Is Artifical Saltwater harming our tanks???

[Katspaw]

I have used Instant Ocean salts for years now, and never really thought that much about it to tell you the truth. I always figured that each salt company would be pretty much the same and try their best to enumlate natural sea water. After reading a study this morning, I am really having second thoughts as to the dramatic differences in these companies and the effect it had on the sea urchin larvae used in the study. Tell me what you think!

Saltwater Test (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-03/rs/feature/index.htm)

Tracey

[Chuck S]

LOL It shows the salt mix I use is the best overall. One more thing it is the cheapest. Crystal Sea MarineMix is made in Baltimore by Marine Enterprises International.

[zhenya]

[ QUOTE ]
Omegatron said:
LOL It shows the salt mix I use is the best overall. One more thing it is the cheapest. Crystal Sea MarineMix is made in Baltimore by Marine Enterprises International.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Chuck /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif,

Is this salt available online somewhere?I'm sick from reading that study awhile ago,I actualy participated in it as well.I think it's time I switched to a better grade salt. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Chuck S]

It is available quite easily all over. Here is their web site

http://www.meisalt.com/

[bluereef]

Of course I just buy instant ocean salt,second time in 5 years and find this new sourvey /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Lucky I have enough micro and macro algae in tank which will enjoy in fresh heavy metall soup /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Katspaw]

It seems that I am in the same boat as you Bluereef. I am amazed at how well my corals are doing, But I think this study explains why I can see my snails releasing eggs and sperm into the tank but I only get a baby or two. I watched them do this on a number of occassions in my refugium that is connected to the 90 gallon. In a years time I have only seen two babies appear. Being that there isn't any prediators, and the flow is very low, I feel I should have more. The algae is thriving in there, as in my other refugium as well.

Thanks for the link Chuck, I know I will make good use of it.
Tracey

[Chuck S]

I have had snails reproduce for years in my tanks. I know the guy who makes this stuff as I met him at MACNA XV111. They are literly miles away and most universities and large city aquariums use this salt. What is the best factor is it is the cheapest of all. I can get 150Gallon mix for 11.99.

[Flatlander]

You know whats funny. I used it a few years ago. My lfs wanted me to try it. Was much cheaper as Chuck says. It was fine, but everyone said how good instant ocean was and the 200g buckets were on sale always, so I went back to it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Chuck S]

Just ask the major aquariums and educational research institues what brand of salt they use. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Flatlander]

Guess I will have to track some down again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif But I just bought a 200g bucket of Instant Ocean that I will use first. Not jumping on the throw it out bandwagon. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[Stonehaven]

After several days of being on the fence about this, I've decided to give this 'new' salt a try. I purchsed it online at

http://www.aquaticeco.com/aquatic1v...assitemid=104850

I have been an IO user since 1978 and do not jump on 'bandwagons' readily but I must say this little test very much unnerved me. As did you, I have spent a great deal of time, energy, and money in an effort to do the best I could for the lives entrusted to me and if this change helps even a little, it's a small price to pay. Once the switch is made, I will closely monitor any changes I may see and let you know.