Instant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

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Motörcrab
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Instant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

Post by Motörcrab » Thu Aug 24, 2017 11:46 am

I am lookin to order some salt to mix for substrate and to use for drinking water as well. Comparing the two the reef salt has additional "reef elements" compared to just sea salt. There is about a $3 difference in price between the two. Reef is more expensive.

Does anyone think there are any benefits on getting the reef over the sea? Unfortunately I do not know what the what the differences are between the two.

Thanks again for all of the answers I get on her. Everyone is so helpful and usually every answer I get leads me to two more question. Lol
Last edited by Motörcrab on Thu Aug 24, 2017 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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soilentgringa
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Re: Insrant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

Post by soilentgringa » Thu Aug 24, 2017 11:57 am

The additional "reef elements" is a marketing ploy.

Instant Ocean in the white and purple box, for setting up saltwater fish tanks, is just fine and provides them with all the essential elements they would be getting from ocean water.



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Re: Insrant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

Post by GotButterflies » Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:09 pm

I think the reef salt has extra calcium for coral. I have used both products - I think the regular instant ocean is fine


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Re: Insrant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

Post by wodesorel » Thu Aug 24, 2017 4:31 pm

It's not a marketing ploy, it's designed for specifically for reef tanks which have different needs. IO for fish, RC for invertebrates because they absorb more of certain elements and can run short otherwise. Some reef keepers choose to dose these elements separately, or in addition to RC.

Either is safe for hermits, but there is no need to spend extra. I've used both depending on what I've found on sale.
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Re: Instant Ocean Sea vs. Reef Salt

Post by Motörcrab » Thu Aug 24, 2017 5:09 pm

That is exactly what I was thinking about the extra elements. I figured it may have some benefits but not worth the additional cost unless you are in a pinch and the reef is the only kind available. I will stick with the Ocean Salt mix in the purple box.

Thanks again for all the insightful information.
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