he is using 2+ cups for 3 gallons of makeup water.  Has something changed??  Anybody else experiencing this?  How much salt are you using per gallon?
    Thanks!
    Jeanette
     
  2. Sep 4, 2010 #2
    vikubz Cedar Falls

    vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

    734
    Cedar Falls
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    I use regular Instant Ocean, and the prescribed 1/2 cup per gallon is meant to get you to 1.021 salinity. I have found that using 2 and 1/2 cups in 4 gallons gets me to 1.026 at about 80 degrees. What temp is the water you are mixing, as water at lower temps can't dissolve as much salt. If you have a higher temp than before it would take more salt mix to get the same salinity.

    When you say 'makeup water', do you mean the water you have mixed for a water change or water to top off your tank?

     
  3. Sep 4, 2010 #3
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0
    Water temp is only about 70.  I'll add my heater to the water to raise the temp and see what happens.  But I've never had to use the heater before to get 1.026 with 2 cups of salt.  Yeah - I mean make-up water for a water change - not replacement/top-off water.
     
  4. Sep 4, 2010 #4
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I've only used Reef Crystals from a bucket and I've never had any issues. Now that being said, Sea World uses Reef Crystals for their coral tanks and they indicated that they have not had issues with it. For their really large tanks (like their massive ray tank), they mix their own salt combination. I had the opportunity to get a behind the scenes tour and see how they run all their operations and equipment to support their tanks. Pretty impressive!

    --AJ
     
  5. Sep 4, 2010 #5
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    3,963
    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    I have been useing the bags for quite a while now with no issues at all.
     
  6. Sep 4, 2010 #6
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0
    AJ & Fishbrain - how many cups of salt are you using per gallon of water??
     
  7. Sep 4, 2010 #7
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    8,890
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,823 / 14 / -0
    I regularly mix up batches of both RC and SS in 40 gallon batches, I preheat the water (usually) to about 75-78 before adding the salt, let mix overnight, then test. I have found about the same results with both products, I have to add about 22-23 cups to 40 gallons to hit 1.025 (33). I use only the 4-bag 200g boxes.
     
  8. Sep 4, 2010 #8
    Mary

    Mary Inactive User

    222
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I use the box as well and have had no issues. i do dump the box into an old bucket though. so if there is settling, i don't see it...
     
  9. Sep 4, 2010 #9
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    3,963
    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    I dump mine into a bucket to. I add 1/2 cup per gal and get 1.025 with a refractometer.
     
  10. Sep 4, 2010 #10
    pwfish

    pwfish Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    328
    Ratings:
    +49 / 0 / -0
    I would cross check your salinty meter with another meterto make sure your readings are correct. It seems like your readings are off.
     
  11. Sep 5, 2010 #11
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I don't measure like that...I mix in a 65 gallon mixing container that mixes and heats the water. I add salt, test, then add more salt or water until it tests to the correct salinity.

    --AJ
     
  12. Sep 7, 2010 #12
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0
    Thanks everyone for the replies.  I double checked my refractometer with my calibration solution and it is measuring accurately.  Glad to confirm that the expected rate should still be only about 1/2 cup per gallon - as opposed to 3/4 cup per gallon.  My current bag is almost gone.  I'll just wait and watch the new bag before I do anything about it.
     
  13. Sep 7, 2010 #13
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    It may also be worth contacting the manufacturer and letting them know the issues that you had. Who knows, they may have had an issue with that batch that other customers also reported or they may just send you a coupon or something to help reimburse you for the salt not mixing at the appropriate rate. I'm a big believer in giving the manufacturer a chance to make things right, but they can't do it if you don't talk to them about it. Good luck Jeanette!

    --AJ
     
  14. Sep 8, 2010 #14
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0
    AJ - you always have good suggestions.  I think I will drop a note to the manufacturer!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...