Crystal Synthetic
What is the difference between Instant Ocean & Reef Crystals Synthetic Sea Salt?
What is the difference between Instant Ocean & Reef Crystals Synthetic Sea Salt, I am starting a new saltwater aquarium, which should I use? Is one for starting and the other for water changes?
You didn't mention whether you're starting a fish only system or you're planning to add coral and invertebrates to create a living reef. If you're only adding fish to the aquarium then you don't need any more than Instant Ocean (IO). This will provide all the necessary essential elements as well as all the necessary trace elements you'll need.
Reef Crystals (RC) made by the same company that makes IO is geared more towards a reef tank. When mixed properly, RC has a higher concentration of calcium right out of the bucket. RC also has extra trace elements and vitamins necessary for anemones, invertebrates and coral.
The reason there is two different salts is because the coral in a living reef consume calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, strontium and a whole host of other trace elements that are not consumed in a fish only tank. Many people are successful with IO in a reef tank too. These people often use a calcium reactor or additives to supplement the elements the coral consume (Ca, Mg, Alk, Sr, etc.). RC just makes it a bit easier from the start.
You can read about RC in the link below. You might also want to peruse the rest of the site in that link, Saltwater Critters. They have great saltwater products and great online pricing.
BTW, I hope you're planning to utilize a refractometer to measure the salinity in your tank. Swing arm hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate for a number of reasons.
Best of luck,
swimmer
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